Getting a speeding ticket can have tremendous consequences on your driving and your life. Discusses those consequences and the need to have control of your driving habits.
You may not realize it,
but getting a speeding ticket can have dire consequences. Initially, you must find out if your charges will result in a criminal record or a traffic violation. Once you have a criminal record, it becomes part of who you are and can never be removed. Your name will be able to be seen in the FBI database for the rest of your life.
Receiving only a traffic violation is not as dire, but it still comes with some pretty heavy duty results.
- A traffic violation will be noted on your driving record from 3 to 11 years.
- Each state automatically notifies the department of transportation with the details which could affect your driver's license renewal.
- Points could be added to your record.
- Your insurance costs will most likely increase.
- You'll pay heavy fines and court fees.
- Possible license suspension or revocation.
Another negative aspect of receiving a criminal offense from a traffic violation is jail time. If this happens to you, hire a criminal lawyer immediately. When you're standing before the traffic court judge, and he asks you if you want a lawyer, say YES! Do NOT think you can do this yourself. You'll need the expert legal help of someone who knows the court system and the law. This wise representation may help reduce your penalties tremendously.
A speeding ticket can have a dramatic impact upon your automobile insurance. Each insurance company also has a point system (not the same as the DMV uses). They use it to determine how much premium you'll pay. Remember, having car insurance is a privilege, not a right. It's the wise person who does all they can to avoid losing or increasing it unnecessarily.
Here's another scary thought - the increase in your insurance premiums can often go way past whatever court costs, lawyer fees or fines a traffic violation can incur. And, when an insurance rate is increased, it can remain at the new premium cost for as much as 3 - 5 years. In total, that's a significant punch to your wallet.
Good drivers pay the lowest insurance premiums possible.
Speeding tickets may also result in what is called, "civil liability". You will be classified as a danger to society. If your speeding results in an accident, you may also become involved in a lawsuit. You could end up paying thousands of dollars to the injured party.
If you are on probation for a previous offense and you get a speeding ticket, it could become a violation of your probation. It will be up to the traffic court judge to determine just how the traffic violation will affect your probation status.
I'm sure you can see, it's in your best interest to avoid speeding at all costs. If you will stop and think about all of these possible consequences ahead of time, they may help you lighten up the next time you put your pedal to the metal.
