Do Red Light Tickets Affect Insurance?: 1 Minute to Understanding the Impact of Traffic Violations on Your Rates

Getting a red light ticket is never a pleasant experience, but it’s natural to wonder if that slip of paper will do more than just lighten your wallet—specifically, will it impact your car insurance premiums? The answer doesn’t have a simple yes or no, as it hinges on several variables, such as your location, insurance provider, and the type of red light ticket you’ve received.

In the United States, there are two main types of red light tickets: those issued by a police officer directly and those triggered by automated red light cameras. When you’re pulled over by an officer and given a citation, it’s typically considered a moving violation. These violations are almost always reported to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and become part of your driving record, which most insurers regularly review. A moving violation like running a red light suggests risky driving behavior, so your insurance provider could increase your premium at renewal time.

Red light camera tickets, however, are treated differently in many states. Often, these are considered civil penalties rather than moving violations. That means they may not get reported to the DMV or show up on your driving record. Many insurance companies don’t penalize you for red light camera tickets, but this is subject to local law and your specific insurance carrier’s policy. For example, in California, red light camera tickets are treated almost the same as officer-issued ones, and can impact your record and insurance rates. By contrast, in Texas, most camera tickets are considered non-moving violations and won’t affect your rates.

If you’re ever unsure, the best strategy is to review your local regulations and speak directly with your insurance company. They can tell you precisely how different traffic violations affect your premiums.

As a designer, I often find that dealing with ambiguity or unclear consequences—like the difference between ticket types—is similar to navigating complex floor plans or [home designer](https://www.coohom.com/case/home-designer) software features. The lesson here is to pay close attention to the details and consider how each element (in this case, each local law or insurer policy) impacts the overall outcome of your “project”—in this case, your insurance profile.

Tips 1:

When in doubt, request a copy of your driving record annually. This allows you to verify what’s being reported and spot any discrepancies that might unnecessarily affect your insurance premiums. Think of it like keeping your design blueprints updated—it’s about transparency and preparedness.

FAQ

Q: Does every red light ticket raise my insurance rates?

A: Not always. Tickets issued by police officers usually impact insurance, while camera tickets may not, depending on state laws and insurer policies.

Q: Will my insurance company know about my red light camera ticket?

A: Often, red light camera tickets are not reported to the DMV, meaning insurers may not see them—but this can vary by state.

Q: How much can my insurance increase after a red light ticket?

A: The increase varies. On average, a moving violation like running a red light can cause premiums to rise between 10-20%, but this depends on your insurer and location.

Q: Is it possible to fight a red light ticket?

A: Yes, you can contest both officer-issued and camera tickets in traffic court if you believe you received them in error.

Q: Will taking a defensive driving course help reduce the impact?

A: In some states, completing a court-approved defensive driving course can keep the violation off your record, protecting your insurance rates.

Q: Should I inform my insurance company about my ticket?

A: You’re not required to proactively report it, but most insurance companies will learn about moving violations when they review your record at renewal.