The cost of a traffic ticket goes far beyond the original fine. A significant consequence is the possibility that your insurance premiums could increase 25% to 400% after a traffic conviction. Many people just pay the ticket when a knowledgeable attorney in many cases is able to save their driving record and keep their insurance rates from increasing. Traffic violations will follow you for years and can also cause increased penalties for any future violations.

Points and how they affect your insurance
Here are a few examples of insurance points:

• Unsafe Movement carries 1 insurance point
• Speeding more than 10 mph over posted speed limit, where driver’s speed is in excess of 55 mph but less than 76 mph, carries 2 insurance points
• Illegal Passing carries 2 insurance points
• Speeding over 75 mph where posted speed is less than 70 mph zone carries 4 insurance points
• Speeding over 80 mph where posted speed is 70 mph or greater carries 4 insurance points
• Reckless Driving carries 4 insurance points
• Driving while your license is revoked/suspended carries 8 insurance points
• Driving while Impaired carries 12 insurance points

Check the chart to see the increase in your Insurance rate:

Points              Rate Increase for 3 years          Cost if Basic Rate is $300
1                                 25%                                  $375
2                                 45%                                  $435
3                                 65%                                  $495
4                                 90%                                  $570
5                                120%                                 $660
6                                150%                                 $750
7                                180%                                 $840
8                                220%                                 $960
12                              400%                                 $1,500