How Do Speeding Violations Affect Insurance Premiums? 

 

In this blog we delve into the intricate interplay between traffic violations and insurance premiums,  focusing specifically on the impact of speeding tickets in Oklahoma. Like many states, Oklahoma employs a point system for traffic infractions, with speeding tickets potentially adding points to your driving  record. What many drivers might not fully understand is how these points correlate with an increase in  their car insurance premiums.  

 

What Are the Consequences of Receiving a Speeding Ticket in Oklahoma? 

 

Receiving a speeding ticket in Oklahoma has several potential consequences, not just in terms of fines  and penalties, but also in the broader context of your driving record and insurance premiums.  

• Fines and Penalties: The immediate consequence of a speeding ticket is typically a fine. In  Oklahoma, fines can vary depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving. In  some cases, especially for repeat offenders or for excessive speed, you might also receive a jail  sentence. 

 

• Points on Your Driving Record: Oklahoma operates a point system for traffic violations. Speeding  will add points to your driving record. Accumulating points can lead to more serious  consequences, such as a suspension of your license if you reach or exceed a certain threshold  within a specific period. 

 

• Driver’s License Suspension: If you accumulate 10 or more points within a 5-year period, your  license can be suspended. 

 

• Increase in Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies generally view drivers with traffic  violations as higher risk. Hence, getting a speeding ticket can cause your insurance premiums to  go up. The amount of the increase can depend on various factors, including your overall driving  record, the severity of the speeding violation, and your insurance company’s policies. 

 

• Court Appearance: For serious infractions or if you decide to contest the ticket, you might need  to make a court appearance. 

 

What is the Point System in Oklahoma Regarding Speeding Violations? 

Oklahoma uses a point system to keep track of traffic violations and penalize drivers who commit  repeated or serious infractions. Each traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points, which are  added to the driver’s record. If you accumulate too many points, it can lead to penalties such as higher  insurance rates or even a suspension of your driver’s license. 

For speeding violations specifically, the points can vary depending on the severity of the offense. As of  September 2021, here’s a rough guide: 

• Speeding 1-10 mph over the speed limit: 2 points 
• Speeding 11-15 mph over the speed limit: 3 points 
• Speeding 16-20 mph over the speed limit: 4 points 
• Speeding 21-25 mph over the speed limit: 4 points 
• Speeding 26 or more mph over the speed limit: 5 points 

However, these values can change overtime, and different circumstances (like construction zones, school  zones, or past violations) can affect how many points are added for a given speeding ticket.

If a driver accumulates 10 or more points within a 5-year period, the Oklahoma Department of Public  Safety can suspend their driver’s license. However, for each year a driver goes without a new point-able violation, 2 points will be deducted from their total. 

It’s important to check the most current information regarding traffic violation points in Oklahoma, as regulations can change, and specific circumstances can sometimes affect the number of points assessed. 

How to Avoid Increasing Insurance Premiums After Receiving a Speeding Citation 

 

While receiving a speeding ticket can often lead to an increase in your insurance premiums, there are  several steps you can take to mitigate this effect or potentially avoid it altogether: 

• Fight the Ticket: If you believe the speeding ticket was issued unjustly, you can opt to contest it  in court. If the court rules in your favor, the ticket will be dismissed, and it will not impact your  insurance premium. However, this approach may require hiring a lawyer, and there’s no  guarantee of success. 

 

• Drive Safely: The more time that passes without additional traffic violations, the less impact a  single speeding ticket will have on your insurance rates. Overtime, points on your license will  decrease (Oklahoma deducts 2 points per year from your license for every year you go without a  new point able violation). 

 

• Shop Around: Different insurance companies may weigh traffic violations differently when  calculating premiums. If your current insurer significantly raises your rates for a speeding  ticket, you might be able to find lower rates with a different company. Be sure to compare  multiple insurance quotes to find the best deal. 

 

• Check for Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for various factors, like bundling  multiple types of insurance, installing safety devices in your car, or demonstrating safe driving  habits overtime. Even if your rate goes up due to a speeding ticket, these discounts can help  offset the increase. 

Remember, the best way to avoid a rise in your insurance premiums is to obey traffic laws and avoid  getting a speeding ticket in the first place. But if you do find yourself in this situation, these steps can help you manage the impact on your insurance rates. 

 

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney 

 

In conclusion, while receiving a speeding ticket in Oklahoma can have several consequences, from  accruing points on your driving record to facing a potential increase in insurance premiums, these  outcomes are not inevitable. You have options to mitigate these impacts and protect your financial  

stability. One strategy to consider is hiring a local attorney who specializes in traffic violations. An  experienced legal professional can provide valuable counsel and might be able to contest the ticket on  your behalf, potentially leading to it being dismissed or reduced. Even if the ticket is not dismissed, an  attorney could assist in preventing points from being added to your record. 

Contact OK Traffic Ticket Defense today at (918) 947-9225, to obtain a free consultation on your ticket!