Speeding tickets are more than just an annoyance; they can seriously impact your finances, insurance rates, and driving record. Here are some common misconceptions that could end up costing you far more than just the ticket itself.
1. “You Won’t Get a Ticket If You’re Only Going a Few Miles Over the Limit”
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Many drivers believe that going 5 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit won’t get them pulled over. However, according to a study by the National Motorists Association, nearly 17% of speeding tickets are issued for drivers going less than 10 mph over the speed limit. Law enforcement officers have discretion, and even minor infractions can result in a ticket.
2. “Speeding Tickets Don’t Affect Insurance Premiums”
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Think a single speeding ticket won’t impact your insurance? Think again. According to The Zebra, just one speeding ticket can increase your insurance premium by an average of 22%. This increase can last up to three years in some states, resulting in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra costs.
3. “Out-of-State Tickets Don’t Follow You Home”
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Many drivers believe that out-of-state speeding tickets won’t affect their driving record back home, but this is a dangerous myth. The Driver License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between 45 states that allows them to share traffic violation information. That means an out-of-state ticket can still add points to your license and increase your insurance premiums.
4. “If the Officer Makes a Mistake, the Ticket Is Automatically Dismissed”
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While errors on a ticket—such as the wrong license plate number or incorrect speed—might seem like grounds for dismissal, that’s rarely the case. Courts often view these as clerical mistakes that don’t invalidate the ticket. A 2020 study by Lawyers.com found that only 5% of speeding tickets were dismissed due to technical errors.
5. “You Can’t Fight a Speeding Ticket”
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Many drivers assume fighting a speeding ticket is pointless, but that’s not true. According to a report by the National Motorists Association, drivers who contest their tickets have a 40% success rate. Even if you don’t get the ticket dismissed, you may be able to negotiate a reduced penalty or avoid points on your license.
6. “Radar Guns Are Always Accurate”
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Radar guns might seem infallible, but they’re not perfect. A 2018 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that radar guns can be affected by factors like weather, other vehicles, and even the position of the officer’s patrol car. Calibration errors and outdated equipment can also lead to inaccurate readings.
7. “Traffic School Will Erase the Ticket”
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While attending traffic school can prevent points from being added to your license, it doesn’t erase the ticket from your record. Many states still keep a record of the infraction, and your insurance company may still be notified, potentially leading to higher premiums. According to Insure.com, even with traffic school, insurance rates can rise by up to 10%.
Don’t Fall for These Costly Myths
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Believing these common myths about speeding tickets could cost you big time—in higher fines, insurance premiums, and even the loss of your license. Stay informed, fight tickets when it makes sense, and don’t rely on bad advice that could lead to more trouble down the road. When it comes to speeding tickets, ignorance is expensive.
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Driving certain cars can make you more noticeable to law enforcement, even if you’re abiding by all the rules. Are you driving one of these “police magnets”? Here are seven cars that seem to attract more police attention than others. Police Magnet: 7 Cars That Guarantee You’ll Get Pulled Over
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Nostalgia has a funny way of making the past seem better than it was, especially when it comes to cars. But here’s the hard truth: some of those “classic” cars your dad raves about were real clunkers. Here’s a closer look at why some of those so-called “classics” weren’t all they were cracked up to be. The Classic Cars That Were Total Clunkers
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The U.S. auto industry has produced some incredible vehicles, but not every model was a hit. Here’s a look back at 16 of the worst cars ever made in the U.S., each infamous for its own unique flaws. The Worst U.S. Cars Ever Made: A Retro List
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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
