How Do Traffic Violations Affect Insurance?

The connection between traffic law violations and insurance costs is direct, and in many cases, long-lasting. Whether it’s a speeding ticket, failure to yield, or a DUI, a traffic violation doesn’t just come with a fine or points on your license—it can affect your wallet for years through increased premiums. 

In Ohio, insurance companies take these violations seriously, and under state traffic law, they have the right to adjust your rates based on your driving record.

At Staton & Fisher, LLP in Dayton, Ohio, we’ve worked with countless drivers who were shocked to learn just how much a traffic ticket could impact their insurance rates. We’ll walk you through how traffic law violations impact insurance, what insurers look for, and what drivers can do to reduce the damage.

Traffic Law and Insurance Companies

Traffic law in Ohio provides the guidelines for how drivers are expected to behave on the road, and it also establishes consequences for violations. Insurance companies use these violations as a gauge for risk. 

The more violations on your record, the higher the risk you appear to be. From the insurer’s perspective, someone who breaks traffic laws is more likely to be involved in an accident or file a claim. 

That’s why traffic law infractions directly translate into higher insurance costs. Ohio is an at-fault insurance state, meaning that when accidents happen, the driver who caused the incident is responsible for the damages. This makes insurers extra cautious when pricing policies based on traffic records.

How Violations Are Reported

When you receive a citation or are convicted of a traffic law offense in Ohio, that information is sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV updates your driving record, which insurance companies can access. 

Some insurers check driving records annually when policies are renewed, while others may review them more frequently if there’s a claim or a new driver added. 

The violations are typically categorized by severity—minor, major, or criminal—and this classification plays a big role in how much your premium may rise. It’s important to understand that even one minor violation can start affecting your insurance, especially if your record was previously clean.

Common Traffic Violations and Their Impact

In our work, we often see a handful of traffic law violations that frequently trigger rate increases. Speeding is one of the most common. Depending on how far over the limit you were going, the increase to your premium can be minor or significant. Running a red light or stop sign can also raise your rates, and it signals to insurers that you may not be attentive behind the wheel. 

More serious offenses like reckless driving, DUI, or driving without insurance carry steeper penalties—not just from the state, but from your insurance provider as well. In some cases, a single DUI can double your premium or lead to a policy cancellation.

The Point System in Ohio

Ohio uses a point system to track driving violations under its traffic law. Each violation adds a specific number of points to your license. For example, speeding can add two to four points, while reckless operation adds four points. If you accumulate twelve or more points in a two-year period, your license can be suspended.

But even before that happens, insurers are likely to act. Many companies raise rates after just two or three points are added. These points stay on your record for two years and serve as a red flag to insurers. Understanding how the point system works can help you gauge the long-term impact of a traffic violation.

Violations that frequently affect insurance rates include:

• Speeding tickets

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Reckless driving

• DUI or OVI convictions

• Driving without insurance

• Failure to yield

• Following too closely

• Improper lane changes

• Driving with a suspended license

• Hit-and-run or leaving the scene

A traffic law attorney can help you understand how the point system works in more detail.

Insurance Rate Increases After Violations

So, how much can your insurance go up after a traffic law violation in Ohio? That depends on several factors, including your insurer, your driving history, and the type of violation. On average, a single speeding ticket might increase your rate by 10 to 20 percent. A reckless driving conviction could push it up by 40 percent or more. 

DUI offenses often result in rate hikes of 80 to 100 percent, and they may require you to obtain an SR-22 certificate, which guarantees that you carry minimum liability coverage. Each insurer uses its own formula, but all rely heavily on your traffic law history when setting your rates.

Long-Term Impact on Your Record

Traffic violations don’t just cause a one-time rate hike—they stay on your record for years. In Ohio, most violations remain visible to insurers for at least three years. DUI convictions can stay on your record for much longer, and in terms of traffic law enforcement, they carry enhanced penalties for repeat offenses. 

During this time, insurers may continue charging higher premiums based on the violation. If additional violations occur during this window, the increases may stack, leading to rates that are unaffordable for many drivers. It’s crucial to think of insurance consequences not just in the short term but over the full period the violation remains active.

Can You Reduce the Damage?

Ohio drivers do have a few options for minimizing the impact of traffic law violations on their insurance. First, some courts offer remedial driving courses that allow drivers to avoid points if completed in a timely manner. 

If no points are added, some insurers may not raise premiums. Second, drivers with good records may be eligible for accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts, which can offset increases from minor infractions. 

Finally, shopping around for a new insurance policy can sometimes yield better rates, especially if your current insurer raises premiums sharply after a violation. We recommend comparing at least three quotes and inquiring specifically how your violation impacts their pricing.

Fighting the Violation in Court

One way to protect your insurance rates is by fighting the ticket in court. Under Ohio traffic law, you have the right to contest any violation. If you win, the charge won’t appear on your record, and insurers won’t see it. 

Even pleading to a lesser offense may help. For example, pleading to a non-moving violation instead of a speeding ticket may avoid points and insurance hikes. We often represent clients in these matters and negotiate for outcomes that protect their driving and insurance records. The process can take time, but the financial savings over several years can make it worth pursuing.

High-Risk Insurance and SR-22 Requirements

Some traffic law violations result in a driver being labeled “high risk.” This designation doesn’t just raise your rates—it limits your options for coverage. Many standard insurers won’t accept high-risk drivers, forcing you into specialty markets with higher premiums. DUI and driving without insurance are the most common violations that trigger this classification.

If the court requires an SR-22, your insurer must file proof with the state that you’re maintaining minimum coverage. Missing a payment or canceling your policy can result in license suspension. We work with clients to understand their obligations under traffic law and keep their records in compliance to avoid further penalties.

Prevention Is the Best Strategy

The best way to avoid insurance hikes is to follow Ohio traffic law and keep your driving record clean. That means observing speed limits, using signals, stopping completely at red lights, and never driving under the influence. 

Defensive driving, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic, can help you avoid situations that lead to citations. We also recommend periodic reviews of your driving record so you can see what’s on file and take action if necessary. Prevention is far less expensive than dealing with the consequences of a violation.

Dedicated Legal Assistance

At Staton & Fisher, LLP, we’ve seen how a single traffic violation can set off a chain of financial consequences for drivers across Ohio. We’re proud to serve Dayton, Ohio, and the surrounding areas of Huber Heights, Montgomery County, Miami County, and Clark County. Call today.