One of the more common rules that most Ohio drivers break is going over the speed limit. Many motorists are bound to do this no matter how high the state puts the speed limit at. They figure that even if the police catch them, the punishment would not be as severe as a hit-and-run or a DUI.
However, many underestimate that even speeding can lead to some devastating effects on their finances. It doesn’t just end with a fine. You should be aware of the different areas of your life a simple speeding ticket can affect in case you ever face these accusations.
Higher insurance rates
Paying for a speeding ticket means you are admitting guilt of your actions. After completing it, you might see your insurance rates dramatically increase. They can go up as high as 40 percent for three years from one ticket alone. This is heavily dependent on what type of insurance agent you have, so you might need to seek out a different company if the newer rates are too much for you.
Potential license suspension
In Ohio, the state suspends your license once you reach 12 points or more within 2 years. If you pay a speeding ticket, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will add points to your license correlating with how fast you were going in the area. Typically, most speeding tickets add between 2 to 4 points to your license, so it is rare for most Ohio residents to have their license suspended for speeding unless they already had multiple traffic violations prior to the ticket. If you do reach that amount, getting your license back can be a long and arduous process.
CDL reports
Ohio requires that all drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must report to their employers when they get a traffic violation. Just like with a regular license, too many points and violations can lead to a license suspension, which can be especially disastrous for someone who’s career is centered on driving. Even one traffic violation could raise some serious consequences depending on who your employer is. They could have more reason to fire you in the near-future or hold you back from advancing in your profession.
However, not everyone who receives a speeding ticket is guilty and must pay immediately. With how much potential damage just one ticket can have on your finances and career, you should seek a criminal defense attorney to help minimize or prevent the speeding penalties to the traffic court.