Do Speeding Tickets Affect Car Insurance?
A speeding ticket may seem like a minor inconvenience, but paying it without thinking twice could cost you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in the long run.
If you’ve been issued a speeding ticket in Louisiana, don’t rush to pay it online or in person. Doing so may count as an admission of guilt, leading to long-term consequences like higher car insurance premiums and a mark on your driving record for years to come.
Will a Speeding Ticket Raise My Car Insurance?
Yes, in most cases, a speeding ticket will cause your car insurance to go up. That increase depends on factors like:
Your age and driving history
Your location
Whether you’ve had prior violations
The severity of the speeding offense
On average, insurance premiums can increase 16–25%, which translates to an extra $300–$500+ per year. That increase can remain on your record for 3 to 5 years—costing you well over $1,000 in total.
You may also lose your safe driver discount, making the financial impact even greater.
How Speeding Tickets Impact Your Driving Record in Louisiana
Unlike many states, Louisiana does not use a point system, but that doesn’t mean your ticket disappears. Every moving violation—like speeding—is still reported to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and becomes part of your permanent driving record.
Here’s what that means:
Too many moving violations can result in a license suspension or revocation
Each additional offense typically brings harsher penalties
Out-of-state residents are still at risk—Louisiana reports violations to other states
If your license is suspended, you won’t be allowed to drive until all reinstatement requirements are met, including paying fees and possibly completing defensive driving courses.
What Happens If You Just Pay the Ticket?
Paying the fine (online, in person, or by mail) is the same as pleading guilty. Once paid, the offense goes on your driving record and will likely be reported to your insurance company.
Many drivers pay speeding tickets thinking it's the fastest solution—without understanding the lasting consequences. Unfortunately, courthouse staff are not required to explain these consequences to you.
By hiring a traffic attorney before you pay, you may be able to:
Get the ticket dismissed
Negotiate a reduced charge
Avoid points or a mark on your record
Prevent your insurance rates from going up
A quick consultation could save you significantly more than the cost of the ticket.
Can I Dispute a Speeding Ticket in Louisiana?
Yes, you have the right to fight your ticket in court. Here’s how the process typically works:
Check your citation.
If the box marked “Must Appear” is checked, you are legally required to show up in court.Decide how to plea.
If you want to contest the charge, you must appear in court and plead not guilty.Negotiate or go to trial.
In some parishes, you may be able to negotiate a reduced charge with the prosecutor on your first court date. If no agreement is reached, a trial will be scheduled.Hire an attorney.
Most people prefer to work with a lawyer who can appear on their behalf and help maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
⚠️ Missing your court date or failing to respond could result in a bench warrant for your arrest.
What About Drivers Over 25 with a Clean Record?
Some insurance providers may not increase your premium for a first speeding ticket if:
You are 25 or older
You have not received any violations in the past 3 years
However, this is not guaranteed. If you get a second ticket while the first is still on your record, the penalties and premium increases can escalate quickly. By that point, disputing the second charge may be harder, and the cumulative cost much higher.
Why You Should Speak to a Traffic Attorney First
Even a small speeding ticket can have big financial and legal consequences. Before you make any decisions, it’s smart to speak with a local traffic lawyer who understands how to:
Reduce or dismiss charges
Keep your record clean
Minimize or avoid insurance rate increases
Save you time by going to court on your behalf
At McLaren Law, we fight traffic tickets across Louisiana every day. A single call could save you years of higher insurance premiums.
📞 Call McLaren Law Today: (504) 300-8338
Your first consultation is 100% free, and you don’t even have to appear in court in most cases—we’ll handle everything for you.
Remember… When No One’s Carin’, Call McLaren.
Protect your record. Protect your wallet. Let us fight your speeding ticket.