How Much Do Speeding Tickets Cost?

Speeding tickets cost you a lot more than you think. Every year, about 41 million Americans, or one-fifth of drivers, get them. Speeding tickets cost drivers more than $6.2 billion in fines, according the U.S. Highway Patrol.

Speeding tickets are big business, too. StatisticBrain.com reports that the average annual speeding ticket revenue per U.S. police officer is $300,000! With municipalities strapped for cash, and technologies such as cameras and sensors making it easier to catch violators, your chances of getting caught are probably increasing.

Direct Costs

So how much do speeding tickets cost you? The average ranges from $110 to $150, but speeding ticket costs vary by state (see the end of this article). Your actual costs will vary depending on the locale, your speed in excess of the limit, and other factors.

Indirect Costs

But your costs don’t end there. Getting caught speeding could result in the following charges:

• Traffic school. Some jurisdictions allow first-time violators, or those who haven’t been cited in a while, to go to traffic school. Pass the course and your violation won’t appear on your driving record. Expect to pay $35 or more, plus your lost time.
• Increased premiums. Driving 1-15 miles above the speed limit will add an average of 20.54 percent to your insurance premiums. Driving 16-30 miles per hour over the limit will add 28.06 percent. Driving over 31 miles per hour will cost you nearly 30 percent extra. (Source: Insurancequotes.com)
• Points. In most states, insurers use a point system to determine a driver’s safety record. A moving violation will add points to your driving record. When your points reach certain levels, your insurer will add surcharges to your insurance premiums. Points stay on your driving record anywhere between one and three years, depending on state. Accumulate too many points, and you can lose your license.

If you think you might be able to beat the ticket in court, you can hire an attorney. An attorney with an understanding of local laws and courts will best understand how (or if) to contest a speeding ticket. They may consult you or actually represent your in court. If you do decide to hire an attorney you can end up paying hundreds of dollars more.

If you get a speeding ticket in a rental car or while driving out of state, don’t think you’re off the hook. A ticket follows your license, not the car. Most states’ motor vehicle departments have reciprocity, which means they share information on driving violations. Your ticket will likely catch up to you.

Speeding Tickets Cost a Lot More Depending on Where You Drive

By the way, speeding tickets cost more — a lot more — in some states than others. In Virginia, residents pay the ticket plus a $1,050 surcharge, for a total cost of $1,350. Canada, though, is worse, where speeding tickets cost over $10,000 in some instances.