How a speeding ticket affects your insurance in New Jersey
Getting a speeding ticket in New Jersey is like raising the speeding rate on your car insurance. Different states and insurance companies penalize speeding differently, so the consequences may vary depending on where you live and what insurance company you have. In New Jersey, for 2023, full coverage auto insurance costs an average of $1,754 per year. However, If you've received a speeding ticket, the average rises to $1,985. In addition, you may be subject to fines and other legal penalties associated with the violation.
What is the cost of a speeding ticket in New Jersey?
According to New Jersey laws, the cost of a speeding ticket can vary based on the number of miles per hour (mph) the driver exceeds the speed limit. The average cost of a speeding ticket in New Jersey is:
Offense Amount of Fine
Speeds range from 1 to 9 mph over the limit $85
10 to 14 mph over the limit $95
15 to 19 mph over the limit $105
20 to 24 miles per hour over the speed limit $200
25 to 29 mph over the limit $220
30 to 34 mph over the limit $240
35 to 39 mph over the limit $260
The actual fine will depend on the circumstances of your ticket. If you violate the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more, your fine will be doubled, and if you speed in a construction zone, your punishment will be much greater. Depending on the severity of the violation and your previous driving record, your license may be suspended or revoked, your vehicle may be impounded and you may face jail time.
How much does your insurance increase after a speeding ticket?
Often, getting a speeding ticket in New Jersey will affect your car insurance premium. New Jersey drivers typically see a 13 percent increase in their car insurance after a speeding ticket. Age and gender can also affect auto insurance premiums. Young drivers often pay some of the highest car insurance premiums due to inexperience and risky driving behavior.
You might be surprised to learn that in New Jersey, women pay slightly more than men for their car insurance until they reach the age of 40. However, New Jersey rates are very similar between sexes, and women can expect slightly lower premiums. Increase the fine after speeding.
Average annual full coverage premium
Age Before ticket After ticket Increase %
40-year-old male $1,749 $1,983 13%
40-year-old female $1,759 $1,989 13%
Average Total $1,754 $1,985 13%
If you get a speeding ticket in New Jersey, your insurance will likely go up. Although the state can add points to your driving record, insurance companies do not use a points system to track your driving record, and license points do not translate directly into higher premiums. Instead of points, insurance companies usually issue additional charges when you get a speeding ticket.
You can expect a speeding ticket to remain on your insurance record in New Jersey for three to five years, though the exact amount of time depends on your insurance company. When it comes to a state-mandated driving record, the violation will be recorded indefinitely, but insurance companies usually have access to the last three years of a person's driving record.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in New Jersey
Speeding tickets are fairly common, but since they can be indicators of dangerous driving habits, most insurance companies will increase your premiums after a citation. However, you can take steps to lower your premiums to help offset this increase.
Get quotes from other auto insurance companies.
Different auto insurers in New Jersey rate policies differently. Some may charge a higher price for tickets than others. Comparing prices can help you find a cheaper carrier. If you can save significantly on auto insurance, it may be worth the time for you to switch companies.
Average annual full coverage premium
Insurance company Before speeding ticket After speeding ticket Increase %
All States $1,837 $2,392 30%
Amica $1,642 $1,986 21%
NJM $1,229 $1,353 10%
Progressive $1,198 $1,398 17%
Travelers $1,385 $ $1,725 25%
*Premiums are the average annual full coverage premiums for those 40+.
While price is an important aspect when it comes to car insurance, there are other factors that you may want to consider before deciding on a carrier. Reading customer reviews, analyzing third-party ratings, and visiting the carrier's website can help you learn more about the company and its insurance products.
Look for discounts
A deductible is a great way to lower your insurance premium after a speeding ticket. Do some research or talk to an agent to see what discounts are available for which you may qualify.
Ask about the telematics discount: Not only can installing a telematics device in your car save money on your car policy, it can also help promote safer driving habits.
Driving Safely: Updating your driving skills frequently results in future savings, such as claims-free or safe driving discounts.
Buying multiple products from the same insurance company: Combining your home and car can often result in significant savings on your policy.
Prepay: Paying your premium in full instead of in installments can get you a discounted rate.
Other considerations for speeding
New Jersey uses a points-based system for tracking motorcycle traffic violations. Points depend on the severity of the speeding offense.
- Exceeding the speed limit by one to 14 mph: 2 points
- 15 to 29 miles per hour over the speed limit: 4 points
- 30 mph or more over: 5 points
- Highway Race: 5 points
If you get 12 or more points on your record, your license can be suspended. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will send you a notification in the mail when you get close to 12 points and may recommend you to take a driver improvement course.
Depending on your circumstances at the time your ticket was issued, you could potentially face fines, suspension of your license, and court appearances. If you were a repeat offender or your offense was serious enough, you could face jail time.
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