The True Cost of Traffic Tickets

When you get pulled over for a traffic ticket, lots of things probably run through your mind, but usually one of the first things is, “How much is this going to cost?” Most people just pay the fine and move on, but what they don’t always know is the hidden costs associated with traffic tickets. In this blog post, we’ll explain what these hidden costs are and how hiring an attorney might be in your best interest.



Although most courts don’t report fines directly to your insurance company, almost every insurance company periodically checks their insured’s traffic records and will often increase your premiums – even for just one speeding ticket. It can take years for that ticket to cycle off your insurance, so you could be paying higher premiums for a long time. Depending on the severity of the violation and your prior driving record, the amount of the premium increase can vary. Minor violations may only lead to modest hikes, but serious or multiple offenses can increase the rate drastically. Adding those costs up over the years could equal thousands of dollars. 



In Missouri, traffic violations are assigned point values depending on the offense. These points accumulate over time and if you get too many, your license can be revoked. If you get 8 points in a 2-year period, your license will be suspended for 30 days. Your license can be revoked if you get 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 24 months or 24 points within 36 months. However, even if you don’t get enough points to lose your license, your insurance company could see you as a high-risk driver. This could further increase your rates or even result in your policy being cancelled. Losing your license obviously comes with its own serious consequences for your daily life as well. Having to find rides to work, the grocery store, getting children to daycare or school or any other activity that requires you to drive can make maintaining your usual routines challenging. If you are required to drive for your job, this creates a whole other level of difficulty.



If you are required to attend a court hearing or take a defensive driving course, this could cause you to miss work, which could add more costs. Many employers perform background checks, including driving records, when determining whether to hire someone. Accumulating points could impact your employment opportunities in the future. On top of all that, traffic tickets can be very stressful. Not knowing exactly what the consequences are to your ticket can lead to anxiety and affect your mental well-being. 

While it might seem at first that hiring an attorney will only make the process more expensive, you might be surprised it could actually reduce your costs. Often, a skilled and experienced attorney can negotiate reduced charges that are zero points and therefore won’t affect your insurance premiums or driving record. With an attorney on your side, they can deal with the headache of court process and help you achieve a better outcome. Also, it can alleviate the concern of potential impacts on your current or future employment. At Finder Law, LLC, our attorney has represented countless clients with traffic violations in mid-Missouri. Don’t let a ticket derail your life; contact us today for expert guidance and representation.