While careless driving and reckless driving sound similar, they are not synonymous. Even though both refer to violations of the traffic rules, the intent of the driver and the consequences of each citation are what make the difference.
However, despite their best intentions, the driver can find themselves at the wrong end of traffic rules and receive a ticket. A careless ticket can affect you in terms of fines and higher insurance premiums. Therefore, it’s essential to learn the legal recourse to deal with the consequences of a reckless driving ticket.
What is Careless Driving
Careless driving is when the law enforcement officer determines that the driver’s intent isn’t to cause harm or their actions aren’t driven by malice. For example, distracted driving or disregarding traffic laws such as jumping a signal and forgetting to use turn signals may be cited as careless driving. Likewise, getting pulled over for driving 20mph (or more) over the speed limit, can get you a careless driving citation.
What is the Cost of a Careless Driving Ticket?
Careless driving is when the law enforcement officer determines that the driver’s intent isn’t to cause harm or their actions aren’t driven by malice. For example, distracted driving or disregarding traffic laws such as jumping a signal and forgetting to use turn signals may be cited as careless driving. Likewise, getting pulled over for driving 20mph (or more) over the speed limit, can get you a careless driving citation.
Careless driving tickets can be very expensive since they usually include state fees, fines, and higher insurance payments.
Here’s a chart that shows the average increase in auto insurance rates for different violations:
DUI/DWI first offense: $1,131
Reckless driving: $1,046
Highway racing: $1,012
Speeding 30+ over limit: $427
Careless driving: $372
Texting while driving: $344
Distracted driving: $320
Speeding 16-29 MPH over limit: $317
Improper/illegal pass: $293
Speeding 1-15 MPH over limit: $288
Following too closely: $284
Improper turn: $281
Failure to yield: $281
Failure to stop: $272
Talking on cellphone while driving: $224
Driving without a license: $178
Driving without insurance: $143
Seatbelt infraction: $47
What is the Car Insurance Hike after a Careless Driving Ticket?
Since many variable factors determine the insurance premium of individual care, it’d be hard even for a seasoned auto insurance agent to put down the exact rate post a careless driving ticket. However, a teen driver would usually expect a higher rate than an older driver since they are considered high-risk by auto insurance companies. According to a study by Quadrant Information Services, the national average auto insurance premiums for teen drivers goes up by as much as 43% after they get two speeding tickets within three years.
Does a Recent Traffic Violation Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Things can get complicated for you if you already had a recent traffic violation or careless driving ticket. If you received a second or third violation within the past three years, you’re deemed high-risk status by your car insurance company. In the worst-case scenario, they may choose to cancel your auto insurance policy. In that case, you need to shop around and find a new policy with a high-risk insurance carrier. Please, note that switching to a new insurance policy could affect your insurance rates heavily since your newest ticket would be taken into account.
How to Protect Yourself from Careless Driving Tickets
Sincere a careless driving ticket can hit you hard financially, it’s better to learn ways to protect yourself. Here are some tips.
- Pay your insurance premiums on time. Don’t let them lapse ever.
- Follow simple traffic rules and stop getting more tickets
- If you ever get a ticket, consult a lawyer to fight it to avoid hefty insurance penalties. Paying the ticket or negotiating with the court for a lower charge, is often considered an admission of guilt
FAQs:
Is Careless Driving a Serious Offence?
Careless driving tickets are some of the most serious driving citations you will ever receive. The only violations that are more serious than careless driving are speeding 30 miles above the speed limit, racing on the highway, and drunk driving.
How to get out of a careless driving ticket?
The approach to fighting a careless driving ticket may vary from state to state. However, generally, you fight it by appearing in court and plead not guilty. If you can afford it, it’s better to hire a professional lawyer to represent you in court. Depending on the violation, you may also get out of the offense simply by attending a traffic school.
Recommended Reading: Got a Careless Driving Ticket? Here’s What You Can Do
