Getting a traffic ticket is often an embarrassing and frustrating experience. People worry about who may spot them stopped on the side of the road, especially if an officer pulls them over near their home or their work.
The ticket that they have to pay is another issue. The fines imposed for traffic infractions can cost people hundreds of dollars. Those issued tickets simply pay their fines. What they may not realize is that they are at risk of secondary consequences that can drastically increase the total expense of a recent citation.
When people consider the long-term implications of a citation, they may realize that fighting their ticket may be a better option than paying it.
Tickets affect insurance rates
Insurance providers consider a driver’s record when determining how much their policy should cost. Those with a history of traffic violations are more likely than those without recent tickets to cause crashes that could cost the insurance company money.
When looking at insurance rates from late 2024, the impact of a ticket becomes quite clear. Drivers in Illinois without traffic tickets pay an average of $610 for minimum coverage and $2,135 for full coverage. Those rates increase by roughly 25% after a single speeding ticket. Minimum coverage could cost $769 after a ticket, while full coverage costs increase to $2,671.
Tickets can lead to license loss
Drivers also receive points on their licenses for each ticket they pay, and the state tracks how many violations they have on their record. Anyone with three or more citations within 12 months could be at risk of losing their license. The number of points can vary from five points for minor speeding offenses to 55 points for reckless driving.
Even a temporary license suspension can cause major financial strain. Using on-demand transportation services, including rideshare apps or taxi companies, can be incredibly expensive. People may also be at risk of losing their jobs if they do not have reliable transportation or cannot drive to perform job functions.
Fighting a traffic ticket instead of pleading guilty by paying it is often the best option available. Drivers who understand the consequences of a citation may see the importance of fighting a ticket instead of immediately paying it.