Cell Phone Tickets: Insurance Premiums And Costly Consequences

Texting while driving is illegal in almost every state and can have serious consequences for your insurance premiums. If you are caught using your phone while driving, you may face fines, and your insurance rates may increase. The impact on your insurance will depend on the state you are in, your driving record, and your insurance company's policies. In some states, a cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation, which can result in points on your driver's license and higher insurance rates. To avoid these risks, it is best to put your phone away and stay focused on the road.

Texting and driving ticket fines

Texting and driving is illegal in almost every state, and fines vary depending on the state and the number of offenses. In California, for example, a ticket for texting and driving could result in a minimum fine of $162, with increased fines for subsequent offenses. In Colorado, it is punishable by a $300 fine and four points on the motorist's driving record. In Connecticut, the fine is $200 for a first offense, $375 for a second, and up to $625 for three or more violations.

The cost of a ticket for texting and driving in Iowa is $100 plus court costs, while in Kansas, it will cost $60 plus court costs. In Kentucky, the fine is $25 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense, in addition to three demerit points. Louisiana charges $175 for the first offense and $500 for each offense after that. Maryland charges a maximum of $83 for a first offense, $140 for a second, and $160 for a third.

Texting and driving fines in Minnesota start at $120 for a first offense and over $300 for subsequent offenses, while in Mississippi, the fine is $100. Missouri only imposes texting while driving rules on those under 21 years of age and commercial drivers, with an $85 fine and two license demerit points. Nebraska charges $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for each additional offense, plus three demerit points. Nevada charges $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second within seven years, and $250 for any additional offenses within that period.

The fines for texting and driving in Oregon can be as high as $1,000, while in Pennsylvania, the fine is $50 for a first offense. In Rhode Island, the fine is up to $100 for a first offense, and in South Carolina, it is $25. South Dakota prohibits the use of mobile devices while driving and imposes a $100 fine for violations. In Tennessee, the fine is $50 plus court fees of up to $10, and in Texas, the fine is up to $99 for a first offense.

In addition to the fines, a texting and driving ticket can also increase your car insurance premiums, depending on your insurer and the laws in your state. It is considered a moving violation in most states and can result in points being added to your driver's license, which can further impact your insurance rates and even lead to a license suspension.

How cell phone tickets affect insurance rates

Using a cell phone while driving is illegal in almost every state, with the exceptions of Montana and Missouri, where it is only illegal for drivers under 21. In states where it is illegal, a ticket for using a cell phone while driving will be considered a moving violation. This will impact your insurance rates, though the extent of the impact will depend on your insurer and the laws in your state.

In most states, texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning that a law enforcement officer can give a driver a ticket for this offense alone. A cell phone ticket will also result in points on your driver's license, and too many points can result in a driver's license suspension.

If you get a ticket for texting while driving, your car insurance rates might go up, depending on your insurance company and the laws in your state. In California, for example, rates increase by an average of 51% after a texting-while-driving ticket. However, in Idaho and North Carolina, car insurance rates remain unchanged after a ticket for texting.

To avoid higher insurance premiums, it is best to avoid using your cell phone while driving. This will also help to keep yourself and other drivers on the road safe.

State laws on cell phone usage while driving

State laws vary on cell phone usage while driving, and these laws can impact insurance rates. Texting while driving is illegal in almost every state, except Montana, which has no law, and Missouri, where it is only illegal for those under 21. In most states, it is considered a primary offense, meaning police can pull drivers over for this action alone. However, Alabama also does not consider it a primary offense.

Some states, such as Idaho and North Carolina, do not change insurance rates after a ticket for texting while driving, while others, like New York, see an increase of 9%. In some states, a cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation, which can result in points on a driver's license and affect insurance rates. Kentucky, for example, adds three points for a cell phone ticket.

While no state bans all cell phone use for all drivers, 24 states prohibit talking on a handheld cell phone. Thirty-six states and Washington, D.C., ban all cell phone use by newer drivers, and 19 states and Washington, D.C., prohibit any cell phone use by school bus drivers if children are present. Some states, like Ohio, only ban handheld use beyond a "one-swipe rule."

Local authorities in certain states, such as Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma, have been prohibited from enacting their own laws regarding cell phone use. However, some localities, including Hampton, Virginia, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, have enacted their own restrictions.

Cell phone tickets and driver's license points

Texting while driving is illegal in almost every state and can have serious consequences, including raising your car insurance premiums and adding points to your driver's license. The impact on insurance premiums varies depending on the insurer's policies, driving history, state, and the severity of the offence.

In most states, texting while driving is a primary offence, meaning police can pull drivers over for that reason alone. A cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation in most states, and insurance companies treat it like any other minor ticket. However, some states, such as Idaho and North Carolina, do not change insurance rates after a ticket for texting. Additionally, Montana has no law prohibiting texting while driving, and in Missouri, it is only illegal for drivers under 21.

The number of points added to a driver's license for a cell phone ticket varies by state. For example, Kentucky adds three points to a driver's license for a cell phone ticket. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. In New York, drivers must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee if they accumulate six or more points within 18 months. If a driver in New York accumulates 11 points in 18 months, their license may be suspended.

To avoid points on their license, drivers in some states, such as California, can choose to attend traffic school instead. By completing a course at a DMV-licensed traffic school, drivers can prevent points from appearing on their record and avoid insurance rate increases.

Risks of distracted driving

Distracted driving is a very risky behaviour that can lead to fatal car crashes. Distractions can cause a driver to miss critical events, objects, and cues, or cause them to abandon control of their vehicle, all of which can potentially lead to a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), looking down to read a text is the equivalent of driving blind. Even if it's just for a few seconds, you can't know if the car in front of you has suddenly braked or if another car has pulled out in front of you.

The biggest cause of distracted driving is usually the driver's cell phone. Texting while driving is illegal in almost every state, and in most states, it is considered a primary offense, meaning a law enforcement officer can give a driver a ticket for this action alone. A cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation in most states, and will likely affect your insurance premiums. The amount of the ticket will vary by state, as well as whether it is your first distracted driving violation.

Distracted driving also includes other actions such as talking on the phone while holding it in your hand, and putting on makeup in the car. In some states and cities, laws ban drivers from using handheld phones but allow hands-free use. However, research has concluded that hands-free cell phones offer no significant safety benefits over handheld phones.

To avoid distracted driving, it is recommended to put your cell phone in the glove box, on the back seat, or in the trunk. You can also place your phone in "do not disturb" mode, or pull over to a safe place to answer a call or text.

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