Can You Lose Your License for a Speeding Ticket?

Though you won’t lose your license as a result of one speeding ticket, multiple violations and their severity can end up impacting you and your insurance.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
Though you won’t lose your license as a result of one speeding ticket, multiple violations and their severity can end up impacting you—in the form of demerit points, an
SR-22 requirement
, and eventually losing your license.
The majority of states use a points system to monitor your driving record and determine whether your license should be suspended or taken away. These points can also end up hiking up your
car insurance
rates over the long term.
If you are looking for car insurance after receiving a speeding ticket, the car insurance comparison shopping and broker app
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Can you lose your license for a speeding ticket?

It is possible to have your license either suspended or revoked as a result of receiving speeding violations, but when and how you are liable to losing your license is dependent on your state.
Most states use a points system, where different violations equal a certain amount of points. If a driver obtains the maximum number of points within a specified time frame, they may end up losing their license.

How the driver's license points system works

Points systems are typically determined by your local state DMV. Different traffic violations will equal different point amounts, and the severity of the violation can also increase the point amount.
For most states, a moving violation (such as speeding) will stay on your record for three years from the date of the offense.
In Florida, for example, driving 14mph or less over the speed limit will result in 3 points. Speeding which
results in a crash
will net you 6 points on your record.
Here is a table detailing the various point systems (or lack thereof) in every state.
State
License Points Warranting Suspension
Time Frame
Alabama
12
2 years
Alaska
12
1 year
Arizona
14
Any given time
Arkansas
12
1 year
California
4
1 year
Colorado
12
1 year
Connecticut
10
2 years
Delaware
12
2 years
Florida
12
1 year
Georgia
15
2 years
Hawaii
No point system
Idaho
2
1 year
Illinois
3 moving violations
1 year
Indiana
3 major offenses
10 years
Iowa
6
2 years
Kansas
No points system
Kentucky
12
2 years
Louisiana
No point system
Maine
12
1 year
Maryland
8
2 years
Massachusetts
12
Any given time
Michigan
12
2 years
Minnesota
No points system
Mississippi
No point system
Missouri
8
1.5 years
Montana
15
3 years
Nebraska
12
2 years
Nevada
12
1 year
New Hampshire
12
1 year
New Jersey
12
Any given time
New Mexico
7
1 year
New York
11
1.5 years
North Carolina
12
3 years
North Dakota
11
Any given time
Ohio
12
2 years
Oklahoma
10
5 years
Oregon
No point system
Pennsylvania
6
Any given time
Rhode Island
No point system
South Carolina
12
Any given time
South Dakota
15
1 year
Tennessee
12
1 year
Texas
8
1 year
Utah
200
3 years
Vermont
10
2 years
Virginia
18
2 years
Washington
6
1 year
West Virginia
12
Any given time
Wisconsin
12
1 year
Wyoming
No point system
Washington, D.C.
10
At any given time

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

A speeding ticket can stay on your record between 3-5 years. But the exact time frame is dependent on your state.
Remember, points are not the same thing as the ticket conviction. The points might be removed, but
the conviction is permanent
.
Key Takeaway Always check with your local DMV if you’re unsure about the points system in your state.

Does a speeding ticket impact your insurance premium?

Car insurance companies don’t use the same point system as the DMV to determine your rates. Instead, they have their own internal systems that determine how much your premium will rise, depending on the severity of your violation(s).
Typically, violations that occur in the last three years will lead to higher premiums and surcharges. Insurance companies may even deny you a policy due to a poor driving record.
If you have speeding tickets or other chargeable offenses on your record, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying sky-high premiums.
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FAQs

How many points do I have on my record?

If you want to know how many points you have on your record, you’ll have to check with your state DMV.
You can typically get a copy of your official driving record report online but may need to request a version in writing.

Is there any way to lower my insurance rate if I have multiple speeding tickets?

It can be difficult to improve your record if you have several traffic violations, but it can still be helpful to shop for
car insurance quotes online
so you can find your best possible deal.
While violations on a driving record may last a few years, in some cases, taking a
defensive driving course
can help insurers to see you as less risky. It may even qualify you for future insurance discounts.
Be mindful that
switching insurance companies
doesn’t mean the surcharge from your violation will go away. It will apply until the chargeable period ends—it may just be a smaller surcharge.
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