Speeding tickets can cost between $100 to $300 and significantly impact your car insurance rates.
Options for dealing with a speeding ticket include paying it, contesting it in court, or attending a defensive driving course
Taking a state-approved defensive driving course helps reduce ticket penalties, lowers insurance rates, and improves overall driving skills.
Getting a speeding ticket is typically on the list of things you'd rather not experience. The average cost of a speeding ticket ranges from $100 to $300, plus it can have a major impact on your car insurance rates. And that's not even the worst of it. Data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2023 found that nearly 1/3 of traffic fatalities are related to excessive speeds.
There's no arguing that speeding is dangerous and should be avoided. However, if you find yourself with a speeding ticket in hand, there are a few options. You can either pay the ticket, fight it, or offer to take a defensive driving class or traffic school for a reduction in fines and points. No matter which route you choose, you can use a ticket as an opportunity to work on improving your driving habits and learn to be safer.
Before you decide how to move forward, let's take a closer look at each option in detail.
Option #1: Pay the Ticket
The first option is to simply admit guilt and pay for the ticket. It takes time and effort to challenge a speeding ticket, and not everyone wants to devote their energy to it. But before you choose this path, though, keep in mind that it could end up being more costly than you realize. First, you have the cost of the actual ticket. This will vary depending on the state and city you were driving in and how fast you were going over the speed limit.
The costs don't end there, though. Some states use a point system where you have points assessed against your driver's license if you receive a ticket for driving infractions. Once points appear on your license, it will almost always cause your car insurance rates to go up. Get too many points, and you could end up with a suspended license, creating a whole new set of problems.
If you choose to pay the ticket outright without any other action, be sure to do so by the date listed on the back of the ticket. Otherwise, you could face additional fines or other, more serious issues.
Option #2: Fight the Ticket
Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to fight the ticket, especially if you feel you were not in the wrong. Fighting the ticket means going to court to dispute it. Doing so could allow you to have the fines and points reduced. In some cases, it may not result in any changes, but at least you'll have the opportunity to present your side.
You'll need to appear in court and either represent yourself or hire an attorney. If the fines and penalties are serious and could result in losing your license, working with an attorney may be advantageous, despite the additional cost. On your court date, you or your attorney will present your case and the judge will decide whether to uphold or dismiss the ticket. If you're not able to get a full dismissal, the judge may approve lesser penalties, such as a lower fine or fewer points.
Option #3: Take a Defensive Driving Course or Attend Traffic School
If you haven't had any tickets or it's been years since your last one, consider taking a defensive driving course or attending traffic school for a fine reduction. You will need to explain the circumstances surrounding the ticket and ask the judge for permission to take traffic school, but it could result in extended time to pay the fines, a lower ticket amount, or a reduction in penalties. In some cases, you may also be able to avoid points on your license.
A defensive driving course can be a huge help to many drivers, whether you've had a violation or not. Many of these courses can be taken online at your own pace, making them extremely convenient. If you are not fighting a ticket, you can still benefit from an insurance discount following the completion of your course.
Your Best Bet: Taking a Driver Improvement Course
Although a driver improvement course may feel like just another task on your already long to-do list, it's likely your best option. Taking a defensive driving course can help you avoid costly fines and become a better driver. Explore iDriveSafely's quick, easy, state-approved online courses. Find the right course for your state now!
Updated 7/15/24
