
How a Speeding Ticket Impacts Insurance in Maryland
A speeding ticket increases car insurance rates by an average of 12 percent annually.
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Key Takeaways: Speeding Ticket & Car Insurance in Maryland
In Maryland, drivers with a speeding ticket pay an average of 12 percent more for car insurance than those with clean records.
The average annual rate for drivers with a speeding ticket in Maryland is $2,771/year, while those with clean driving records pay $2,465/year on average.
USAA and GEICO offer the best rates for drivers with a speeding ticket at $1,491/year and $1,831/year, respectively.
Most speeding violations in Maryland incur fines and points, which increase based on the severity of the violation.
There were 95 speed-related fatalities in Maryland in 2025, which accounted for 18 percent of all traffic deaths that year.1 Most speeding violations in Maryland are considered civil traffic infractions, which carry a fine. The more severe the speeding, the higher the fine, and fines also increase for speeding in work and school zones. In addition, car insurance rates usually increase as a result of a speeding violation.
How a Speeding Ticket Impacts Your Insurance in Maryland
Getting a speeding ticket in Maryland causes auto insurance rates to increase by 12 percent, or around $300 per year. USAA offers the lowest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket, but it’s only available to the military community.
GEICO has the cheapest rates for non-military drivers, while State Farm’s rates increase the least following a speeding ticket. Travelers has the most expensive rates for this driver profile, and its average premium also increases the most, almost doubling compared to its rate for drivers with clean records.
| Company | Clean record | Speeding ticket | Percentage increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,473 | $1,491 | 1% |
| GEICO | $1,614 | $1,831 | 13% |
| State Farm | $2,315 | $2,350 | 2% |
| Erie | $2,271 | $2,356 | 4% |
| Travelers | $1,772 | $2,631 | 48% |
| Maryland average | $2,465 | $2,771 | 12% |
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket can increase your car insurance premium, but there are several ways to reduce your costs over time.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Insurance companies calculate rates differently, so shopping around may help you find a lower rate when your policy renews.
- Avoid further violations. Each additional traffic violation adds points to your record (except for citations from speed cameras), so avoiding more tickets and at-fault accidents can improve your risk profile and will help lower your premium as the violation ages.
- Ask about available discounts. You may qualify for savings by bundling policies, insuring multiple vehicles, enrolling in paperless billing, or paying your premium in full. Check with your insurer to make sure you’re not missing out on any discount opportunities.
- Enroll in a telematics program. Many insurers offer usage-based insurance programs that reward safe driving habits, potentially helping offset the rate increase from a speeding ticket.
- Increase your deductible. Choosing higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage can reduce your premium, though you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Speeding Ticket Fines in Maryland
Like other states, Maryland assesses speeding fines based on the severity of the offense. For speeding, this relates to how fast over the posted speed limit the driver was going when they were pulled over. Fines increase for speeding in a work zone or near a school, which usually have lower posted speed limits. The steepest fine is $1,000 for speeding over 40 mph above the limit in a school zone.2
Most speeding violations in Maryland are considered civil traffic infractions, which result in fines and points on your license. Severe violations may qualify as misdemeanors and result in jail time. The following table shows the fines and points incurred if you’re pulled over for speeding.
| Violation | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit | $80 | 1 |
| 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit | $90 | 2 |
| 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit | $160 | 2 |
| 30 to 39 mph over the speed limit | $290 | 6 |
| 40+ mph over the speed limit | $530 | 6 |
| 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $290 | 1 |
| 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $300 | 2 |
| 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $370 | 2 |
| 30 to 39 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $500 | 6 |
| 40+ mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $740 | 6 |
| 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit in a school zone | $120 | 1 |
| 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit in a school zone | $140 | 2 |
| 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit in a school zone | $270 | 2 |
| 30 to 39 mph over the speed limit in a school zone | $540 | 6 |
| 40+ mph over the speed limit in a school zone | $1,000 | 6 |
If speeding leads to an accident, the fines and points listed above may increase. For example, driving 20 mph over the speed limit and causing an accident would lead to a fine of $200 and three points on your record.
Speeding Camera Fines
If you’re caught speeding by a camera, there is a different tier system for fines. Speed citations from cameras are considered civil penalties and carry a lower fine than what you would incur from being pulled over by a police officer, and they do not add points to your license.3
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| 12 to 15 mph over the speed limit | $40 |
| 16 to 19 mph over the speed limit | $70 |
| 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit | $120 |
| 30 to 39 mph over the speed limit | $230 |
| 40+ mph over the speed limit | $425 |
| 12 to 15 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $60 |
| 16 to 19 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $80 |
| 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $140 |
| 30 to 39 mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $270 |
| 40+ mph over the speed limit in a work zone | $500 |
If workers are present when the vehicle is caught speeding, which is indicated by flashing lights in the work zone, the fines are doubled.4
Other Consequences of a Speeding Ticket in Maryland

Maryland drivers face progressive penalties including license suspension or revocation based on the number of points accumulated on their record. Title Text: Speeding Ticket Points and Penalties in Maryland
As mentioned above, speeding violations for which the driver is pulled over by police will not only incur a fine, but points will also be added to their record. If you accrue a certain amount of points within a two-year period, you will face the following consequences:
- 3 to 4 points: The MVA will send you a warning letter.
- 5 to 7 points: You will be required to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP).
- 8 to 11 points: Your license will be suspended.
- 12 or more points: Your license will be revoked.
You can check your current point total anytime by viewing your driving record through your myMVA account.
In Maryland, insurers can only consider violations up to three years old when determining your rates.5
What to Do After a Speeding Ticket in Maryland
Receiving a speeding ticket in Maryland can result in fines, points on your driving record, and potentially higher insurance premiums. Here’s what to do if you receive a speeding citation.
Check the citation for accuracy
Review all the information on the ticket, including the alleged violation, location, and court or payment deadlines. Traffic violations will either be categorized as “payable” or “must appear.” The latter is used for severe violations such as DUIs and requires you to appear in court. Speeding tickets are usually payable violations, meaning you can pay the fine without going to court.
Decide on your course of action
Payable violations can be resolved in one of four ways:
- Pay the full fine, which is considered an admission of guilt. The conviction will be reported to the MVA once it’s processed by the court, and points will be added to your record according to the violation.
- Request a payment plan — this option is available if you have at least $150 in outstanding fines.
- Request a waiver hearing to plead “guilty with an explanation.” You’ll need to write a short explanation about what happened, upload any evidence you have, and ask for a lower penalty. Depending on your county, you may be able to do this online and receive a decision without going to court.
- Ask for a trial to plead not guilty.
Meet all deadlines
Whether you choose to pay the fine or appear in court, responding by the deadline can help you avoid other consequences. If you do not comply with any of the options listed above within 30 days of receiving your citation, you may have your license suspended.6
Compare insurance quotes if your rates increase
Insurance companies evaluate speeding violations differently, so shopping around after a ticket may help you find more affordable coverage.
Taking prompt action after a speeding ticket and maintaining a clean driving record going forward can help minimize both the legal and financial consequences of the violation.
Recap
A speeding ticket in Maryland leads to an average increase in car insurance rates of 12 percent annually. It may also lead to points on your driving record, depending on whether it came from a speeding camera or a police officer.
While the impact varies based on the severity of the violation and your insurer, maintaining a clean driving record and comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help keep your costs down. Understanding Maryland’s traffic laws and point system can also help you make informed decisions after receiving a speeding ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
The impact of a single speeding ticket on your insurance depends on factors such as how far over the speed limit you were driving, any previous violations, and your insurance company. Some companies are more forgiving of a first minor speeding violation, while others may impose a larger increase. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers after a ticket can help you find the most affordable rate.
Your insurance may increase if you get three points added to your record, but it depends on what the points are for. If the violation that resulted in three points is a speeding ticket or another moving violation, your insurance rates could increase at your next renewal, but the size of the increase depends on factors such as your driving history and the severity of the offense. Drivers with an otherwise clean record may see a smaller increase than those with multiple violations or previous claims.
Driving 20 mph over the speed limit in Maryland will result in a $160 fine and two points on your license if you’re pulled over. If you’re caught by a speeding camera, you’ll incur a $120 fine and no points. Fines increase if you’re going this speed in a work or school zone.
In most cases, you don’t need to immediately notify your insurance company after receiving points on your license. Your insurer usually reviews your driving record when your policy renews and should discover the violation. However, you should review your policy requirements or ask your insurer if you are unsure, as some policies may require you to report certain changes. Even if you don’t report the points yourself, a moving violation can still affect your premium when your insurer becomes aware of it.
Citations
Crash Data Dashboard. Zero Deaths Maryland – Maryland Highway Safety Office. (n.d.). https://zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/crashdashboard/
Schedule of Preset Motor Vehicle Fines. Maryland Courts. (2025). https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/court-forms/dccr090public.pdf
Maryland Issuing Steeper Fines Up to $425 for Speed Camera Citations Starting Oct. 1. NBC Washington. (2025, Sep. 29). https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/transportation/maryland-issuing-steeper-fines-up-to-425-for-speed-camera-citations-starting-oct-1/3994817/
Frequently Asked Questions. Maryland SafeZones. (n.d.). https://safezones.maryland.gov/ase/pages/faqs.aspx?PageId=6
Automobile Insurance Rates: What Impacts My Cost & What Can I Do About It?. Maryland Insurance Administration. (n.d.). https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/Automobile-Insurance-Rates.aspx
Traffic Citation Information. Maryland Courts. (n.d.). https://www.courts.state.md.us/district/selfhelp/traffic#fact


