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Rate increases and the risk to your license: Speeding violations

| Feb 27, 2018 | Criminal Defense |

You decided that you had to get to your school faster than usual this morning. You were running late, and you couldn’t miss your final. Unfortunately, you came to a halt and ended up late anyway because on officer pulled you over.

You traveled several miles per hour over the speed limit, and the police officer isn’t happy with it. Despite needing to get to class, the officer decides that you need a ticket and a short lecture on safety.

What should you know about traffic violations?

Although many people think about traffic violations as simple and without many consequences, the truth is that they can impact you severely depending on what they are. A traffic violation for speeding could result in high fines, for instance, or they could end up costing you your license.

The second major impact traffic tickets have is on your insurance. A single ticket might not end up with your insurance increasing, but two or more are likely to. They could result in small rate increases or major increases over time. Normally, traffic violations don’t count after three to five years, but they’ll impact your rates and potentially the ability to obtain insurance until that time.

Another thing to remember is that the severity of a ticket also matters. Someone traveling 5 mph over the limit may not face the same repercussions as someone who was traveling 30 mph over the limit.

How do points add up and threaten your license?

The number of points on your license are essentially a system for telling how safe you are as a driver. A speeding ticket may result in two or more points, depending on the speed you were traveling. Those points get added to your license.

If you get four or more points on your license within 12 months in Texas, you could have it suspended. If you receive seven points within 24 months, then you may lose your license as well.

What should you do if you receive a ticket?

It’s your right to challenge a speeding ticket. It’s a good idea to do so, especially in the case that you’re traveling very close to the speed limit you’re accused of breaking. If you win your case in court, you won’t see an increase in your insurance and won’t receive points on your license.

It’s also a good idea to avoid doing anything that could result in another ticket in the future. Points add up quickly, and those who cause crashes get more points than others. Remember to take it easy when you drive, so you can avoid penalties.

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