We all do our best to obey traffic laws, but it’s always possible to make an unintended mistake. When that happens, you will most likely be stopped by a police officer, and receive what is known as a traffic citation.

You may be wondering, is a citation a ticket?

Do you have to pay fines, and does a citation go on your record?

These are all normal questions to ask if you find yourself in this predicament, or if you’re simply looking to learn more about what a citation means for your driving record and insurance rates.

What’s the difference between a citation and a ticket?

There is generally no difference between a citation and a ticket. A citation is a written record of an infraction committed while driving or while parked — a ticket is just the more common way to say it.

While there may be some exceptions, these two terms really mean the same thing: that you broke one or more traffic laws in the state and will be required to pay a fine or appear in court, sometimes both.

A citation or traffic ticket will include:

• Your name and license number
• The name of the police officer who issued the citation
• The type of violation
• Citation number (you’ll need this if you’re paying the fine online)
• Other details, like the penalty amount and how to pay it

Keep in mind, a citation is not the same thing as a warning. Warnings are notices that you should not commit a certain violation again but carry no financial penalty or require further action on your part. In most places, receiving a warning means the violation will not be reflected on your record.

Types of Citations

There may be many reasons why someone could receive a police citation, and it largely depends on the laws of their state, their driving record, and the type of violation:

• Non-moving violations. Commonly known as parking tickets, these usually refer to parking-related offenses, such as letting the meter expire or leaving your car in a no-parking zone. In most cases, nonmoving violations are not contested in court.
• Moving violations. These are associated with traffic offenses while the car is in motion or being driven. They can include things like speeding, running a red light, or even following a car too closely. Fines for moving violations tend to be high.
• Misdemeanor or criminal violations. These cases include serious felonies while driving, like driving while under the influence, driving recklessly, or committing a hit-and-run. They may require jail time in addition to fines or license suspension.

 Here are a few more common reasons for getting a traffic citation:

• Driving above or significantly below the speed limit
• Distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changing
• Driving without a valid license, or it is expired
• Failing to have valid car insurance

I got a citation; what do I do now?

Your options will depend on the type of violation and where you live, which is why it’s important to always be informed of your state or city’s traffic laws, even one you are just visiting.

First, you will be given a time frame by which to respond. During this time, you can decide which route is best for you — just make sure you don’t forget the response deadline, or you may find yourself having to pay more fines and other penalties.

In general, you typically have a few options:

• You can plead guilty and pay the required fine. In most cases, it is possible to pay online, but you may also pay by mail, phone or in person.
• You can contest the charge in court. If you are found not guilty, the violation will be removed from your record. However, if you are found guilty, you will have to pay the original fines as well as court fees, and any points would remain.
• You can enroll in a “defensive driving course.” Commonly known as traffic school, taking one of these courses will most likely be in addition to paying the fine. Doing this may, however, keep points off your license.

Always make sure to consider the cost and risk of paying a penalty versus fighting it in court. Remember also that each infraction may require different methods of resolution. If the citation included a criminal charge, for example, other steps may be required.

Most importantly, make sure to keep your citation number handy. You will most likely need to refer to it throughout this process, regardless of which route you take. The citation number on a ticket is usually found near the top right-hand corner.

Can I ignore a citation?

The short answer is, definitely not. If you’ve received a citation, action is required on your part to resolve it. Ignoring or failing to properly deal with one could result in:

• More fines
• Criminal charges
• Increased car insurance premiums

Will it appear on my record?

A citation could remain on your record for about three years, but in certain cases, it may take longer. Getting too many violations within a short time span, for example, could mean they won’t be removed for five to ten years. It also depends on the kind of citation you get, and whether or not it involves criminal charges.

So, the answer is yes, it will appear on your driving record, but as long as you’ve paid the fines, or resolved it through the court system, you can rest assured it will eventually be cleared.

What does a citation mean for my insurance rates?

Depending on how many infractions you’ve had, and what types, there is a chance your insurance premium may go up. In general, the more serious the violation, the higher the chance of a price hike. Parking tickets, for example, will probably not increase your insurance rates, but too many of those could affect your credit score, which could then cause your monthly rates to be higher when renewing your insurance.

Moving violations can cause insurance premiums to increase, especially if you’ve had several within a short time period.

The good news is, for first-time offenses, there’s a chance your premiums won’t increase. You may want to check with your insurance company to see if they have a first-time ticket forgiveness program.

When your license no longer shows the violation, you may start to see your insurance premiums go down, and may even be eligible for good driver discounts, depending on which insurance company you have.

Keep in mind also that too many citations for motor vehicle offenses can result in your insurance company taking the following actions against you:

• Send you a policy non-renewal. This is a written notice stating your insurance company will no longer offer you coverage in the near future, and they won’t allow you to renew it when the time comes.
• Send you an immediate letter of cancellation. This may occur if your license is suspended or revoked, possibly in the case of a criminal citation.

Citations or Tickets: Now You Know

Besides understanding that citation and ticket mean the same thing, you also now know they can be categorized into three different types: nonmoving violations, moving violations, and misdemeanor or criminal violations. Depending on your region, traffic citations can be dealt with in various ways, typically by paying the fine noted on the ticket.

Though it can be stressful to receive a citation, just know it is a fairly common experience, and that there are a few steps you can take to resolve it.

Always drive safely, aware of the traffic laws around you, and make sure your car insurance is up to date and accessible to you in case of a stop.

You need your driver’s license and proof of insurance to get your car out of impound. If the police impounded your vehicle, check your citation for the towing company’s name. You can call the towing company to find out where your vehicle is and how much it costs to get back. 

Fees and fines for getting a car out of impound will vary by state, but it can cost you between $100 and $1,000 to recover your vehicle. This guide breaks down all of the fees associated with recovering a towed vehicle, including towing and storage fees. You’ll be responsible for paying all of these fees to release your vehicle. 

There are some instances when you will not be able to get your vehicle out of impound right away, including when your car is evidence in a crime. Keep reading this guide to learn how to get a car out of impound after being towed and what to do if the police impound your car for driving without insurance.

How can I get my car out of impound?

If you’re trying to figure out how to get your car out of impound, the first step is finding out where it is. Your vehicle could have been taken by any local towing agency, depending on the reason for the tow. For example, if you were towed for illegal parking, look for signs detailing where impounded vehicles go. If there is no signage, and you don’t know why your vehicle was towed, call the police station.

To get a car out of impound, call the non-emergency police number. Then, speak with a clerk and ask if the police impounded your vehicle. You will need to give the clerk your VIN and license plate number to locate your vehicle.

The county clerk may connect you with the local parking authority to get that information. Once you know which impound lot to call, contact them and confirm your vehicle is there and what you need to recover it. Come prepared to pay $100, $1,000, or more.

It can often take 24 hours or more for paperwork to process, especially if the police towed your vehicle late at night. If the police or the parking authority can’t locate your car right away, wait a few hours and call back later. Don’t report your vehicle as stolen until you know it’s not in an impound lot.

What do I need to get my car out of impound?

To get a vehicle out of impound, you need the following documents:

• Proof of insurance
• Driver’s license
• Vehicle title
• Vehicle registration

If you lease a vehicle or have a car loan, the impound will accept your vehicle registration or lease agreement. You can also present the rental agreement if you are on vacation or have a short-term rental.

If the police arrested you when they impounded your vehicle, you might need to request a hearing and obtain a notarized power of attorney to get your car out of impound.

How much does it cost to get a car out of impound?

The cost to recover a towed vehicle varies by state, mileage, and why the vehicle was towed. The type of vehicle you own also impacts how much you pay to get your car out of impound.

In general, the fees you pay to recover your vehicle are:

• $250+ for towing
• $75+ for impound
• $100+ per day for storage
• $20+ per day for release

Often, there are multiple towing fees, such as a mileage fee for certain distances and a flatbed fee if your vehicle is undrivable. Impound lots can also charge extra for larger vehicles, and release and storage fees vary by company and state.

For example, Hawaii state laws limit towing fees to $65, while some city laws in California limit vehicle-release fees to $130. Before heading to the impound lot to recover your car, research your state laws to determine how much it will cost you.

What happens if your vehicle is stolen and impounded? Unfortunately, impound fees are the owner’s responsibility. The good news is that you can file those fees as part of your claim if you have comprehensive car insurance coverage to insure against auto theft.

Why did my car get impounded?

Vehicles get towed and impounded for several reasons. Illegal parking is one of the most common reasons cars get towed, but driving without insurance can also get your car impounded. 

Currently, 22 states have towing and impound laws that dictate when a car can be towed, seized, and impounded. Reasons why cars get impounded include:

• Driving with a license
• Driving without insurance
• Driving while intoxicated
• Refusing to take a sobriety test

If the police impound your vehicle for any of the reasons above, you will not be able to recover your vehicle right away. Some state laws require drivers to wait between 30 and 90 days before getting their cars out of impound. 

Impound lots charge daily storage fees, which are listed above. If your vehicle remains in impound for 30 days or more, and you cannot pay the fees, the impound lot may auction off your vehicle.

Will my insurance rates go up because my car was impounded?

The act of impounding your vehicle will not raise your car insurance rates, but the reason your car got impounded can raise your rates.

For example, parking illegally is a minor traffic violation and will not raise your rates, even if your vehicle gets towed. However, if the police impound your vehicle after reckless driving or driving under the influence, your insurance rates will skyrocket. Take a look at the table below to see how car insurance rates vary by driving record:

Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Driving History

Company	Clean Record	1 Accident	1 DUI	1 Speeding Violation
Allstate	$3,819.90	$4,987.68	$6,260.73	$4,483.51
American Family	$2,693.61	$3,722.75	$4,330.24	$3,025.74
Farmers	$3,460.60	$4,518.73	$4,718.75	$4,079.01
Geico	$2,145.96	$3,192.77	$4,875.87	$2,645.43
Liberty Mutual	$4,774.30	$6,204.78	$7,613.48	$5,701.26
Nationwide	$2,746.18	$3,396.95	$4,543.20	$3,113.68
Progressive	$3,393.09	$4,777.04	$3,969.65	$4,002.28
State Farm	$2,821.18	$3,396.01	$3,636.80	$3,186.01
Travelers	$3,447.69	$4,289.74	$5,741.40	$4,260.80
USAA	$1,933.68	$2,516.24	$3,506.03	$2,193.25

One speeding violation can raise your rates by $500 a year with most companies, but a DUI will double your rates with every insurer. If you’re facing car insurance quotes like these, we recommend comparing car insurance by company to find the cheapest quotes.

How to Get a Vehicle Out of Impound: The Bottom Line

No matter the reason why the police impound your vehicle, you must have the following to get it back:

• VIN and license plate number
• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ownership via title, registration, or rental agreement

You cannot get your car out of impound without these documents. Your state may require further proof, so confirm what you need with the impound company before picking up your car.

If the police impound your vehicle for driving without insurance, you can’t get it back until you buy new car insurance. Rates can get expensive when you start a new policy, so shop around with at least three different car insurance companies before you buy coverage.

If you have children or are getting ready to have children in Ohio, it’s essential to understand the laws about car seats and proper child restraint systems. In addition, if you’re in an accident, you want your child to be safe and prevent legal ramifications from not following the Ohio car seat laws.

Below, we’ll discuss Ohio car seat laws, car seat manufacturer requirements, and general safety recommendations. Keep reading below to ensure you’re restraining your child correctly.

What are the rules for children’s car seats in Ohio?

Ohio enforces children’s car seat laws to ensure children are safe in a vehicle. Ohio’s car seat laws are based on child passenger safety recommendations that consider a child’s age, height, and weight. Car seat manufacturers also have suggestions.

Ohio law requires:

• Infants and young children stay in a car seat until they are 4 years old and over 40 pounds.
• Children between the ages of 4 and 8 who are at least 40 pounds must be in a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
• Children between the ages of 8 and 15 who exceed 4 feet, 9 inches must use an adult seat belt.

Ohio car seat laws for rear-facing child restraints dictate that a child should remain in a rear-facing seat until at least 2 years old. However, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, if your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, you may move the child to a front-facing car seat.

Once your child moves to a front-facing car seat, Ohio car seat laws for front-facing child restraints require that the child remains in a car seat until they are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds, at which time you can transfer them to a booster seat. As previously stated, booster seat laws in Ohio require a child to be at least 8 years old and 4 feet, 9 inches tall before moving out of a booster seat.

When can children ride in the front seat?

Ohio does not have any specific laws against children sitting in the front seat. Therefore, Ohio car seat laws for pickup trucks would allow a child to be placed in the front seat if they are in the proper child restraint. Manufacturers do not recommend placing a car seat in the front seat or turning the air bags off if you don’t have a choice.

The American Academy of Pediatrics car seat safety recommendations suggest children should not ride in the front seat until they are at least 13 years old. In addition, you should ensure that your child has outgrown the car seat height and weight requirements from your state and car seat manufacturer before letting them sit in the front seat.

Do you need to wear your seat belt in Ohio?

Children under the age of 8 must be in a booster seat or car seat adequate for their age, height, and weight. Children between the ages of 8 and 15 must wear an adult seat belt. In addition, the driver and any passengers in the front seat must wear a seat belt.

However, Ohio state law does not require teenagers and adults over the age of 15 to wear a seat belt if they are riding in the back seat. We highly recommend that everyone wear a seat belt any time they are in a vehicle.

Is it illegal to smoke with kids in the car in Ohio?

Currently, it is legal to smoke with children in the car in Ohio. However, a Senate bill has been proposed to make it illegal to smoke with children under 6 in a vehicle. If you choose to smoke with your children in the car, you should consider the potential health hazards that secondhand smoke can present. Stay up-to-date on the laws so that you understand the legal consequences of your actions.

What are the consequences of disobeying the Ohio car seat laws?

The penalties for disobeying the Ohio car seat laws will increase with every violation.

The first violation of Ohio child car seat laws will result in a fine of between $25 and $75.

The second violation of Ohio child car seat laws may result in a $250 fine and a fourth-degree misdemeanor that could lead to 30 days in jail.

Finally, the third violation of Ohio child car seat laws may result in a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.

Where can you get help with car seats in Ohio?

If you cannot afford a child’s car seat or booster seat, the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program may provide you with a free car seat if you meet income eligibility requirements. If you’d like to learn more, contact your Ohio Passenger Safety Regional Coordinators.

You could also contact your local fire department or health care provider for a free car seat inspection to ensure that your child’s car seat is correctly installed.

Following the laws, regulations, and suggestions above will ensure that you don’t face fines, jail time, or other consequences. However, it will enhance your child’s safety if you experience an accident while in the car.

Every state has its own set of car seat laws by which visitors and residents must follow. The consequences of breaking car seat laws include fines and points added to your license, depending on the state.

Specifically, you should know the Oklahoma car seat laws if you have young kids and live in Oklahoma or are planning a trip there soon. In Oklahoma, car seat laws require children under two years old to ride in rear-facing seats, children under four in forward-facing seats, and then they move to booster seats until seven. Failure to abide by Oklahoma car seat laws could result in hefty fines.

Keep reading to learn more about Oklahoma car seat laws, including booster seat requirements, penalties, Oklahoma car seat weight laws, and more.

What are Oklahoma car seat laws for rear-facing and forward-facing seats?

If you have kids, are planning to have kids, or planning to transport kids in your vehicle as a resident of Oklahoma, it is essential to understand Oklahoma’s penalties and regulations for car seats. So let’s take a look at some of the requirements in Oklahoma for rear-facing and forward-facing seats.

Oklahoma Car Seat Laws: Rear-Facing

According to Oklahoma Highway Safety, children below two years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat. A rear-facing car seat may include a convertible car seat or an infant car seat. A child below two years old may switch out of a rear-facing car seat if they exceed the stated size limits from the seat’s manufacturer.

Rear-facing car seats are required for children and infants under two years old because they dramatically decrease the risk of injury in a collision. By design, rear-facing car seats will more evenly spread the force of a car crash across the back of the baby’s head, neck, and spine.

Oklahoma Car Seat Laws: Forward-Facing

With a convertible rear-facing car seat, you can use it as a forward-facing car seat once your child turns two or reaches a specific weight limit, which is typically around 40 pounds. In Oklahoma, children are required by law to ride in a forward-facing car seat until they reach the age of four or exceed the seat’s height and weight limit.

Although forward-facing car seats are not as safe as rear-facing car seats, keeping your child in one until they have outgrown it significantly reduces the risk of injury if you are in an accident.

What are Oklahoma booster seat requirements?

The difference between a car seat and a booster seat involves how the child is secured into the seat. With a car seat, your child is buckled in using the five-point harness attached to the car seat. Whereas with a booster seat, the child is secured using your vehicle’s seat belt.

In Oklahoma, children between the ages of four and seven are required by law to ride in a booster seat. However, children under seven may ride without a booster seat if taller than 57 inches.

Generally, once your child is eight years old and taller than 57 inches, they may ride in the backseat without a booster seat in Oklahoma.

Keep in mind that an adult seat belt is made to restrain an adult male of 165 pounds, and letting your child out of a booster seat too soon increases the risk of them getting injured in an accident. In this case, it is better to err on the side of caution than to put your child at risk of significant injury.

What are Oklahoma car seat laws for the front seat?

Interestingly, there are no specified laws in Oklahoma for when kids are allowed to ride in the front seat of your car. However, many car manufacturers recommend that kids not ride in the front seat until they are at least 13 years old.

Seat belts typically use our skeletons’ two most vital points to secure us in a car crash, the hips and rib cage. Even though a child under the age of 13 may seem significant in stature externally, their hips are not fully developed until around 13. Meaning a crash could cause more severe damage to the child’s hips in the front seat than in the back.

Again, it is always better to play on the safe side when transporting your kids in a vehicle. Even though Oklahoma has no specific law regarding how old kids have to be to ride in the front seat, use your discretion with their safety in mind.

What are the penalties for breaking Oklahoma car seat laws?

As with any law in any state, there are penalties for breaking Oklahoma car seat laws. Specifically, if you are pulled over for violating any Oklahoma car seat laws, you can face fines up to $208. However, there are no points added to your license for a car seat law offense, as far as we know.

Because Oklahoma also requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts at all times in a car, breaking a seat belt law may result in fines starting at $20 for a first offense.

You should also be aware that your Oklahoma car insurance rates may increase after being ticketed for breaking a car seat law. Most car insurance companies raise monthly rates for cited traffic violations, including breaking an active car seat law.

The best way to minimize the risk of a car seat law fine is not to break the law in the first place. It is always in your and your children’s best interests to adhere to Oklahoma car seat laws whenever you are riding in a car.

Oklahoma Car Seat Laws: The Bottom Line

Oklahoma car seat laws, like other laws, are put in place to ensure the safety of your children and prevent you from dealing with significant injuries from an accident. Car seat laws can sometimes be inconvenient, but abiding by them guarantees optimal safety for your child and keeps you from paying hefty fines.

Children two years and younger are required by Oklahoma car seat laws to ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children between the ages of two and four are required to sit in a forward-facing seat, while children between four and seven are required to ride in a booster seat.

There are no laws requiring a minimum age limit to ride in the front seat, but many manufacturers recommend a person be at least 12 years old.

An exception to the age range of Oklahoma car seat laws applies if the child exceeds the car seat manufacturer’s height and weight limits.

Penalties for not adhering to Oklahoma car seat laws involve fines up to $208, although points should not be added to your license. However, the most significant penalty you face when breaking a car seat law is putting your child or children at risk of major injury.

It is important to note that your car insurance rates could increase after being pulled over and ticketed for breaking a car seat law. So, even though a direct penalty of breaking an Oklahoma car seat law is not heavy, your car insurance rates could be affected.

Before you drive any children in Oklahoma, make sure you understand Oklahoma car seat laws and follow them correctly.

Getting your learner’s permit is one of the first steps to driving legally in your state and getting your actual driver’s license. In order to get your learner’s permit, you will likely have to pass a written test, though the requirements to get a permit vary from one state to the next.

If you’ve been wondering, “Can you drive by yourself with a permit?” the answer depends on where you live. While most states require someone with a learner’s permit to have a fully licensed driver in the vehicle at all times, some states allow individuals with learner’s permits to drive by themselves.

As you start your journey to becoming a fully licensed driver, it’s also a good idea to shop around for car insurance. The best way to do this is to consult a car insurance guide to help you find and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies online to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

You can use our free quote tool above to find cheap car insurance rates for new drivers in your area today.

Can I drive alone without a permit?

In most U.S. states, you cannot drive alone with a permit. Instead, you are required to have a fully licensed driver in the car with you at all times. Most of the time, the licensed driver must be at least 18 years of age. Occasionally, the individual must be at least 23 or older.

The following states allow for individuals with a learner’s permit to drive by themselves:

• California
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Vermont

If you happen to live in one of the states listed above, you should not assume this means you can drive wherever and whenever you want. Most states that allow individuals with permits to drive alone first require them to get a certain number of hours behind the wheel while accompanied by a fully licensed driver or driving instructor.

Your best option as someone with a learner’s permit is to drive while being supervised by a fully licensed driver who can help you learn the ropes and make sure you don’t get into dangerous or unfortunate situations.

Who can be in the car with a learner’s permit driver?

We have established that you should have a licensed driver with you in your vehicle, but can anyone else ride with you if you’re driving with your permit?

Individual states have specific laws about this, so you’ll want to check with your state to see whether you can have friends or co-workers who are not fully licensed in the car with you while you’re driving. Some states will not allow anyone in the car aside from a fully licensed passenger in the front seat, while others do not have specific laws about passengers.

How much is insurance for a 16-year-old?

If you’ve started driving and you’re trying to find car insurance for your vehicle, figuring out how much car insurance is for a 16-year-old can be difficult. Rates for car insurance vary significantly from one company to the next, and you’ll never know how much to expect to pay for car insurance coverage until you shop around and compare quotes.

Because most insurance companies see young drivers and new drivers as more of a risk on the road, you’ll likely end up paying more for car insurance as a teen driver. The table below shows statistics for teen drivers involved in fatal accidents.

Now, check out the table below, which shows average car insurance rates for teen drivers.

As you shop around for car insurance, keep in mind that you may be able to find better rates with other companies. Also, don’t hesitate to ask whether you’re eligible for certain discounts — like insurance discounts for student drivers — that might make your car insurance more affordable.

Is it easy to get a discount on car insurance?

A lot of insurance companies offer discount opportunities on their products to help clients pay less each month. When it comes to car insurance, some of the most common discounts include:

• Multi-policy
• Multi-car
• Vehicle safety
• New car
• Anti-theft device
• Good driver
• Good student
• Defensive driver
• Paid in full

If you’re curious about any of the discounts listed above, speak with a car insurance agent to find out whether you are eligible. Most car insurance discounts can save a policyholder anywhere from five to 20% off of their monthly insurance rates.

Can you get car insurance with a permit?

If you do not have your driver’s license yet, you may find that you cannot get insurance with a permit. Most insurance companies will not allow someone who is not fully licensed to purchase a car insurance policy. In addition, depending on your age, you may not be legally allowed to purchase car insurance in your state.

If you still have your permit, you don’t need to decide on a car insurance policy yet. But it’s never a bad idea to start shopping around to find the most affordable coverage in your area.

In fact, you can use our free quote tool below to find and compare car insurance rates for teen drivers in your state today.

If you’ve ever been caught driving with a suspended license — or with no license at all — you may be wondering, “How much is a ticket for driving without a license?”

Driving without a driver’s license is a serious offense, and you can get in a lot of trouble if you are caught driving before you’ve been issued a license or after your license has been suspended for any reason. Anyone caught driving without a license may face serious penalties, including paying a potentially hefty fine.

Shopping for car insurance after getting your license reinstated can be tricky. If you’re currently looking for car insurance coverage, you should shop around and compare different types of car insurance coverage. You will probably be paying higher-than-average rates as a high-risk driver, but you’ll never know until you start your search.

Be sure to use our free quote tool above to look for the best rates on car insurance coverage for high-risk drivers in your area today.

How much is a ticket for driving without a license?

The amount you will pay for a ticket if you’re caught driving without a license will depend on where you live as well as the unique circumstances surrounding your case.

If you are caught driving without a driver’s license — or with a license that has been suspended or revoked — you will have broken the law in all 50 states. In most cases, even the first offense of driving without a license is considered a misdemeanor with much heavier penalties than a simple traffic ticket.

Because driving without a license once is a serious offense, doing so multiple times can lead to felony charges, depending on where you live and the nature of the incident.

Anyone caught driving without a license will face a license suspension of up to a year for the first offense and may be expected to pay up to $2,500. You may also find that your vehicle is impounded and your license plate confiscated.

What happens if I’m caught driving without a license more than once?

As stated earlier, driving without a license — regardless of the circumstances — is a very serious charge. If you are caught doing so more than once, you may have to pay up to $25,000 and could be charged and sent to jail for up to five years. Lesser charges for multiple offenses of driving without a license include smaller fines and obligatory hours of community service.

You may be caught driving without ever having been granted a license. Charges for this type of action, while still serious, may be less severe than those for driving with a license that’s been suspended or revoked. In many states, driving without ever getting a driver’s license is still considered a misdemeanor.

What’s the law for driving without a license in my state?

While the laws concerning the penalty for driving without a license vary from state to state, you can rest assured that anyone caught doing so will end up regretting it. The following table outlines each U.S. state’s rules for driving without a license.

As you can see, the penalties vary from one state to another, but you can count on a serious fine and potential jail time.

What happens if you get caught driving without a license but with a permit?

While some states have laws that differ on the topic of driving with a permit, others do not. You need to check with your state. Even if you have a permit, if you are driving without a licensed driver in the car, you can still be charged with driving without a license.

To learn the penalty for driving without a license under the age of 18 in your state, consult your state’s department of motor vehicles website. You are certainly subject to a fine if you are driving without a license and are underage. There is also a chance you will have to wait to obtain your driver’s license, and you may have to complete a certain number of community service hours.

What happens after I’m caught driving without a license?

Once you are charged with driving without a license, you will have to pay any necessary fines and potentially serve jail time or complete community service hours. You can expect your license to be suspended or revoked — or for the suspension to last longer — after you are charged.

You may have to wait several months, or even a few years before you are legally allowed to drive again. When you are able to drive, you will need to make sure your car is covered with proper insurance. Because driving without your license is a factor that affects car insurance rates, you will probably end up paying higher-than-average rates for coverage.

If you have a difficult time finding car insurance coverage in your state, you may want to look for coverage for high-risk drivers. Be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies in your state before you decide on coverage to find the cheapest option possible.

You can use our free quote tool below to find and compare car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in your area today.

Alabama car seat laws are in place to ensure all state citizens properly use car seats and booster seats to fully protect children. Car accidents are also the chief cause of death in Alabama for people ages one to 34, so the state has its own laws and resources to ensure all precautions are being taken by its residents.

Drivers need to follow Alabama car insurance laws as well as car seat laws. In this article, we will tell you all about the Alabama car seat laws so you can make sure you and your children are fully protected. 

If you’re a resident of Alabama and you need an insurance quote, enter your ZIP code in our comparison tool to easily compare free car insurance quotes from the best companies in your area and make your choice today. 

What are the car seat laws in Alabama?

The state of Alabama has several amendments in state legislation to define the violations at which Alabama State Police will issue fines and citations.

• 1991 Secondary Seat Belt Law: Each front seat occupant of a vehicle with safety belts in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened at all times while the vehicle is in motion. 
• 1999 Primary Seat Belt Law: Makes failure to adhere to child car seat laws a primary offense.
• 2006 Child Restraint Law: Defines the ages and limitations for child passengers in a motor vehicle. 

Car seat laws do not apply to taxis and buses. A bus is defined as a motor vehicle with more than eleven seats.

Alabama passed the Alabama Child Restraint Law in 2006, which states: 

“Every person transporting a child in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall provide for the protection of the child by properly using… a child passenger restraint system.”

The term motor vehicle can include passenger cars, minivans, pickup trucks, vans with up to ten seats, and sports cars.

In Alabama, someone is injured in a car crash every fifteen seconds. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, driving in Alabama means you have a 54.1% chance that you’ll encounter a car accident in your lifetime. They estimate that proper car seat and booster seat usage lowers the risk of fatality by 71% for infants and 50% for toddlers. 

What are the repercussions for a violation of Alabama car seat laws?

Drivers will face a fine of $25 by the Alabama state police if they are caught with a child in an improper restraint. The state uses $15 of the fine towards car seats that go to low-income families. 

In addition, the Department of Public Safety will deduct one point from the driver, and two points for each subsequent offense. 

Alabama car seat laws also forbid leaving a child alone in a car if there are any unsafe outside conditions. The temperature inside the vehicle must be under 99 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe for a child. 

Violations of Alabama motor vehicle laws can also affect the price of your car insurance.

Alabama Car Seat Law Requirements by Age

Protect your children as they grow by changing the seat appropriate to their size. Alabama state law breaks this down into four categories and specifies the requirements for each. 

Infants and Toddlers

Rear-facing only seats and rear-facing convertible seats must be used for children up to age one or until they reach 20 pounds in weight.

• Never put a rear-facing seat in the forward facing position, in the front seat, or in front of an active air bag.
• Ensure the harness has a snug fit, and that the harness clip is placed at the center of the child’s chest, level with the child’s armpits.
• Seat must be tightly secured using the vehicle’s seat belt or anchored using the LATCH System. 

Rear-facing seats and convertible seats in the rear-facing position until they reach age two or the height-weight limitations by the safety seat manufacturer. 

Children Age One to Five

Forward-facing seats must be used for children who have outgrown the rear-facing seats requirements. This includes:

• Children between ages one to five or under 40 pounds
• If your child is older than five, but weighs less than 40 pounds, that child still must use a forward-facing car seat until reaching the appropriate weight.
• Forward-facing seats and convertible seats must always be in the backseat of the vehicle. 

Use as long as possible until your child reaches the highest height-weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.

Children Age Five to Six 

School-age children whose weight or height is above the limit for forward-facing seats must instead use a booster seat. Booster seats make the vehicle safety belt fit how it is designed to fit a fully grown passenger. 

• Use belt-positioning booster seats with lap and shoulder belts secured.
• Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs, and shoulder belt fits across the chest.

All children between ages five and six must be placed in a booster seat and ride in the backseat of the vehicle.

Children Age Six and Above 

Alabama law enforcement encourages parents to transition from a booster seat to the car’s safety belt per the instructions of the seat’s manufacturer.  

Children between six and 15 can legally wear the vehicle’s seat belt without a booster seat. The state of Alabama recommends seating children younger than 13 in the rear seats of the vehicle for optimal protection.

How do I fully protect my child?

Child safety seats help prevent death and injury in the event of a crash. Children are more likely than adults to suffer injuries because their bodies are still developing. Their bones are softer, neck muscles weaker, and bodies more fragile. 

A child safety seat protects in the following ways:

• Securely holds the child in the seat of the vehicle.
• Protects the child from being thrown out of the vehicle or from hitting something inside the vehicle.
• Absorbs the force of the crash
• Prevents the child from being crushed by other passengers or debris.

The majority of injuries children suffer in a car crash are due to sudden stops. This often results in being thrown into the windshield or dashboard or out of the vehicle entirely. A child safety seat prevents these sudden motions from happening and keeps the child properly secured in their seats. 

Are you trying to replace your child’s car seat after an accident? It’s possible a car seat replacement could be covered by your car insurance.

Do you need help making sure you’re following Alabama car seat laws?

Even with these laws in place, a majority of parents still misuse their car seats and child restraints. For the parents that need help, the  Alabama Department of Public Health has a team of child passenger safety technicians to help.

These technicians help citizens obtain the resources needed to properly secure and protect their children and correctly install child seats in accordance with Alabama state laws. They will inspect your car seat free of charge and show you how to correctly install and use your car seats.

If you have a passion for helping keep Alabama children safe in cars, you can become a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician through the Safe Kids Program. Join a team of more than 43,000 nationally certified technicians and be a resource to your community. 

The Alabama Yellow Dot Program

To help keep Alabama residents safe in the event of a car crash, the state is part of the Yellow Dot Program. Administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the program provides assistance to people involved in auto accidents by providing first responders instant access to critical medical information. 

Those who take part in the program will receive a Yellow Dot decal to place on the car, as well as a folder and form to provide key information such as name, photo, medical information, and medical history. Store this information in the vehicle’s glove box. The Yellow Dot decal on the exterior will signal to first responders to look for the Yellow Dot folder in the event of an emergency. 

The Yellow Dot Program is a free service provided to individuals of all ages, but with an emphasis on senior citizens and child passengers with medical conditions.

If you would like to enroll in the Alabama Yellow Dot Program, please contact the Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office.

Alabama Car Seat Laws Are There to Protect You 

If you are a parent in the state of Alabama, be sure to familiarize yourself with Alabama’s car seat laws. The leading cause of death in the state is car crashes. Keeping yourself and your child passengers safe and secure is the most effective method of prevention. 

Alabama has defined the laws clearly and provided its residents with all of the resources needed to make sure citizens and their children are fully protected while on the road. Follow these laws and regulations to keep yourselves and those around you safe.

Residents of Alabama should weigh all of their insurance options in addition to their child’s safety. Enter your ZIP code in our free tool to easily compare car insurance quotes from the highest-rated companies in your area. 

While it is common to receive citations and tickets for driving violations, such as speeding or parking incorrectly, many people do not understand the slight difference between the terms citation vs. ticket. Some people believe there is a significant difference between citations and tickets, but it is minimal.

Read more below to learn about citations vs. tickets and how they affect your driving record and car insurance rates.

If you have received a citation or ticket, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find affordable car insurance.

What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

To make it simple, there is no difference between a citation and a ticket.

So, what is a citation from a police officer? A citation is a written record of something you did wrong while driving or operating your vehicle, including violations that occur while parked. A ticket is just a less formal term for a citation, so “ticket” is often used in casual conversation, while “citation” is typically used for legal purposes.

Does a citation go on your record? Yes, most citations will go on your driving record unless you can successfully dispute the ticket or have the courts reduce your penalties and agree to drop the ticket. Depending on the type of citation, some can end up on your criminal record as well.

Is a citation a charge? In many cases, no, but it may be considered a type of arrest that doesn’t require the officer to go through the arrest process. Some citations, however, may also be considered a misdemeanor, which is a minor criminal charge.

A citation or ticket typically includes information regarding what you did wrong and how to make the situation right, your next steps, and how much time you have to respond. After receiving a citation, you may need to pay a fine, provide proof of insurance, or attend court.

Citations can be given for moving violations and non-moving violations. Non-moving violations are typically some type of parking ticket, but many different types of moving violations can occur. Some of the most common include:

• Speeding. The higher your speed over the posted speed limit, the more severe the consequences of your speeding ticket. You may need to pay a fine and pay more in insurance, plus more depending on past violations.
• Not stopping for a red light or stop sign. These types of citations typically come with a fine, but penalties will vary by what state you are in.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). DUIs and DWIs may result in hefty fines, loss of your license, and even jail time. Depending on which state you are in, a DUI or DWI could stay on your driving record for up to 10 years.
• Not using turn signals. While this citation is typically less severe, it can still result in fines and points on your license.

Citations are typically handed out by law enforcement during traffic stops. They will explain the citation and the next steps.

What do I do if I get a citation or ticket?

When you get pulled over, make sure to stay calm and be respectful toward law enforcement. You may need to provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. You should answer questions politely, and if you have a plausible reason for your actions, you can voice your side of the story. However, be aware that police officers may have proof of your violation.

If you are issued a citation, make sure you know how to follow up. Make sure you know if you need to pay a fine and when to do so. In addition, if you need to appear in court, make sure you know the court date. Shortly after receiving the citation, you may want to take a few minutes to write down any details you can remember. Include the date and time, weather, obstructed road signs, and anything else you feel may be necessary.

In some cases, drivers may choose to dispute a ticket, which means you will need to appear in court. However, if you don’t fight the ticket, you can go ahead and respond to your ticket in a directed way. You must respond by the date on your citation, or you could face additional consequences, such as misdemeanors or jail time.

If you need to pay a fine, the directions for doing so are typically included on your ticket. Most areas have a way to pay online with a traffic citation lookup, but you may also need to go to a physical place to pay it. You can usually pay with a check, money order, or credit card. In addition, you may also be able to set up a payment plan if you are having a hard time affording the ticket.

How do citations and tickets affect car insurance?

Let’s take a look at how different driving violations can affect your car insurance rates:

The impact on your car insurance rates will be determined primarily by your car insurance company. If you have an otherwise clean driving record but receive a speeding ticket, some car insurance companies won’t raise your rates. You may want to contact your car insurance company to see if there are some ways you can avoid an increase in your rates.

However, if you have more than one infraction on your driving record, there could be more significant increases in your rates. Furthermore, it gets increasingly worse depending on the seriousness of your violation and the penalties you face for those violations. For example, if you have tickets and a DUI that results in you losing your license, your car insurance will be much more expensive, and you could risk losing your coverage altogether.

In some cases, drivers with multiple infractions may have to seek out a high-risk car insurance company or provide their local government with an SR-22 form that proves they have adequate insurance.

If you need help finding affordable car insurance for drivers with a citation or ticket, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below.

In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 3,166 drivers and 599 non-vehicle occupants (i.e. bicyclists, pedestrians) lost their lives due to distracted driving in that year alone.

The NHTSA’s study also revealed that of the people who died in crashes involving distracted driving that year, 297 were teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 19, comprising the largest proportion of motorists who were distracted when the fatal crashes occurred.

While cell phones are the most obvious distraction that comes to mind, the reality is, that distracted driving can stem from a variety of causes with sometimes fatal consequences.

Depending on the state you live in, certain forms of distracted driving, like the use of hand-held devices while behind the wheel, are prohibited by law, incurring strict penalties. And that’s not even to mention the impact a distracted driving violation could have on your auto insurance premiums.

In the following article, we’re going to take a deep dive into exactly what car insurance consumers need to know, including the different types and forms of distracted driving, important statistics, laws by state, the effect a violation could have on your insurance costs, and more.

Don’t hit rubber to the road again without making sure you’re protected by the best auto insurance for your needs. Just enter your zip code in our free online tool above.

Without further ado, let’s get down to business.

What do car insurance consumers need to know about?

So, you might be thinking, what exactly is distracted driving? You probably already know that using your mobile device behind the wheel could be a major distraction, but that’s just one instance of many.

Let’s take a closer look at what it is in practice, including the various types, and activities that commonly distract drivers, thereby increasing roadway dangers.

Simply put, this is driving while performing another activity that diverts your attention from the task of driving.

According to data released by the NHTSA, reading or sending a text diverts your eyes from the road for approximately five seconds. Assuming you’re driving 55 mph, that essentially is like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes shut.

Whether the activity involves talking, texting on your cell phone, drinking, eating, adjusting your stereo system, or messing with your vehicle’s navigation system if it draws your attention away from the road, it’s a form of distracted driving.

If you tend to stay nervous or anxious because of an underlying reason, that can also distract you while driving and you should try different ways to stay calm behind the wheels.

What are the types of distracted driving?

There are three primary types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA-FTS) conducted a study in 2013 entitled Cognitive Distraction: Something to Think About, citing the following:

Experts generally agree that driver distraction stems from three sources: visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), and cognitive (mind off the task). Of these, cognitive distraction is the most difficult to observe and measure. While there is evidence of public and policymaker understanding of the risks involved with visual and manual distractions (especially texting while driving), there appears to be less appreciation for the risks involved with cognitive (or mental) distractions.

Remember:

• Visual distracted driving is when someone takes their eyes off the road.
• Manual distracted driving is when someone takes their hands away from the wheel.
• Cognitive distracted driving is when someone’s mind wanders from the task of driving.

Whereas visual distractions divert the motorist’s eyes from the road ahead, cognitive driver distractions are mental distractions that divert the motorist’s mind from safe driving. Something as seemingly simple as worrying about an upcoming job interview or thinking about a recent argument could comprise cognitive distracted driving.

AAA-FTS’s study further noted that certain cognitive distractions pose more danger than others. For example, listening to an audiobook or the radio isn’t nearly as distracting as speaking with a passenger or talking to someone on the phone, be it a hand-held or hands-free device. Certain advances in modern vehicle technology such as speech-to-text systems that allow drivers to send and receive messages could also prove to be highly cognitively distracting.

In the case of manual distracted driving, these are the distractions that take the motorist’s hands off of the steering wheel. For instance, if you’re holding a beverage or food while you drive, that would constitute a manual distraction.

Activities that Distract Drivers

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 26 percent of all car crashes involve cell phone usage.

From applying makeup behind the wheel to simply taking your eyes off the road because you’re lost or see an accident on the other side of the highway, it only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a potentially catastrophic crash.

Did you know that there is an actual scientific explanation behind the activities that frequently cause distracted driving? Here’s the lowdown —

• One of the reasons it’s so difficult to put down your electronic device while driving is because smartphones naturally stimulate addictive qualities.
• The human brain responds to phone alerts, which make sit more difficult to hold off on checking your phone while driving.
• Getting a text, email, or social media post on your mobile device heightens the supply of dopamine to the brain, a chemical that among other things, would cause a compulsion to check your phone.

Must-Know Distracted Driving Statistics

A recent study released by the Insurance Information Institute (III) revealed that there were 2,935 fatal crashes involving distracted driving in 2017 alone, comprising a staggering nine percent of all fatal crashes in the country that year.

To understand the full extent of the impact distracted driving can have on motorists of all ages, we’re going to take a close look at some jaw-dropping statistics.

These include distracted driving fatalities by factors such as demographics and the person type, plus distracted driving crashes that did not result in fatalities, but still caused measurable losses.

Let’s dig deeper —

How many distracted driving fatalities occur?

Next, take a look at the table below, revealing data from the NHTSA’s most recent 2017 study regarding fatalities stemming from distracted driving crashes between 2013 and 2017.

As you can see, the percentage of fatal crashes impacted by distracted driving barely changed at all during the years listed, with distracted driving accidents involving cell phone usage comprising 13 to 14 percent of all distracted driving collisions during the four-year period studied.

Distracted Driving Fatalities by Demographic

The table below illustrates the most recent data collected by our research team from the NHTSA’s 2017 distracted driving study, indicating the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes by age demographic, distraction, and cell phone usage.

Now, let’s break down the data a bit. This table compares the percentage of motorists in each age group involved in fatal collisions to the percentage of motorists involved in distracted driving fatal crashes.

The numbers clearly point to one thing drivers under the age of 30 have among the highest incidence of fatal crashes of all the age demographics examined, as evidenced in the data shown in the Percentage of Total Drivers and Percentage of All Distracted Drivers columns.

For all fatal collisions in 2017, six percent of the motorists involved were between the ages of 15 and 19, comprising 3,255 out of the total 52,274 driver fatalities. Furthermore, nine percent of distracted drivers were also between 15 and 19 years of age, making up 271 out of the 2,994 total distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes that year.

Roughly 16 percent of the distracted drivers who were using cell phones were also between the ages of 15 and 19. This means that of the 404 distracted driving fatal crashes involving cell phone usage 63 of those fatalities were teen motorists.

Drivers in their 20s aren’t too far behind, as this age demographic comprised 23 percent of motorists in fatal crashes that year. However, 20-something drivers made up 27 percent of distracted drivers and a staggering 37 percent of the distracted motorists using their cell phones when fatal accidents occurred.

Considering the remarkable incidence of distracted driving fatalities in teen motorists, in particular, let’s take a look at some other eye-opening stats revealed in the NHTSA’s 2017 Teen Distracted Driver study.

• Seven percent of the individuals who died in 2017 distracted driving crashes were teens aged 15 to 19 years old.
• Nine percent of distracted drivers involved in fatal collisions in 2017 were teens aged 15 to 19 years old.
• Nine percent of all 2017 teen vehicle crash fatalities involved distracted driving.
• Eight percent of individuals killed in accidents involving a teen between 15 and 19 in 2017 died when teen motorists were distracted.
• Eight percent of teen drivers who were involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2017 were distracted when the crash happened.
• 52 percent of individuals killed in teen distracted driving crashes in 2017 were teens between 15 and 19.

Distracted Driving Fatalities by Person Type

The table above contains additional data from the NHTSA’s 2017 distracted driving study, indicating distracted driving fatalities by vehicle occupants and nonoccupants.

Distracted Driving Crashes Resulting in Injuries or Property Damage

Check out the table below, revealing the latest data from the National Safety Council regarding motor vehicle crashes and distracted driving accidents resulting in injuries or property-damage only between 2011 and 2016.

You’ll notice that injury crashes involving cell phone usage between 2011 and 2013 increased steadily, before decreasing in 2014 and 2015 and going up again in 2016.

What are the best and worst states for distracted driving?

The distracted driving laws across the country vary by state, but 20 states including The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam all bar drivers from utilizing handheld devices behind the wheel.

Each of these states are primary enforcement, which means that a law enforcement officer could pull someone over for using a hand-held device without any other type of traffic offense needing to occur to validate the stop.

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), no state currently bans cell phone usage for all motorists, but 39 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia have established a ban on cell phone use by novice drivers.

In addition, 20 states and the District of Columbia also have a cell phone ban in place for school bus drivers.

Washington was the very first state to establish a texting ban back in 2007. Now, 48 of the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virginia islands ban all drivers from texting messaging, with all but three having primary enforcement in place.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the laws and penalties drivers could face when they engage in distracted driving.

 Distracted Driving Laws and Penalties

The table above contains the most current data published by GHSA regarding the hand-held device distracted driving laws across the country, including whether each state follows primary enforcement or secondary.

While primary enforcement allows a law enforcement officer to pull someone over and issue a citation without another traffic offense occurring, secondary enforcement requires that the officer issue a ticket or pull over the individual only if there is another citable traffic infraction at play.

If you’re wondering just how much you might have to pay if you get pulled over for texting or using a handheld device while driving, the short answer is — it all depends. Let’s take a look at some of the states that assess some of the steepest fines for distracted driving:

• Hawaii fines motorists up to nearly $300 for texting while driving — and that number is just for first-time offenders
• In the state of Alaska, texting while driving is classified as a misdemeanor, which means that motorists face fines as high as $1,000 and in certain instances, up to one year’s imprisonment
• If someone causes an accident in Iowa, fines could be levied on other motorists as high as $1,000
• Indiana fines for texting while driving can range upwards of $500
• In the state of Utah, violators could be hit with fines as high as $750, and in specific instances, face jail time, based on the kind of offense involved
• New Jersey motorists could incur penalties up to $400 for texting while driving

In the vast majority of states, the fines for texting while driving tickets can be as low as $50 up to $200. But as you can see, depending on the state you live in, you could be paying much, much more.

Take Oregon, for example.

The fine for first-time texting while driving violation? Up to $1,000. A second offense? You could be looking a up to $2,500 in fines.

Then, you have a state like Wisconsin, where texting while driving tickets could be as low as $20. Depending on the state you live in though, you could face more than fines — you may have points added to your driver’s license record as well.

Education and Programs

With the onslaught of distracted driving only further propelled by the ever digital world we live in, new waves of technology and programs are emerging to help combat dangerous driving habits like texting while driving to promote safer conditions for motorists everywhere.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the options automotive manufacturers are starting to incorporate into vehicle designs to promote roadway safety and increased cognizance.

Features and Applications

• Voice controls and hands-free connectivity — Most automakers now provide Bluetooth connectivity integration that allows drivers to talk and manage their media devices without the need to use their hands. Sometimes, these systems feature voice-activated controls so you can use voice commands to activate components of your vehicle system such as your audio system, climate control, and navigation system — all without taking your eyes off the road!
• Lane departure warnings — If you zone out and start to go over the road marker without turning on your signal, a lane-departure alert would notify you at once, either with a physical alert or a warning tone. Some of the more advanced lane departure warning technologies impact steering or lightly apply the brakes to help guide the driver back into the correct lane.
• Crash avoidance systems — These systems feature autonomous braking technology that tracks the area ahead of your car to let you know if there is a road danger ahead, such as a pedestrian, stopped vehicle, or animal. The crash avoidance system would then automatically force your car to brake to help you avoid any possibility of a wreck.
• Drowsy driver detection — A growing number of auto manufacturers are also providing consumers with monitoring systems to let them know if they’re falling asleep or tired. Both sensory and audible alerts like a light tap on the brakes, a chime, or a shoulder belt tug are all possible alerts that could be used to notify the driver that it’s time to pull over and regroup.

What about apps? Well, there are numerous devices and mobile applications utilizing cell phone blocking technology you can leverage to enhance your family’s safety on the roadways. Some of the top apps that have been designed to help prevent distracted driving include:

• Canary — This free app equips parents with all the information they need to help keep their kids safe on the road.Whenever their child tweets, texts, or takes a call while behind the wheel, Canary sends a text notification to the parent. The app also sends notifications if the teen driver goes over a certain speed or outside a certain perimeter so you know that your child is safe.
• TextArrest — This app lets parents control how their teen uses their phone while in a moving car. You can also set the app up to let you know if your teenager overrides the settings and travels beyond a certain location or over the speed limit. The app can also be used to notify parents in the event of an emergency.
• TextLimit — TextLimit inhibits certain features on a mobile device from working when the phone is traveling over a specific speed. After the phone returns to the predetermined speed, the app restores the lost features to function as normal.
• CellControl — This program is a unique option that disables the driver’s phone only, but allows passengers to continue to use their mobile devices freely. With CellControl, it’s possible to impede certain predetermined behaviors such as playing games, taking selfies, texting, and using social media when behind the wheel. The app can also be used to keep an eye on cell phone usage to determine that the teen is acting responsibly.
• DriveSafe.ly — The app reads incoming emails and text messages as they come in, even shorthand. With this app, you can still receive all your important information in real-time, without having to worry about looking down at your phone and diverting your eyes from the road.
• DriveScribe — This app actually blocks incoming texts and calls when the vehicle is moving over a particular speed. It also notifies motorists when they are driving too fast.
• Live2Txt —The Live2Txt app turns calls and texts that are incoming off on command, besides allowing you to send a message to whoever is sending the call or text that you are driving and are currently unavailable.
• AT&T DriveMode — This app is free and activates once your car reaches speeds of 15 mph. The app not only blocks tempting text alerts but can send automatic replies to texts for you. Parents also have the option to program the app to send them an alert when it’s switched off.
• Samsung — Samsung’s app called In-Traffic Reply lets you set up automatic replies to text messages or calls. The app also senses when a vehicle is in motion by using the device’s GPS system.
• Verizon Driving Mode — You can activate this feature from the Android messaging app to send automatic messages and block texts.
• Sprint Drive First — Reserved exclusively for Sprint customers, the Andoird app silences text and email alert and reroutes calls to voicemail as soon as your car reaches speeds of 10 mph. There are 911 and exit buttons on the device’s home screen so you can override the app in case of an emergency.

Usage-Based Insurance for Safer Driving

Usage-based insurance options promote safer driving by incentivizing motorists with discounts on coverage, which could incidentally reduce the risk of distracted driving.

While only driving data is generally collected with telematics information from consumer smartphones, the activities often tracked while the insured is behind the wheel include device handling, screen walking and sleeping, calls, and other device uses.

Insurers use the resulting smartphone data in congruence with vehicle driving and other elements to score the individual’s distraction levels, thereby providing a risk assessment for the driver’s usage-based insurance scoring. Carriers can also use the data in feedback programs to consumers for the purposes of encouraging safe driving behavior and discouraging distracted driving.

Check out the table below, listing the potential savings consumers could enjoy if they opt for usage-based insurance from some of the top providers in the U.S. insurance market.

What are auto insurance penalties for distracted driving?

Driving distracted is no joke, and depending on your insurance company, you could see a noticeable jump in rates if you’re slapped with a ticket for texting while driving.

Sounds like something you need to know about, right?

Keep scrolling to find out why your rates would increase with a ticket for texting and driving and just how high they could go up.

Will my insurance rates increase if I get a ticket for texting while driving?

You already know now that the legal penalties for texting while driving can vary widely depending on the state you live in. The same rings true in terms of any car insurance penalty — your rates may go up, but not always.

In fact, a number of states actually ban insurers from factoring texting tickets into the mix when assessing consumer premiums. These states include Idaho, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Washington.

In addition, a number of states don’t assign any penalty points to individuals that receive texting tickets. Typically, the more serious the nature of the violation is, the more points will be assigned. Of course, if you are assigned too many points, you could face license suspension.

So, violations that aren’t accompanied by points are far less likely to have as significant an impact on how much you have to fork over in car insurance premiums. States that currently don’t designate points after a texting while driving violation include:

• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington
• Wyoming

However, if you do live in a state where texting while driving ticket is classified as a moving violation and allocates points to your record, you could see a noticeable increase when your insurance policy is up for renewal. Plus, if you’ve had past moving violations in addition to a texting violation, that could compound the situation further.

Depending on where you live, points generally remain on your driving record for anywhere from one to three years, and once they drop off, your insurance should go down accordingly. In certain cases, the violation won’t go onto your driving record if you opt to undergo a state-approved driver safety course.

Why do insurance companies care?

Insurance companies can only remain profitable, financially stable, and successful in the long run if they maintain a healthy, low loss ratio.

An insurer’s loss ratio is what the company is paying out in claims vs. what it’s earning back in written premiums. Insurance companies don’t just have an obligation to consumers but to shareholders and owners as well.

The costs associated with paying for injuries and other damages stemming from a collision are steep. To a carrier, a distracted driving violation is an indicator that the consumer poses a higher risk to insure, and therefore it’s only natural that the individual should expect to pay higher premiums as a result.

Behavior that poses risk, such as using your mobile device while driving, tells an insurer that they might have to pay out a significant claim in the future in the event you cause a collision. To mitigate any projected losses and maintain its financial security, the insurer would then charge higher annual premiums for coverage.

How high will rates go up?

How high your rates could go up after receiving a ticket for texting while driving depends on numerous factors, not the least of which is the specific insurer.

Factors such as your previous history of violations, if any, including accidents and speeding tickets would also be likely factored into the mix.

Companies With the Highest and Lowest Penalties for Distracted Driving

The table below provides an example of the potential increase you could see in your annual insurance premiums after receiving a citation for texting while driving. The states included below are California and Florida with rates from Geico and Farmers featured.

And considering that Florida has previously ranked as the second-worst state for distracted driving, pay close attention to how much these top insurers in the U.S. market could adjust your rates based on one violation.

You’ll notice, that in the state of California, for example, if you have coverage through Farmers, you could see an annual increase in premiums of roughly $2,000 a year after getting a ticket for texting while driving. Hardly small change!

The lesson to be learned here is that driving safely and eliminating distractions doesn’t only help protect you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers whenever you hit rubber to the road. It could mean the difference in thousands of dollars worth of additional premium costs per year.

Should I report distracted driving when I see it?

In the event you witness or are the victim of someone else’s distracted driving, you might be wondering — what comes next?

Keep reading and you’ll find out.

If you see the warning signs that a driver on the road with you is driving distracted, here are a few important steps to take to help you avoid a collision.

• Assume that that person doesn’t see your car at all
• Try to pull ahead of the other individual, or slow your vehicle and let them proceed ahead
• Afford the distracted driver more wiggle room and a wider berth than perhaps you otherwise wood
• If you are unable to get away from the distracted driver, call 911 to alert them of your concern

What should you do if you’re involved in an accident with a distracted driver but the police don’t witness it?

While causes of collisions such as drunk driving can easily be traced with a sobriety test if the responding officer even slightly suspects that one of the parties involved is drunk, the same doesn’t hold true for distracted driving matters.

While distracted driving is one of the chief causes of car accident fatalities and personal injury, even if there is a reason to suspect that an accident stemmed from distracted driving, the law enforcement officer at the scene wouldn’t be able to automatically search the person’s phone without some type of court order.

However, there are lawful ways to seize evidence for the purposes of investigation, including by a subpoena, search warrant, or other court order, depending on the circumstances and nature of the case.

What should you do to avoid distractions while driving?

Before we let you go, check out these quick but effective tips to help you stay focused on the road in front of you at all times whenever you get behind the wheel.

• Only use your cellphone in the event of an emergency while you’re driving.
• Try to limit the level of activity and number of passengers in your car at any one time.
• If you start to feel sleepy, pull off the road.
• Don’t eat while driving — spilling food can be a huge distraction on the road.
• Don’t try to multitask when you’re behind the wheel, even if you’re tempted to take care of that business call or adjust the radio to hear your favorite beats. Do it all before you hit the road instead!
• Turn your phone off and switch it to Do Not Disturb so you won’t be tempted to use it at your next red light.
• Try to plan your route ahead of time so you don’t have to divert your eyes from the road searching for the right street or destination.
• Don’t reach for anything that falls while you’re driving.
• If you’re the parent of a teen, think about restricting the number of passengers they can transport until your teen is more experienced on the road.
• Watch out for environmental factors, like daylight saving time switches.

If your mind’s buzzing with questions about distracted driving, you’ve come to the right place.

Is driving while fatigued considered a distraction?

Remember, distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the task at hand — driving. Driving drowsy isn’t just a major distraction, but can prove incredibly dangerous as well.

If you ever start to feel extremely tired while on the road, it’s better to pull over and find a safe place to take a quick nap rather than to try to push forward, potentially putting yourself and other drivers at risk.

What is electronic distracted driving?

This simply refers to distracted driving involving wireless communications devices, such as through the use of emailing, text messaging, and calls on your phone. And as you know — this type of distracted driving poses some of the most significant road danger, both to vehicle occupants and nonoccupants.

Can I be stopped by a police officer for using my mobile device even if I’m driving legally?

If you live in a state with secondary enforcement, the police officer isn’t permitted to stop you unless there is another citable offense at play. With primary enforcement, police can stop you without that requirement.

Am I permitted to text at a red light?

While it depends on the state or city you live in, generally, the answer is no or the laws are unclear in that respect. In any case, it’s much safer to either wait until you get from Point A to Point B or pull over safely at a rest stop to check your messages.

Can a police officer impound my phone without my permission?

No, not without you giving permission or the officer obtaining a warrant.

Still have questions about distracted driving in your state? Comment below and let us know.

Start comparison shopping today for affordable auto insurance coverage near you. Enter your zip code in our free online rate tool to begin.

Whether you drive a newer Cadillac or an old clunker, it’s important to keep up with routine car maintenance and car maintenance expenses. The problem is, many of us are tempted to save time and money by putting off repairs and ignoring car warning lights.

But does a penny-wise approach to vehicle maintenance really pay off? And what are the consequences of forgoing an oil change or a tuneup?

To find out the true cost of procrastinating on vehicle upkeep, we surveyed 1,002 car owners to learn how many put off car maintenance and ignore warning lights.

In the frequently asked questions section of this article, we’ll also include topics like monthly car maintenance costs, annual car maintenance costs, car maintenance costs by brand, and a car expenses list. We’ve also added some car maintenance cost tips.

Often car maintenance goes hand-in-hand with car insurance. After all, they both just add to the ownership costs of a vehicle — costs that can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands. A major barrier for most people is simply understanding car insurance. If they did, they might be able to save and who doesn’t like that?

To that end, we put together car insurance guides that can make you a pro in car insurance knowledge in no time. If you want to jump right into getting a quote, we have you covered there as well.

To find savings you can put towards car maintenance, just enter your ZIP code into our FREE online quote comparison tool and receive the best car insurance rates personalized for you based on your area and information.

Now, read on to discover why giving your car a little TLC could prevent mechanical failures, nasty bills, and breakdowns.

How do you stay on schedule with car maintenance?

Checked your tire pressure recently? Nearly half of the drivers surveyed were overdue on a tire pressure check. It’s recommended that you check your tire pressure every month or else they could wear out faster, and you’ll spend more on gas.

And what about oil, the lifeblood of your car? According to our survey, more than 1 in 4 drivers were overdue for an oil change. Poor engine lubrication can cause engine corrosion and reduce your car’s mileage, so it’s important to book your vehicle for an oil change every three months.

Even the simplest form of car maintenance – washing your car – can prevent dust, dirt, and bugs from damaging the paint. Nearly 10% of the car owners surveyed said they’d never washed their cars. 

Getting your car ready for a weather change can also save you a ton of money.

How much does car maintenance cost in the long run?

So how much should you spend on car maintenance? Is spending as little as possible a smart strategy?

Consider the average car maintenance cost per year. We found that drivers who had owned the same car for over 8 years spent an average of $3,400 on repairs.

It’s hardly chump change, but choosing not to visit a mechanic could be even more costly.

In fact, we discovered that people who spent the least on the purchase of their car spent the most on repairs, excluding those who bought upscale models. This is likely because parts for upscale cars tend to be pricier.
Whichever car you drive, you can extend its life by:

• Garaging your vehicle when possible
• Checking and attending to fluid levels (oil, transmission, coolant levels, etc.)
•  Replacing worn tires to prevent blowouts
•  Staying on top of repairs
•  Following the advice in the owner’s manual

Follow these simple tips, and you can minimize the cost of every mile.

How does procrastination affect the average car maintenance costs?

Do you panic when an engine warning flashes on your dashboard? Or do you ignore it in the hope that it will go away? Over 1 in 6 car owners placed themselves squarely in the latter category by admitting that their check engine light was currently on.

Common reasons for an illuminated warning light include a faulty sensor and a loose gas cap – but it could indicate something far more severe, such as a misfire.

It’s best never to ignore a warning light, as small issues have a habit of snowballing into big, more expensive issues. And dealing with car emergencies is something no one evers wants to do.

As we discovered, the longer that drivers waited to address a dashboard light, the more they paid in repairs over time. If you do encounter a warning light, take the safe route, and get it checked out by a certified technician to ensure your safety.

The True Cost of Ignoring Indicator Lights

Warning lights are your car’s way of telling you that it’s experiencing an issue. Different warning lights on the dashboard indicate different faults, from overheating and brake malfunctions to worn spark plugs.

Take particular note of a flashing orange or steady red “check engine” warning light, since this could indicate a severe and urgent issue such as a misfire.

We found that the longer a driver owned their car, the more reluctant they were to sink money into it. The tragic irony of that reluctance, as we’ve already found, is that the longer drivers delay addressing a warning light – the more they’ll ultimately pay.

Learning about a vehicle’s history is common practice during the shopping stage of car ownership, but continued preventative maintenance is equally important for anybody seeking to avoid the headache of future repairs.

No matter the age or condition of your car, make a beeline for an auto garage to prevent any further damage to the engine. It’s likely the best way to protect your vehicle – and your pocketbook.

How can you spot warning signs to save on the cost of car maintenance?

How well do you know your way around your car’s warning lights? An impressive 84% of drivers correctly identified the brake warning light, while only 13% could identify an oil pressure warning light.

It’s well worth hitting the books to understand the meaning of your car’s indicators – you’ll likely find a simple guide to warning lights in your owner’s manual. Can’t find it? Try looking it up online by searching for your make and model.

The more you know about your vehicle’s warning lights, the easier it is to diagnose the problem – and decide how urgently it needs to be resolved.

Why should you keep up with routine maintenance?

Whether it’s skipping an oil change or ignoring that mysterious warning light on the dashboard, many of us procrastinate when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

But as we’ve discovered, a little grease goes a long way. Saving a few bucks in the short term can actually cost drivers more in the long term.

Regular maintenance is just one way to protect your vehicle – you’ll also want to shop around for the best car insurance. We make it fast and easy to buy low-cost car insurance coverage that meets your needs. We’ll help you understand state laws and find the best policy for you and your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions: How much does maintenance on a car cost?

Now that we’ve covered some car maintenance statistics from our survey, let’s get to your frequently asked questions. They include:

• How much should car maintenance cost?
• What does regular car maintenance include?
• What car is the cheapest to maintain?

Scroll down for the answers to those questions and more.

#1 – How much should maintenance cost for cars?

In our study, we found that drivers who used the same car for eight years or longer paid $3,400 on car maintenance over that period. The amount paid for average car repair costs can vary by type of car as well as how expensive it was at the time of purchase.

#2 – How much is the average car maintenance cost per month?

According to AAA, the average car maintenance cost per month is roughly $100, though it depends on how much you drive your car and the road conditions of your area, for just two factors.

#3 – What does regular car maintenance include?

Regular car maintenance can include oil changes, coolant changes, transmission fluid changes, new brake rotors, changing spark plugs, and flushing out the radiator, among many other types of maintenance.

#4 – Which cars last the longest?

According to Business Insider, Toyota and Honda are the auto brands that have created the longest-lasting cars. There are stories of people who have literally run their cars up to 300,000 miles or longer. Consistent maintenance often plays a role in keeping a car that healthy for that long.

#5 – What is the cheapest car maintenance cost by brand?

According to Forbes, the four cars cheapest to maintain are the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, and Camry, followed by the Honda Fit.

#6 – How much should I budget for car repairs and maintenance?

Based on the average cost of car maintenance, budgeting around $100 per month for car repairs and maintenance is useful, as often small repairs come up that are unforeseen. There are also larger issues that are bound to happen like needing a new battery or oil changes. The amount you budget depends on how often you use your car, the road conditions in your area, and what kind of stress you put on your car dependent on driving style.

#7 – How much is car insurance per year?

Car insurance costs vary widely depending on location, demographic factors, type of vehicle, and the car insurance system in your state. States that have no-fault car insurance systems often see higher insurance rates, though that the at-fault/no-fault variable is just one that affects an individual’s car insurance rates.

#8 – How much is a car payment per month?

This depends greatly on the type of car, whether it was bought or used, how much you bought it for initially, and the terms agreed to on the loan. Some payments can be as low as just a couple hundred dollars while some can reach into the thousands if not more.

Methodology: Our Study About Car Maintenance Expenses

For this study, we surveyed 840 people who had purchased a new or used car.

• 56.6% purchased their car used
• 36.7% purchased a new car
• 6.8% received a car from a family member or friend.
• Participants in that final group were not included in our visualizations. 
• Participants ranged in age from 19 to 76 with a mean of 38.4 and a standard deviation of 12.3. 

We instructed participants to enter the number of months that had passed since they’d repaired various aspects of their car.

• Answers of “0” were excluded from the analysis.
• Outliers in spending responses greater than $5,000 were excluded from the analysis. 

We also instructed participants to identify a series of images of car indicator lights. We calculated the percentage that each respondent correctly identified and averaged the percentage correct of groups of respondents.

Limitations of Our Study

This project is not comprehensive of all possible car repairs, and various car models and years may have slight variations in dashboard indicator lights. This was also based largely on self-reported data, which may be influenced by exaggeration or minimized responses. None of the data is weighted or statistically tested.

Fair Use Statement

If you found this article beneficial, feel free to share our findings on vehicle maintenance for noncommercial use. In return, we kindly request that you link back to this page and credit CarInsurance.org. That way, everyone can save money by keeping his or her car in the best possible condition.

And if you want to save the most on car insurance as well as maintenance costs, just plug in your ZIP code into our FREE online quote generator. It’ll give you the best quotes based on your location and information.