10 States Where Cops Are Most Likely To Write You a Speeding Ticket

We've all been tempted to floor it when running late, but speeding can be costly (and deadly). Reducing your chance of getting ticketed is a smart money move for car owners.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding accounts for 29% of all traffic fatalities, so no one can fault authorities for trying to course-correct with the consequence of a ticket. Some states, though, hand out more citations than others, which means drivers in these places should watch how hard they’re pressing the gas pedal.

Insurify looked at their database of car insurance applications to determine which states give out the most tickets. After comparing the number of drivers in each state who applied with the number of speeding violations on their record, here are the top 10.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 6.4%

Oregon has one of the lowest maximum posted speed limits on this list (55 mph), which could be a cause of increased speeding violations. That, coupled with the state's use of traffic cameras to cite violators, is one reason many drivers may have had so many speeding citations.

Tickets cost drivers anywhere from $115 to $1,150, so there is a fairly wide range for extreme offenders. Drivers also face an average increase from $119 to $276 in monthly insurance premiums once ticketed.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 6.5%

With the 10th-lowest population density among states in the U.S., wide open roads make it easy for people to speed in Utah.

The state implements a points system along with fines for speeding, with a speeding ticket costing between $120 to $470 and 35 to 75 driving record points. After surpassing 200 points, drivers may have their license suspended.

What will speeding in Utah cost you? The average monthly car insurance cost increases from $180 to $248 a month for speeders.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 6.6%

The only East Coast state on the list, Virginia has very stringent traffic law enforcement. A speeding violation can result in a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and a six-month license suspension.

Despite the harsh penalties for speeding, that has not stopped drivers in the state from exceeding the limit. Drivers ticketed for speeding can see their monthly insurance increase from $185 to $246 on average.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 6.7%

With the highest interstate speed limit of any state on this list (80 mph), South Dakota still has a high number of speeding violations. Part of that is the combination of flat roads and thinly dispersed populations, which makes it far easier for drivers to push the speed limit.

Speeding fines are moderate, ranging from $87.50 to $222.50, but violators' average monthly insurance premiums increase significantly, from $135 to $222.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 6.8%

Wyoming has the second-lowest population density in the country, so its open roads are ripe for infractions. Even though the state has a high speed limit on interstates (75-80 mph), that does not stop citizens from stepping on the accelerator at a high clip.

The cost of citations is also cheaper, ranging from $85 to $155. The average monthly insurance premium for a driver with a clean record is $141, while those with speeding tickets on their records will see a massive jump to $244 a month.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 7.1%

Despite having one of the country's highest speed limits (75-80 mph), Idaho drivers still get ticketed at one of the highest rates. The wide open roads and lack of urban congestion appeal to speeders.

While speeding costs between $90 and $155 for typical infractions, Idaho drivers can see their average insurance premiums skyrocket from $130 to $200 per month for those with speeding tickets.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 7.1%

Iowa is tied with Idaho for the percentage of drivers with a speeding ticket on record. Another fairly rural and sparsely populated state, Iowa also has the lowest maximum speed limit of any state on the list (55 mph).

This combination, along with the moderately low ticket costs ($20–$100), could make it enticing for drivers to speed, thus the high ticketing rate.

If you decide to speed — and get caught — your insurance premium will increase massively, jumping from $125 to $206 per month on average.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 7.8%

Ohio has punitive measures for speeding violations. Driving significantly over the speed limit or accumulating multiple violations may get you fines reaching $500, up to 60 days in jail, and charges classified as third or fourth-degree misdemeanors.

The state uses traffic cameras, which may dramatically increase ticketing. Still, that has not seemed to dissuade violators from speeding, nor has the monthly increase of $129 to $188 in insurance premiums for those with tickets on their records.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 7.8%

Tied with Ohio for second place, Wisconsin has many super speeders. In 2022, the state handed out 1,100 speeding tickets to drivers going above 100 mph. While the price of tickets is between $200 to $800, that has not seemed to deter offenders.

The steep increase in monthly insurance premiums doesn't seem to stop speeding either, with clean drivers spending an average of $138 a month on insurance while those with tickets spend an average of $206.

Drivers with a speeding ticket: 8.7%

Surprisingly, North Dakota leads the United States in speeding tickets. Part of this may be due to the low cost of speeding (as little as $15 per infraction) and the wide open and flat geography. Along with the low population, lulls drivers could be lulled into thinking they can get away with faster speeds.

Drivers face steep increases in insurance premiums, jumping from $146 to $235 monthly for those with tickets

If you live in one of these states or plan a visit, keep your eyes on your speedometer, especially if you find yourself on a seemingly open stretch of road. A speeding ticket is one of the most foolish ways to waste money, and you'll lose even more cash as your insurance premiums rise.

On average, full-coverage insurance costs $199 per month, but that number rises to $276 with a speeding ticket on your record. In the long run, safe driving will not only help you save money on car insurance, but you won't have to pay hefty fines out of your pocket, either.