A speeding ticket can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on a driver’s record and their auto insurance premiums. Understanding exactly how long a speeding ticket lingers on your record is crucial for making informed decisions, managing insurance costs, and maintaining peace of mind on the road.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, how long a speeding ticket persists on your driving record depends largely on state laws, the severity of the infraction, and sometimes whether the violation occurred on federal property. In most U.S. states, minor speeding tickets usually stay on your record for about three years, with the range generally falling between one and seven years depending on local regulations. For example:
In California, a standard speeding ticket stays on your record for 39 months (just over three years).
Delaware and North Dakota remove tickets after two years.
Florida maintains traffic violations for at least five years.
In states like Alabama, Montana, Nevada, and Ohio, certain traffic convictions can remain on your driving history permanently or for longer stretches, though active insurance points may be dropped much sooner.
Severe violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, can stay on your record for a decade or longer, and in some states, may never leave your record.
While a ticket may appear on your official motor vehicle record for years, insurance companies are generally most concerned with recent violations, specifically those from the past three to five years. A single speeding ticket can lead to an average increase in auto insurance premiums by 22% to 27%, sometimes adding hundreds of dollars a year to your policy. However, some factors influence the ultimate impact, including:
How much you exceeded the speed limit: Going 5 mph over may mean a smaller increase than going 25 mph over.
Your total number of violations: Multiple tickets will compound the rate hikes.
Your state and insurer’s policies: Each company weighs violations differently.
Where you were ticketed: Speeding in a school zone, construction zone, or on federal property can increase penalties.
After three to five years, that ticket generally loses its effect on your insurance rates—provided your recent driving has been spotless since.
Options for removing a speeding ticket depend on your state. In some cases, attending a state-approved traffic school can keep the ticket and associated points off your record, especially for a first offense. For convictions already on your record, expungement is extremely rare for traffic violations. However, monitoring your record to ensure old infractions are properly removed once eligible is important, state DMVs allow drivers to request copies of their driving records, sometimes for a small fee.
Keeping a clean driving record doesn’t just minimize insurance costs, it also preserves your driving privileges. Too many active points from violations can lead to license suspension or revocation, depending on your state. Even a lone ticket left unchecked can mean higher premiums and, potentially, fewer coverage options if you’re labeled a high-risk driver by insurers.
If you’ve recently gotten a speeding ticket, or if it’s been a few years since your last review, Jack Stone Insurance Agency is here to help. The right insurance partner can help you:
Understand how violations affect your unique policy.
Shop for competitive rates, even with a ticket.
Find opportunities for discounts, driver safety courses, or bundle policies to save.
Contact us today at Jack Stone Insurance Agency today for a no-obligation policy review. Drive with confidence, knowing your coverage and costs are in balance no matter what life throws your way!
1. New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee - Penalties for Speeding
https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/penalties-speeding
2. Connecticut DMV - Record Retention Period Information
https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/record-retention-periods
3. Washington State Department of Licensing - Guide to Driving Records
https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driving-records/guide-driving-records
4. State.gov - The Point System (General overview)
https://2009-2017.state.gov/ofm/dmv/c66584.htm
5. Colorado DMV - Driver Records FAQ
https://dmv.colorado.gov/driver-services-frequently-asked-questions
6. Baton Rouge Government FAQ - How Long a Traffic Ticket Stays on Driving Record
https://www.brla.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=227
Generally, a ticket affects insurance rates for 3 to 5 years, after which most insurers no longer factor it into your pricing.
In many states, yes—but it often depends on your prior record and the severity of the ticket. Always check state DMV guidelines or ask your insurer.
Most of the time, yes, but the amount varies. Factors like how much you were speeding, your previous driving record, and your insurer’s policies all come into play.
Visit your state’s DMV website or request a copy of your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)—most states offer online access for a small fee.
