How many points do you get on your license after receiving a speeding ticket?

It can happen to anyone — you’re driving along your usual route on the way to work, not paying quite as much attention as you probably should be. You’re moving with the speed of traffic when you see something no one wants to detect — the flash of red and blue lights behind you.

Receiving a speeding ticket is a frustration we can all do without, but it happens to many of us. Speeding tickets are typically accompanied by a fine, but some states might impose jail time for driving too fast.

Depending on the state, you’ll likely accumulate points on your license as well. If you receive too many points, you can lose your license.

Of course, a speeding ticket will also cause your auto insurance rates to increase. Even one speeding ticket can negatively affect your insurance rates for years. If you get a ticket, you can take steps to obtain the lowest insurance rates possible.

If your driving record isn’t perfect and you’re wondering how many points you get for a speeding ticket on your license, comparing rates from numerous companies can help you save money. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to discover what quotes might look like for you.

How many points accompany a speeding ticket?

While not every state has a point system, most states monitor traffic violations through a series of points. If you receive too many points within a specified period, your license will likely be suspended.

So, how many points do you get on your license? It depends on your state. Some states will add four points to a license while others inflict fewer. You can compare minor traffic violations with major infractions in the graph below.

The key difference between a major and minor violation for speeding is the amount by which you break the speed limit. A simple speeding ticket weighs less than criminal speeding.

What is criminal speeding?

Criminal speeding has different definitions based on the state in which you’re driving, but the concept is the same. Whenever you cross the line from minor speeding into reckless driving, you’re criminally speeding.

Some states have harsh definitions for criminal speeding. For example, Arizona state law regards anything over 20 miles an hour over the posted speed limit as criminal speeding.

Others, like Alabama, consider speeding a criminal offense no matter what. While you won’t be charged with criminal speeding, you can accumulate reckless driving charges.

Whatever your state law regulates, anything considered criminal will add a higher number of points to your license. Speeding was responsible for 26% of all traffic-related deaths in 2019. Harsh penalties for criminal speeding attempt to reduce the number of fatalities on the road.

How long do points remain on your license?

The amount of time you’re stuck with points depends on your state. Some states drop points relatively quickly, while others keep them active for much longer.

Some states retain points for a much shorter timeframe, but you can usually expect points to be removed from your license within one to two years.

How to Check Points on a License

If you’ve recently received a traffic violation, you might not know how many points are on your license. Luckily, determining how many points you have is very straightforward.

Learning how many points are on your license is as simple as visiting your state’s MVD page. However, you might need to create an account to access your record. Once you access it, look for a service called “driver license check” or something similar.

Most states can show you how many points are on your license, but you might need to use a different method. If the online option isn’t available, you can call, mail in a form, or visit the MVD in person.

Why does insurance cost more after a speeding ticket?

Unfortunately, having traffic violations on your record makes you a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurance companies. Drivers with violations are statistically more likely to have future incidents.

The amount your insurance will increase after a speeding ticket depends on your state and insurance company. Typically, it increases by approximately 25%.

Some insurance companies impose steep increases after a single speeding ticket, sometimes doubling the price of coverage. Others don’t seem to care as much, with rates increasing by minuscule amounts.

The variation in how companies treat speeding tickets highlights why comparing quotes from different companies is vital. (For more information, read our “How long does a ticket stay on your record?“).

Find the Best Insurance After a Speeding Ticket

Whether it’s six points on a license or ten, traffic incidents on your record will almost always make your insurance go up. However, comparing insurance quotes from multiple companies can help you save money.

If you’ve been wondering how many points are accumulated for a speeding ticket and how those points will affect your insurance, consider shopping for insurance options to save money. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to determine what quotes might look like for you.