Aspeeding ticket in Pennsylvania may seem like no big deal, but speeding is one of the top reasons the state is one of the worst in the country for traffic fatalities. According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports, 415 fatalities from accidents attributed to speeding occurred in the state.
This high-risk behavior should not be taken lightly. Besides the dangers that could result from driving too fast, a Pennsylvania speeding ticket increased the average cost of car insurance by 30%, according to Bankrate’s 2021 study of quoted annual premiums.
What is the cost of a Pennsylvania speeding ticket?
Pennsylvania’s speeding ticket costs depend on the driver’s speed. The state has a fine scale for speeding based on the posted speed. The speed limit for Pennsylvania highways is 65 or 70. You could be charged between $44.50 to $102.50 for driving six miles per hour slower or more. Additional fees include $75 for the first offense, $150 for the second, $300 for the third, and $450 for the fourth. Additional surcharges may also apply, ranging from $45 to $70 depending on the amount of speed you exceed.
School and work zones require extra caution. Speed tolerances in work zones are not available and fines can be doubled. This means that a speed limit of one mile may be sufficient to result in you being pulled over for speeding. A fine of $35 for driving 11 mph faster than the 25 mph speed limit within a school zone is applied, along with an additional $2 per mile above the five mph limit. If the speed exceeded 11 mph, motorists can be ticketed and subject to a $500 fine. In addition, they could also receive three Pennsylvania insurance points.
Drivers who are caught driving without insurance will be subject to heavy fines.
- If convicted of driving more than 10 mph per hour or more than the posted speed limit, you will be held responsible for 15 days
- They were cited for driving at unsafe speeds and infractions of the law for 15 days after they caused an accident in an active work zone.
- If they are cited for speeding in school zones 11 miles per hour and more, they will be cited again for 60 days
What does it cost to increase your insurance after getting a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania
Your insurance premiums could be affected if you are cited for speeding. You could receive Pennsylvania insurance points as a penalty, which your insurance carrier will see on your driving record.
A driver’s age and gender typically impacts a car insurance base rate due to statistics showing how much more likely a male vs. female driver or younger vs. older driver causes a serious crash. Pennsylvania is one of many states that doesn’t allow gender to be used in calculating car insurance premiums. Therefore, men and women will receive comparable rates, with all other factors being equal. The following chart shows how speeding affects premiums.
As you can see, speeding tickets could end up costing you more than the fine. You will see an increase in your premiums. Avoiding financial hardship by driving safely and defensively is the best option.
How to reduce your car insurance following a Pennsylvania speeding ticket
If you have been cited, it may be impossible to reverse the clock. You may be able to find ways to lower your car insurance costs after getting a speeding ticket. These are some ways to lower your car insurance rates.
Get estimates from other car insurance providers
Some carriers are more friendly to speeding tickets than others. You can find cheaper car insurance if your premiums go up.
Before you decide to switch carriers, make sure you review customer service reviews and the coverage options.
Register for defensive driving courses
A lot of car insurance companies offer discounts for taking a defensive driving course. Most approved courses can be completed online in a matter of days. You’ll learn skills and techniques that will make driving safer and could see your premiums drop.
Telematics enrollment
Many insurance companies now offer driving monitoring programs to monitor your driving habits. You can lower your car insurance premiums by enrolling in the program and downloading the tracking app.
Additional speeding ticket considerations
In Pennsylvania, more than one moving violation or speeding ticket in a short time can lead to more problems than expensive fines and an increase on vehicle insurance.
Depending on the speed you drove, penalty points for speeding can be between two and five. Once you have six points or more on your record or were fined with excessive speeding well over the limit, your license may be suspended until you take a special driving test. To review your record, you may be required to appear before a judge.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for drivers who have been cited for speeding?
The best car insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets depend on your own personal factors. According to Bankrate’s study, Progressive, Auto-Owners and Erie had the lowest increases after a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania.
What amount of Pennsylvania car insurance do you need?
Pennsylvania car insurance laws require all drivers to have a minimum of liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury/death and $5,000 for property damage, as well as PIP coverage, which requires a minimum of $5,000 in medical benefits.
If I am cited for speeding in Pennsylvania, will I be eligible to receive Pennsylvania car insurance points?
The state does not penalize you with points if the moving violation happened in another state. You may be subject to increased car insurance rates and you will still need to pay the ticket.
