How Long Does A Speeding Ticket Stay On Record? (2025)

What to Do if You Get a Speeding Ticket

If you get a speeding ticket, you can either fight it or pay it. But choosing between these two options can be a difficult decision.

There are some cases where it may be worth fighting a ticket, such as the following:

• You already have points on your record and one more ticket will result in license suspension
• You know you didn’t commit the violation
• The ticket you’re given contains errors
• You only committed the violation to avoid an accident

On the other hand, choosing to pay the ticket is often a wiser option over investing the time and energy necessary to successfully fight it. Furthermore, the attorney fees you may pay to fight the ticket may exceed the cost of the ticket itself.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ticket From a Speed Camera?

Many states rely on speed cameras to catch speeding drivers. If you get caught by one of these, you can expect to receive a speeding ticket in the mail within 14 days. If you don't want to wait that long, you might be able to look up your speeding camera ticket online. Some states allow you to pay online as well.
If you're wondering whether these types of automated enforcement methods are allowed where you live, check out this guide on whether speed traps are legal in different states.

If You Pay a Ticket, Does It Go on Your Record?

Some people mistakenly think that traffic tickets disappear once you pay them. Unfortunately, that is not the case. When you pay a ticket, you’re effectively admitting guilt, which means any tickets will go on your driving record before you pay it and stay there after you do so, too.

You also might wonder what happens if you don't pay a speed camera ticket. The answer depends on where you live. Some states may issue a warrant for your arrest, while other states may send the debt to collections, where it can damage your credit.

What Is the Impact of Speeding Tickets on License Points?

The answer depends on where you live. If you live in one of the many states that use a driver’s license point system, a speeding ticket is likely to add points to your license.

In some cases, you may have more points added for offenses that involve excessive speeding. However, speeding tickets usually don’t add as many points as very serious offenses like reckless driving or DUI.

However, keep in mind that even if your state does not use a point system, it still keeps track of your driving record. Many states maintain databases of traffic offenses and accidents.

How Much Does Insurance Increase After a Speeding Ticket?

To an insurer, a speeding ticket is a sign that you may be more likely to cause an accident. As such, receiving one can cause a major increase in your insurance premiums. Estimates vary, but many experts believe that for your first speeding ticket, you can expect your insurance to increase by about 18%. Subsequent tickets result in steeper increases: For a second ticket, your premiums can rise more than 30%.

How to Save on Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket

If you’ve just gotten a speeding ticket, you may be dreading the likely insurance rate increase. You can’t undo the ticket, but you might be able to reduce your insurance premiums another way:

Go to Traffic School

Some states allow you to attend traffic school to remove points from your license. This option is available for many types of traffic tickets.

See if Your Insurer Offers Usage-Based Insurance

Many of the largest insurance companies in the U.S. offer usage-based insurance (UBI) for drivers. This usually involves using a tracking device to monitor your mileage and driving behaviors. This can be a way to lower premiums, but if you drive many miles a day or have risky driving habits, it could backfire.

Boost Your Credit Score

Many insurance companies will take your credit score into account when setting your insurance premiums. Not all states allow this practice, but if yours does, working on your credit might help you save on insurance.

Change Your Coverage

Sometimes, making changes to your policy can lower your premium. For instance, if you raise your deductible, your premium will decrease. However, when your deductible is high, you pay more in the event of a claim.

Shop Around

If your insurance premiums go up significantly after a speeding ticket, it might be worth getting quotes from a few other insurers. If any other insurance companies can offer you significant savings over what you’re paying now, it might be worth the switch.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record?

Each state is free to set its own laws regarding the length of time a speeding ticket stays on your record. Although many states keep tickets on your record for three to five years, your speeding ticket could be on your driving record as briefly as one year. However, a few states keep speeding tickets on a permanent driving record.

Here is a look at how long each state retains records of speeding tickets:

Data updated in August 2025. Source: USNEWS

How to Remove Points From Your Driving Record

Fortunately, you may not have to wait for years for the points from a speeding ticket to come off your record, as many states offer “point reduction” programs. Usually, these programs require you to take a defensive driving course or attend traffic school.

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