» Traffic Violations

YES. In some cases, speeding can be considered evidence of reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 93 days in jail and fines reaching $500. You could get charged with reckless driving if an officer observes you driving on a highway, road, or even a parking lot in a manner that shows willful disregard for the safety of others. For example, driving 25 mpg over the speed limit in the rain may constitute reckless driving.

Increase in insurance premiums is an unfortunate consequence of traffic violations. The amount of the increase, however, is dependent on several factors, including the following:

Driving Record.

Your driving record has a considerable influence on your insurance premiums. If you are a repeat offender, you are likely to be penalized more harshly. If this is your first offense, it is likely to have less effect on your insurance premiums.

Seriousness of Violation.

Insurance companies want to mitigate risk, and they assess the type of violation to determine if you are an at-risk driver, thus requiring higher premiums. More serious driving offenses (reckless and careless driving) will be looked at more closely than less serious offenses (low level moving violations).

There is no set formula to determine when your insurance premiums will increase and by how much, but it is important to recognize the factors that may influence the increase in premiums.

If you commit a traffic offense, you should expect points to be added to your record. Michigan has a 12-point system that governs your ability to drive. If you receive 8 points within 2 years, you will receive a warning letter. 12 points within 2 years results in an assessment of your record by Driver Reexamination agents.

It is important to understand that paying a fine is an admission of guilt. While it may seem like paying the fine is not a bad option, you need to consider the consequences of having the speeding conviction on your driving record. A speeding conviction a result in points, and points often result in an increase in insurance premiums.

Fighting your ticket makes sense when you cannot afford to assume any more points on your record, or you do not want to accept higher insurance premiums. Fighting your ticket comes with a cost, though, and you should expect to pay attorney fees to represent and defend you at your hearing.