How Much Does A Traffic Ticket Really Cost?

Nobody wakes up and thinks to themselves, “I’m gonna go get a traffic ticket today”. Unfortunately, it happens to just about everyone at one point or another. Whether it’s your first ticket or your third, you probably know the feeling of sitting in your car wondering, “How much is this ticket going to cost?”

There are a lot of factors that can affect the cost of a traffic ticket, especially in Michigan. Extra fines and penalties can be confusing and overwhelming. However, there are a few basics that will help you prepare yourself for a ticket and how much you can expect it to cost you after everything is added up. How much does a traffic ticket really cost? Here’s what you need to know.

Fines And Other Penalties

The first cost you need to be prepared for is that of your traffic ticket itself. Depending on what type of ticket you received, the amount will vary. Furthermore, depending on the district where you received your ticket, you may end up paying more or less for the initial cost.

For example, a ticket in Detroit or Lansing may cost more than a ticket in a smaller city like Caspian or Grant. The initial cost of your ticket will be posted on the citation itself. However, here is a brief estimate of each violation and its cost as it would appear in Detroit.

  • Speeding 1-5 MPH over the limit: $90
  • Speeding 26+ MPH over limit: $155 + $4 per additional mile
  • Failure to signal: $95
  • Failure to stop for a school bus: $180
  • Improper U-turn: $100

As you can see, the amount will vary greatly depending on the initial infraction. If you have questions about a specific violation or how much it may cost, reach out to your local district court. It’s always better to be informed than to potentially miss a cost or payment.

Understanding The Point System

Aside from the initial cost of a traffic violation, you also need to be aware of the point system and how it can impact your insurance rates. Traffic points are designed to serve as a sort of ranking system regarding your driving abilities.

Depending on the infraction, a certain number of points will be placed on your driving record. The more points you accumulate, the more you may end up having to pay over time. Certain infractions result in a different number of points. For example, a ticket for going 1-5mph over the limit will result in 1 point, whereas 26+mph will result in 4 points.

Traffic points typically remain on your record for up to 2 years. However, some points can be removed through the completion of a driver improvement course, which would then in turn further impact the total cost of your ticket. 

Auto Insurance Rates

Everyone knows that traffic tickets will affect your insurance rates. But not everyone understands how. Your driving record is one of the key aspects that insurance companies look at when deciding your insurance rates.

Remember, every time you get a ticket, you also get points on your system that your insurance company will be able to see. The more tickets and points your rack up over time, the greater your insurance cost will be.

It’s even possible that with enough points, your insurance provider will drop you from their coverage, forcing you to look for and pay a new provider. Michigan requires auto insurance to legally drive, so losing your provider is a costly mistake.

Insurance costs will change not only according to your points but also according to your infraction. In Michigan, there are 26 different traffic tickets, each with its own insurance penalties.

Be sure to research your specific violation to gain a better understanding of how it may affect your insurance rates. This will help you prepare for a potentially unforeseen cost.

Loss Of License

Depending on the severity of your infraction, or a high accumulation of traffic points, you could potentially lose your driver’s license. Infractions such as a DUI, evading an officer, or a hit and run could all result in the loss of your license.

In Michigan, if your license is suspended, you will have a start date, as well as an end date to your suspension. Once that designated period of time is over, you will be allowed to go to the local Secretary of State branch office and pay a reinstatement fee.

However, if your license is revoked, you will have to wait an entire year before you’re allowed to reapply. If you lose it again, you’ll have to wait at least 5 more years before another reapplication. Application fees and court costs can quickly add up to a much greater amount than your initial ticket.

How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Really Cost?

Depending on the severity of your infraction, how many other tickets and points you have, and how it affects your driving license, your cost could range from less than $100 to thousands of dollars.

To determine the total cost of a traffic ticket, you must consider the individual costs that may be affected. Consider your insurance provider, your driving record, and your infraction. That will give you a good idea of what you can expect your ticket to cost you in the long run.

If you’re unclear about your ticket or how it could affect you and your driving record, reach out to a traffic expert today for guidance. There are companies that make it their mission to provide help and support to those who have received tickets for traffic violations. In the end, hiring appropriate and qualified traffic court representation may end up saving you money.

Got A Ticket? We Can Help!

At Traffic Court Buddy, we know that traffic tickets can quickly add up in cost and end up becoming overwhelming. We believe that everyone should have access to affordable traffic court representation. Our team of attorneys received training as former Traffic Court Clerks in one of Michigan’s busiest District courts, giving us the unique ability to offer insight and guidance that other attorneys can’t. If you need help protecting your driving record, contact us today!