In South Carolina, being fined for a traffic offense is associated with numerous penalties. Not only do violators have to pay the fine, but they may also have to participate in driving school and defend themselves in court. However, one consequence that many drivers dismiss is the effect that the traffic fine will have on their insurance premiums.

Serious Traffic Offenses

Just as all traffic violations have different fines attached to them, different driving violations impact insurance rates in varying ways. However, some of the traffic offenses that can have a severe impact on a driver’s insurance premiums include the following:

• Reckless driving—generally speaking, when a driver engages in reckless driving, he or she intentionally ignores the safety of other drivers, pedestrians and property in the surrounding area. Although speeding is often associated with reckless driving, a person can still exhibit reckless behavior behind the wheel of a vehicle without exceeding the speed limit.

• Speeding –not only is speeding one of the most common traffic offenses, but it is also a violation that can significantly impact car insurance rates. However, it is important to keep in mind that the speed of the driver at the time of the offense plays a large role in the severity of the fine and its impact on the person’s insurance rate. For example, a person going 10 miles over the speed limit may only experience a slight increase in his or her insurance rate, while a person going 25 miles or more over the speed limit may notice a drastic difference in his or her insurance premiums.

• Running a red light—intentionally going through an intersection when the light is red is illegal in South Carolina and in all other parts of the country. A driver who disobeys this law may find that his or her car insurance premiums are greatly affected.

Additionally, those who operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above 0.08 and receive a DUI may not only find that their car insurance rates skyrocket, but that they have a difficult time finding a provider willing to offer them coverage. According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers who receive a DUI may also be required to obtain an SR-22 through their car insurance company when they are eligible to reinstate their license.

Contact an Attorney

Managing the many financial responsibilities that arise after receiving a traffic ticket in South Carolina can be overwhelming. In this situation, drivers can reach out to the attorneys at Nosal & Jeter, LLP for legal assistance.