Car Insurance Traffic ticket calculator Our tool estimates how much a traffic violation could raise your insurance rates. View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Lena Borrelli Lena Borrelli Insurance expert Lena Borrelli is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance, insurance and business management. She creates clear, actionable content that helps readers make smart financial decisions—from choosing the right car insurance to managing everyday expenses. | Reviewed by Brent Buell Brent Buell Before joining QuinStreet, Brent worked for nearly four years at NYCM Insurance (a personal and commercial insurance carrier based in New York) between his roles as a product analyst and a commercial lines underwriter. Before joining NYCM, Brent owned and operated a captive insurance agency. He holds a property & casualty broker’s license and is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Brent is also a father of two boys and is an avid automotive enthusiast. | Updated on: May 28, 2025 Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are approximately 243 million licensed drivers in the U.S. as of 2023, the most recent data available. With that many people on the road, it’s no surprise that driving behaviors vary; some behave recklessly, while others make simple, unintentional mistakes behind the wheel. The National Safety Council estimates there were over 44,000 traffic-related deaths in 2024, underscoring the serious consequences that can result from even minor lapses in judgment. Traffic citations are a way for law enforcement to impose order. As those unlucky enough to have received a citation know too well, there’s usually a fine — and a subsequent car insurance rate increase — with every conviction. The fines for various traffic tickets are usually posted online. But finding out how much your insurance will increase is a bit more difficult. Insure.com’s traffic ticket calculator is designed to help you determine your insurance rates after a traffic ticket conviction. The tool displays insurance rate increases for almost 40 violations, including speeding, texting, and more. Key Takeaways Our traffic ticket calculator estimates in seconds how much your insurance will cost after a traffic conviction. Rates can jump after a conviction and impact your premiums for months and even years. Different infractions can affect insurance premiums differently, with more serious offenses, like DUIs, increasing costs significantly. How our traffic ticket calculator works Even a minor traffic violation can lead to a significant hike in your car insurance rates — and those higher premiums can stick around for months or even years. Our traffic ticket calculator takes the guesswork out of how much a violation could cost you. The tool instantly estimates how much your rates might go up based on real-world data. Whether it’s speeding, running a red light, or failing to wear a seat belt, you’ll get a personalized look at how your driving record could affect your wallet. How to use our traffic ticket calculator Our traffic ticket tool is easy to use, with results available in seconds. Just follow these steps: Select the type of violation Select your state Enter your current annual premium If you see a sizable jump, don’t be surprised — even a single citation can drive your insurance costs up. How much could traffic violations increase your rates? Please select a value. Select violation Speeding ticket 1-10 MPH over limit Select violationSpeeding ticket 1-10 MPH over limitSpeeding ticket 11-29 MPH over limitSpeeding 30+ over limit2 speeding tickets 11 mph or overCareless drivingDistracted driving ticketDriving without a license or permitDriving without insuranceDUI/DWI first offenseDUI/DWI second offenseFailure to stopFailure to yieldFollowing too closelyHit and run - injuryHit and run - property damageImproper turnImproper/illegal passOperating a vehicle in a race (highway racing)Passing stopped school busReckless drivingSeatbelt infractionTalking on cellphone ticketTexting ticket Please select violation Select state Florida Select stateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyoming Please select state Yearly premium $ Premium amount should be less than $10,000 Please add premium amount $ Estimated annual increase in insurance rates after a speeding ticket (1-10 mph over) 14.14 Your estimated premium increase in Florida Florida rates are the national average VS 26.58 National average increase Recalculate Recalculate Methodology Insure.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Data Solutions in 2023 for a 40-year-old male driver with a 18 common tickets in every state, based on a Honda Accord LX. Coverage was quoted for a full coverage policy with 100/300/50 limits and $500 deductibles. × What are traffic ticket violations? In each state, there are typically two types of traffic tickets: moving violations and non-moving violations. Common moving violations include speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield and failure to stop at a stop sign. Non-moving violations include illegal parking and windows that are too darkly tinted. Repeat offenders tend to face harsher penalties than first-time offenders. In most states, a moving violation results in points on your record. This point system is used by state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to track and impose penalties on offenders. Depending on your state, these points can remain on your record anywhere from one to three years. If you have too many points on your record, you risk having your driver’s license suspended. Different types of traffic ticket violations Each violation has its own penalty. For example, if Sally is caught going 78 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour zone, she might face a penalty of $10 per mile over the speed limit: $230, plus court costs. If Mark, on the other hand, was caught driving without a seatbelt, that might cost him about $185. Below is a chart of sample traffic ticket violations and fines based on data from Travis County, Texas. Traffic violation types and what they cost Traffic violationFinesSpeedingSpeed 94 mph and under: $10 per mile over speed limit plus court costsSpeeding in a school zone$20.00 per mile over speed limit plus Court CostsRan red light or stop sign$286Unsafe speed/fail to control speed$336No seatbelt – driver/passenger 15+ yrs.$186No seatbelt – operator allowed minor without restraint (under 17 yrs.)$286Child not in safety seat – 1st offense (under 8 yrs.)$286Radar interference device – commercial vehicles$581Violations that may be eligible for dismissalExpired license plate/registration$181Expired driver’s license$233Fail to change address on driver’s license$188Fail to display driver’s license$236No driver’s license$180Fail to maintain financial responsibility – 1st$266Disabled parking$516 or $521Violations that can be dismissed with a receipt and compliance feeOperate vehicle without registration (may be dismissed if corrected before appearance date)$10Wrong/obscured license plate (may be dismissed if corrected before appearance date)$10Expired license plate/registration (may be dismissed if corrected by 20th business day after offense date or by appearance date with proof of registration and penalty paid)$20Expired driver’s license (may be dismissed if corrected by 20th business day after offense date or by appearance date)$20Fail to change name/address on driver’s license (may be dismissed if corrected by 20th business day after offense date)$20Fail to display driver’s license (shall be dismissed if proof of valid driver’s license is shown for offense date)$10Violation of special restrictions/endorsement driver’s license (may be dismissed if police remove the restriction/endorsement by appearance date with proof)$10Equipment violation (may be dismissed if corrected by appearance date – excludes commercial vehicles)$10Fail to maintain financial responsibility – 1st offense (may be dismissed with proof of valid insurance during time of offense)$0Display expired disabled parking placard – expired less than 60 days (shall be dismissed if corrected by 20th business day after offense or by appearance date)$20 How much do insurance rates go up after you get a ticket? Traffic ticket violations can affect your insurance rates differently. For example, texting while driving could raise your rates by more than 25%. Increases in insurance costs are especially high for DUIs and DWIs. Your first DUI could result in a 90% increase, and a second DUI may cause your insurance rates to increase by 185%, which could add up to thousands of dollars in extra insurance costs a year. The table below shows how insurance rates typically increase after one or more tickets. Violation typeClean baseAverage annual rate after ticketDollar differencePercent differenceTwo (2) speeding tickets – 11 mph or over$1,924$3,029$1,10557%Careless driving$1,924$2,627$70337%Distracted driving ticket$1,924$2,499$57530%Driving without a license or permit$1,924$2,469$54528%Driving without insurance$1,924$2,320$39621%DUI/DWI first offense$1,924$3,655$1,73190%DUI/DWI second offense$1,924$5,482$3,558185%Failure to stop$1,924$2,447$52327%Failure to yield$1,924$2,444$52027%Following too closely$1,924$2,458$53428%Improper turn$1,924$2,450$52627%Improper/illegal pass$1,924$2,466$54228%Lapse of coverage for 7 days$1,924$2,154$23012%Lapse of coverage for 7 to 30 days$1,924$2,185$26114%Lapse of coverage for over 30 days$1,924$2,390$46624%Operating a vehicle in a race (highway racing)$1,924$3,634$1,71089%Passing stopped school bus$1,924$2,558$63433%Reckless driving$1,924$3,491$1,56781%Seatbelt infraction$1,924$2,283$35919%Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit$1,924$2,422$49826%Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit$1,924$2,583$65934%Speeding 30+ mph over limit$1,924$2,665$74139%Talking on cell phone $1,924$2,432$50826%Texting ticket$1,924$2,439$51527% How much does car insurance increase after a speeding ticket in each state? Getting a speeding ticket can significantly impact your car insurance premium, but the extent of the increase varies considerably from state to state. Hawaii drivers experience the steepest hike, with an average increase of $1,289, raising premiums from $1,517 to $2,806. California follows closely, where drivers see an average increase of $1,160. Michigan and Colorado drivers also face substantial increases of $1,105 and $1,005, respectively. Other states with significant hikes include Louisiana ($980) and Kentucky ($958). In states with higher increases, a single ticket can cost you over a thousand dollars more per year in premiums. Safe driving habits keep you and others safe and help maintain affordable insurance costs. The table below shows how much car insurance rates increase after a speeding ticket in each state. State Average rate before speeding ticket Average rate after speeding ticket Dollar Difference Alaska$1,676$2,129$453Alabama$1,860$2,567$707Arkansas$1,957$2,838$881Arizona$1,812$2,482$670California$2,416$3,576$1,160Colorado$2,337$3,342$1,005Connecticut$1,725$2,225$500Washington, D.C.$2,157$2,675$518Delaware$2,063$2,847$784Florida$2,694$3,368$674Georgia$1,970$2,660$690Hawaii$1,517$2,806$1,289Iowa$1,630$2,168$538Idaho$1,428$1,814$386Illinois$1,532$2,068$536Indiana$1,515$2,212$697Kansas$1,900$2,299$399Kentucky$2,228$3,186$958Louisiana$2,883$3,863$980Massachusetts$1,726$2,106$380Maryland$1,746$2,409$663Maine$1,175$1,528$353Michigan$2,352$3,457$1,105Minnesota$1,911$2,580$669Missouri$1,982$2,458$476Mississippi$2,008$2,651$643Montana$2,193$2,961$768North Carolina$1,741$2,559$818North Dakota$1,665$2,015$350Nebraska$1,902$2,644$742New Hampshire$1,265$1,632$367New Jersey$1,902$2,796$894New Mexico$2,049$2,643$594Nevada$2,060$2,699$639New York$1,870$2,263$393Ohio$1,417$2,097$680Oklahoma$2,138$2,715$577Oregon$1,678$2,249$571Pennsylvania$1,872$2,228$356Rhode Island$2,061$2,906$845South Carolina$2,009$2,551$542South Dakota$2,280$2,782$502Tennessee$1,677$2,314$637Texas$2,043$2,574$531Utah$1,825$2,318$493Virginia$1,469$1,983$514Vermont$1,319$1,715$396Washington$1,608$2,299$691Wisconsin$1,664$2,296$632West Virginia$2,005$2,707$702Wyoming$1,758$2,461$703 Your options after receiving a traffic ticket You don’t have to pay a traffic ticket automatically. Depending on the situation, you have several ways to respond, each with different consequences. Pay the fine. You can simply opt to pay the fine and accept any penalties and points that may come with the violation. However, paying the fine is not your only option. Fight the ticket. You can fight the ticket in court by presenting your case to a judge or negotiating a lesser charge through a plea deal. However, if you go to trial and lose, you’ll be responsible for the fine, the violation will go on your driving record, and you may also have to cover court costs. Take a driver improvement course. In some states, completing an approved driving course may help you avoid points on your record or even have a first-time moving violation dismissed. Smart moves to make when you’re stopped for a traffic violation How you handle a traffic ticket can make a big difference in the outcome. Keep it brief. Say as little as possible during the stop; what you say can be used against you in court. Write it down. Note details like time, location, and what happened as soon as possible. Ask about mitigation. Some courts let you negotiate a lower fine or reduced charge. Find witnesses. Passengers or bystanders may help support your version of events. Delay the hearing. Request a continuance to buy time for prep or legal help. Hire a lawyer for serious cases. An attorney may help reduce penalties or get the ticket dismissed. While a traffic ticket can lead to higher insurance rates, taking the right steps might help you reduce or avoid the financial impact altogether. How to pay a traffic ticket Every jurisdiction differs in how it handles the payment of traffic tickets. You may have a limited amount of time to pay your ticket before fines increase and you face additional penalties. For example, in Florida, you only have 30 days to pay your fine, take a driver improvement course, or contest your case before you risk suspension of your driver’s license. Should you choose to pay your fine, the process is simple. You can pay your infraction in person to the Clerk of Court or via an online portal. Some areas accept payments by mail as well. To make the payment experience go more smoothly, here are some tips: Have your information ready. Make sure your case number or citation number is available for faster processing. If you need to show proof of your driver’s license, registration or driver improvement course, be sure to have that information prepared in advance so you can provide it upon payment. Ask about a payment plan. If you are worried about making your payment, you may be able to contact the court and work out a payment plan to break payments up into more manageable installments. Make copies. Save or print a copy of your receipt so you have proof of payment should an issue arise in the future. Do you need to appear in court if you get a traffic ticket? Not always. For minor traffic violations like running a stop sign, not wearing a seatbelt, or texting while driving, you can pay the fine online or by mail without going to court. However, you have the option to contest the ticket in traffic court. If you believe you have a valid defense or justification, appearing in court could result in a reduced fine or even a dismissal, depending on the judge’s ruling. More serious offenses, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or hit-and-runs, are usually handled in criminal court since they’re classified as misdemeanors or felonies. In these cases, appearing in court is often mandatory, and hiring a lawyer is a good idea. What happens if you don’t pay your ticket or miss your court date? A traffic ticket might seem minor, but ignoring it can lead to bigger issues. Unpaid fines often result in additional fees and late penalties, which can quickly add up. You could also face a suspended driver’s license until the issue is resolved. In some cases, missing a court date will result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest or scheduling a probation violation hearing. If the court determines that you could pay but willfully failed to do so, you could even face jail time. Paying your fines on time or addressing your ticket through the proper legal channels is the best way to avoid extra costs and keep your driving privileges intact. Tips for avoiding traffic tickets Of course, the ideal outcome is to avoid tickets altogether. These tips can help you enjoy a smoother, safer ride and avoid traffic ticket violations in the future. Slow down. Drive cautiously to avoid the hazards of speeding and distracted driving. Follow the speed limit and check your speedometer frequently to ensure you don’t accidentally start speeding. Be aware. In addition to speed limit signs, pay attention to stop signs, red lights, and pedestrian crossings. Practice defensive driving and remain cognizant of the drivers around you. Be sure to watch for emergency vehicles and pull over when you see them approaching. Be patient. Avoid road rage and aggressive driving by taking a deep breath and remembering to respect other drivers and any law enforcement you may encounter. Maintain legal standing. Before you drive, ensure that your license is current and your car insurance policy is valid. Check your vehicle. Whether you have a modification like a spoiler or dark tinting on your windows, be sure your vehicle complies with local laws. Stay informed. Stay abreast of local laws so you know when changes occur that could affect you as a driver. Did you know? According to the NHTSA, speeding has played a role in roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than two decades. In 2022, the most recent year for available data, it was a contributing factor in 29% of traffic-related fatalities. How to save on insurance rates after getting a traffic ticket Just because you have a traffic violation doesn’t mean that you are subject to high insurance rates forever. As discussed, a defensive driving course can be an enormously helpful way to lower car insurance rates. These are some other ways to save on car insurance, too. Raise your deductible. Increasing your deductible by $500 could save you up to 30%, and a $1,000 deductible may cut costs by up to 40%. Keep your credit score high. Good credit can lower your rates, and some insurers offer discounts. Pay bills on time and spend responsibly. Bundle your policies. Some insurers offer discounts of up to 25% when you combine auto with home or life insurance. Compare quotes. Shopping around can uncover better deals. Just make sure you’re comparing both price and coverage. A traffic ticket doesn’t have to wreck your budget or your peace of mind. With the right approach, you may be able to reduce the penalties and limit the impact on your car insurance. And with tools like our traffic ticket cost calculator, you can get a clear idea of what to expect, so you’re not caught off guard when your next premium notice arrives. Methodology In 2024, Insure.com pulled rates from Quadrant Information Systems for 40-year-old male and female drivers with full coverage insurance with 100/300/100 liability limits and $500 comprehensive/collision deductibles. Quadrant’s Auto Problems Report comprises data from 51 states, 548 cities, 1,467 ZIP codes, 202 companies and more than 5 million insurance quotes. Lena BorrelliContributing Researcher | . .Insurance expert Lena Borrelli is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance, insurance and business management. She creates clear, actionable content that helps readers make smart financial decisions—from choosing the right car insurance to managing everyday expenses. 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Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 On this page How our traffic ticket calculator worksWhat are traffic ticket violations?Different types of traffic ticket violationsHow much do insurance rates go up after you get a ticket? How much does car insurance increase after a speeding ticket in each state?Your options after receiving a traffic ticketSmart moves to make when you're stopped for a traffic violationHow to pay a traffic ticketDo you need to appear in court if you get a traffic ticket?What happens if you don’t pay your ticket or miss your court date?Tips for avoiding traffic ticketsHow to save on insurance rates after getting a traffic ticketMethodology ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates (844)-645-3330