How Georgia Traffic Tickets Can Increase Your Insurance Rates
Receiving a traffic ticket in Georgia can be more than just a temporary headache—it can have long-lasting impacts on your driving record and insurance rates. Understanding the implications of your ticket can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
The Immediate Impact of a Georgia Traffic Ticket: Consequences of Major Traffic Violations
Major traffic violations almost always result in an increase in your insurance premiums. These offenses typically include:
- Refusing a Breath or Blood Test: Refusal can lead to severe penalties, including automatic license suspension.
- DUI or Other Impaired Driving Offenses: These are taken seriously nationwide and result in significant rate increases.
- Reckless Driving: Includes extreme speeding and other dangerous behaviors.
- Failure to Stop After an Accident: This violation indicates a hit-and-run scenario, which is heavily penalized.
- Fleeing from Police: This is a critical offense that leads to steep fines and rate hikes.
- Driving With a Suspended License: Operating a vehicle with a suspended license is a serious offense that will increase your insurance costs.
- Racing: Engaging in street racing drastically affects insurance premiums due to the high risk involved.
Minor Violations and Their Potential Impact
Not all traffic tickets will impact your driving record permanently. The effect of minor violations depends on how you handle the citation. If you opt to hire a traffic lawyer, some charges might be reduced or dismissed, resulting in no points on your record. These violations include:
- Speeding
- Failure to Yield
- Improper Passing
- Improper Turning
- Following Too Closely
- Texting While Driving
- Expired or Missing Driver’s License
- Driving Without Insurance or Proof of Insurance
- Passing a School Bus
- Child-seat Violations
Statistical Impact on Insurance Rates
Average Insurance Rate Increases by Violation
According to a comprehensive analysis by Insurance.com, using data from over 490,000 auto insurance quotes, here’s how various violations typically affect your rates:
- Reckless Driving: 22% increase
- DUI First Offense: 19% increase
- Driving Without a License or Permit: 18% increase
- Speeding 30 mph Over the Limit: 15% increase
- Failure to Stop: 15% increase
- Improper Turn: 14% increase
- Improper Passing: 14% increase
- Following Too Closely/Tailgating: 13% increase
- Speeding 15 to 29 mph Over the Limit: 12% increase
- Speeding 1 to 14 mph Over the Limit: 11% increase
- Failure to Yield: 9% increase
- No Car Insurance: 6% increase
- Seat Belt Infractions: 3% increase
How to Handle a Traffic Ticket in Georgia
Before deciding to pay your traffic ticket, consider consulting with a Georgia traffic lawyer. Legal representation can potentially mitigate the consequences, affecting both your driving record and insurance rates. Contact our Ga Traffic Ticket Lawyers at 404-315-9936 today for a free consultation to explore your options.
This information can help you navigate the complexities of traffic violations and insurance implications, ensuring you make the best decision to protect your financial and driving records.
