CarInsurance.com Insights
- Risky driving is on the rise, with a 17% increase in total violations. Violations raise costs for everyone.
- Smartphone use is the most significant driver behind the increase, with distracted driving violations surging by 50% from 2023 to 2024.
- Major offenses like DUI or reckless driving can nearly double insurance rates.
Auto insurance claims data reveal an uptick in high-risk driving behaviors across the United States.
Driving violations across the country have increased 17% year-over-year, driven by a 16% rise in major speeding violations and a 25% surge in minor speeding infractions, according to the 2025 LexisNexis US Auto Insurance Trends Report.
“It started during COVID,” says Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications for the Insurance Information Institute. “There were less cars on the road, but the people who were driving were going nuts. There were more fatalities and more severe accidents.”
These behaviors contributed to more accidents, injuries, and fatalities, translating to higher insurance costs and potential policy changes. Insurance premiums are calculated based on risk and a history of dangerous driving, including violations and accidents.
The increase in risky driving raises insurance costs for everyone, as companies adjust their rates to offset the higher frequency and severity of claims.
What the data show about rising driving violations
Dangerous driving habits, such as distracted driving and speeding, are rising across the U.S., surpassing pre-pandemic levels. And traffic violations have steadily increased every year since 2021.
The NHTSA reported that traffic fatalities in 2024 decreased by 3.8% from 2023 to 39,345. However, this is “still 11% higher than the average for the decade preceding COVID, signaling that traffic safety continues to be a major concern throughout the United States,” according to the 2025 LexisNexis US Auto Insurance Trends Report.
The most notable increase has been in distracted driving, largely because of the widespread use of smartphones. In 2023, an estimated 324,819 people were injured and 3,275 were killed in distracted-driving-related crashes – 13% of all crashes.
Other trends:
- Major speeding violations rose 16% since the fourth quarter of 2023 (38% higher since 2019)
- Minor speeding violations climbed 25% since the fourth quarter of 2023 (21% higher since 2019)
- DUI violations grew 8% over 2023 levels
Major vs. minor violations: What’s the difference?
When it comes to moving violations, there’s a big difference between minor and major offenses, which is an important distinction when it comes to your driving record and insurance premiums. The difference boils down to the severity of the offense and the risk it poses to public safety.
Minor violations are typically less severe and often result in fines, but usually don’t carry the threat of jail time or a suspended license for a first offense. Examples include:
- Speeding slightly over the limit
- Failing to signal
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Having an expired registration
Although these violations seem minor, repeated infractions can indicate a driver is developing risky habits, something insurers pay close attention to.
Major violations are serious offenses that pose a danger to others on the road and can lead to hefty fines, license suspension or revocation or jail time. Common examples are:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Excessive speeding
Insurance companies use driver records to assess risk levels and determine premium costs.
Multiple minor violations in a short time can add up, alerting an insurer that the driver is becoming a liability. Insurers will raise rates for these drivers to offset the increased risk of a claim.
How driving violations impact car insurance rates
Driving violations have a direct impact on car insurance rates because they alert insurers that a driver is high risk. The more severe and frequent the violation, the higher the premium increase.
The classification of violations as major or minor determines how much of a risk a driver is. Major violations, which include serious offenses like DUI and reckless driving, have the biggest impact on premiums.
Minor violations, such as a single speeding ticket, have a smaller effect, but a history of them can still lead to a substantial rate hike. Insurers use data from your motor vehicle record to assess your risk level, and a violation can raise your premiums for three to five years.
For example, GEICO drivers face the steepest hike after a speeding ticket, with premiums increasing 64%, or about $1,136 more per year after a ticket. Nationwide and Travelers also impose significant increases of around 50%, while Farmers raises rates by 44%.
Severe driving violations dramatically impact car insurance rates, often more than doubling premiums. Men and women see similar surges when convicted of major offenses like DUI or reckless driving.
For example, the average annual premium for a female driver jumps from about $1,995 to $4,004 after a DUI — a 101% increase. Male drivers face nearly the same penalty, with rates climbing from $1,986 to $4,005, or a 102% increase. Reckless driving is just as costly, raising premiums by 90% for women and 91% for men, pushing average annual costs to nearly $3,800.
Repeated violations, even if they are minor, also carry steep consequences. Two speeding tickets boost rates by 57% to 58%.
Beyond violations, financial factors like credit also play a major role. Drivers with bad credit can expect their premiums to rise by 84% for women and 84% for men, landing around $3,650-$3,675 annually.
Distracted driving cases are rising the fastest
Distracted driving violations have surged in recent years, mainly because of the widespread use of smartphones and advances in in-car technology. The number of drivers with distracted driving violations increased by 50% from 2023 to 2024, according to LexisNexis.
“We are seeing safe driving tools in technology in cars, and what we’re asking the public to do is to learn how to use them correctly and not turn them off,” Ruiz said.
Despite most drivers knowing the dangers of handheld phone use, a high percentage say they read or send texts while driving, according to AAA.
Legal penalties for distracted driving vary by state. Fines can go up to $1,000 and increase for subsequent violations. Many states also impose points on a driver’s license, which can lead to license suspension or revocation. If a distracted driver causes an accident that results in injury or death, they can face misdemeanor or felony charges that could lead to jail time.
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How to avoid violations and keep insurance rates low
Maintaining a clean driving record is the best way to keep your auto insurance premiums low. Sticking to a few key habits and taking advantage of available resources will also help you avoid costly violations and demonstrate to insurers that you are a low-risk driver.
- Always practice safe driving habits — they’re the key to low insurance rates. Adhere to speed limits, avoid aggressive maneuvers like tailgating and sudden lane changes, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be mindful of distractions like using your phone, eating or adjusting your car’s navigation system while you are moving.
- Many insurance companies offer a discount for completing a certified defensive driving course. This course teaches you how to anticipate and react to hazardous road conditions and the mistakes other drivers make. However, this discount might not be available in your state or for all ages, so ask your insurer.
- Enroll in a telematics program. You can install a telematics device in your vehicle to track your driving habits. It monitors things like speed, braking, acceleration and the time of day you drive. If you consistently demonstrate safe driving behavior, your insurance company may offer a discount on your premiums.
“The folks that use telematics — and especially teen drivers — all tend to be safer drivers,” Ruiz said. “Sometimes people hesitate to get them because they don’t want someone paying attention to their every move.”
If a violation is already impacting your insurance premium, be sure to comparison shop for a new policy. Different insurance companies use different formulas to weigh violations and some are more forgiving than others.
“It’s worth comparison shopping. Companies have different appetites,” Ruiz said. “You just have to make sure you’re getting the same coverages and coverage limits you want. You really have to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving violations
What is considered a major traffic violation?
A major violation usually includes offenses like reckless driving, DUI, driving without insurance or excessive speeding (20+ miles over the speed limit). Insurance companies view these infractions as high-risk behavior, often increasing insurance premiums significantly. They may also lead to suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
How much does a speeding ticket increase insurance rates?
On average, a speeding ticket raises premiums by about 25%, depending on the insurer, state and severity of the violation. A driver’s record influences the exact increase; multiple infractions can lead to more substantial rate hikes.
Does distracted driving increase insurance costs?
Yes, many states treat distracted driving tickets as serious violations that can lead to significant premium hikes. Insurance companies view these violations, such as using a cell phone while driving, as an indicator of risky behavior, which correlates to a higher likelihood of future accidents and claims.
How long do violations stay on your driving record?
Most violations, like a speeding ticket, stay on your record for three to five years, but serious violations like DUIs can remain much longer. The duration varies by state law and the severity of the offense.
Can a defensive driving course lower my insurance after a ticket?
In many states, taking a certified defensive driving course can reduce points on your license and help lower your insurance premium. Taking a course shows the insurance provider that you are working to improve your driving skills and mitigate future risk.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- AAA. “The Truth About Distracted Driving.” Accessed December 2025.
- LexisNexis. “2025 LexisNexis US Auto Insurance Trends Report.” Accessed December 2025.
- NHTSA. “NHTSA Launches Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign.” Accessed December 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates before and after a speeding ticket. The rates are based on sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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