There is no formal distinction when it comes to a citation vs. a ticket. If you commit a traffic or driving infraction, such as speeding or running a red light, you’ll likely receive one of the two. Depending on your infraction, your auto insurance premiums can rise by $100/month.
What is a citation?
A citation is a legal document that you receive when you commit a traffic violation. The terms citation and ticket mean the same thing—citation is the official term law enforcement uses, whereas ticket is used more often by the general public. Typically, you’ll receive a citation or a ticket in one of two ways:
| Paper citations are the traditional format, either tucked under your windshield wiper (as in a parking ticket) or handed to you directly by a police officer (as in a speeding ticket). | E-citations are now becoming more common. If you receive an e-citation via an officer’s tablet, first you’ll sign the form electronically to acknowledge that you understand your obligations and then you’ll receive a copy in your email inbox. |
A citation/ticket will often include the following information:
- What violation(s) you are receiving a citation for
- A citation number (unique to you)
- The legal consequences of your actions
- Options for how to respond to the citation
- How much time you have to respond before the consequences escalate
Citation charges will vary based on the type of infraction or violation you committed. For example, a parking citation will generally cost less than speeding or distracted driving charges—however, the overall price will depend on your state laws and regulations.
The different types of citations and tickets
There are two major types of violations for which you can receive a citation: moving and nonmoving violations. Both types of violations will go on your record, whether they were committed out of state or in the state where you’re licensed.
Moving violations
Moving violations occur when the car is in motion. Some of the most common include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- DUI and DWI
- Not stopping at a red light or stop sign
- Not using your turn signal
- Not obeying posted traffic signals and signs
These types of charges will add penalty points to your record in most states. The number of points you receive depends on your state and the specific traffic law that you broke. Keep in mind that the more severe your charge, the harsher penalties and fines you may face.
Along with state-wide penalties, you can also experience higher than average car insurance rates. Here’s a look at the average monthly cost drivers with varying moving violations pay for car insurance in the US:
| Violation | Average coverage cost | Total rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to stop | $163 | 35% |
| Distracted driving | $168 | 39% |
| Driving without a seat belt | $211 | 74% |
| Failure to obey signal | $218 | 80% |
| DUI | $221 | 83% |
| Illegal turn | $233 | 93% |
| Speeding – Major | $247 | 104% |
| Careless driving | $275 | 127% |
Nonmoving violations
These happen when the car is not in motion. Here are some examples of ticketable nonmoving violations:
- Parking incorrectly or illegally
- Broken headlights
- Broken turn signals
- Expired registration tags
- No license plate
You can be cited for driving without insurance, driving without a seatbelt, and getting caught by a red light camera. But depending on your state, they might be considered either moving or nonmoving violations.
| Violation | Average coverage cost | Total rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to show documents | $147 | 28% |
| Improper parking | $159 | 31% |
| Defective equipment | $171 | 41% |
| Open container | $186 | 54% |
What to do if you get a citation
It’s important to take action on a citation immediately, as inaction can make things complicated and costly for you. After you receive your citation, you have three options: pay the fine, request mitigation, or appeal it in court.
Paying your citation
Depending on your state and municipality, you may have several ways to pay a fine, including: cash, check, money order, or through an online system.
If you’re struggling financially and can’t pay your fine, ask your local government about payment plan options for citations. Once payment is made, the violation will go on your driving record and you may get points on your license, depending on the infraction. You can also expect your insurance rates to go up at your next policy renewal.
Keep in mind:
Once you pay your citation, your infraction will appear on your motor vehicle report. However, some states allow drivers to complete specific programs to remove points once they’re added. For more information, visit your local DMV.
Requesting mitigation or appealing your citation
Depending on the nature of your violation, you may be required to appear in court, regardless of whether or not you plan to argue your case or plead guilty. In this case, your appointed court date and time will be located on your citation.
If you’re heading to court, make sure to bring any related documentation and evidence, especially if you plan to plead not guilty, as well as a method of payment. If you plead guilty to the charge, you’ll pay the fine and the violation will be added to your record. Plead not guilty, and the judge will review the evidence and make the final determination.
When you request a mitigation negotiation, you’ll admit to the violation and ask for leniency. The judge may decide not to put the citation on your record. You may have to pay some or all of the fine. This isn’t available in all cases, however.
Don’t ignore your court or payment dates
If you don’t show up for your scheduled hearing, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and your license could be suspended or revoked. Similarly, refusal to pay the fine associated with a traffic ticket can go on your criminal record and hurt you more in the long run.
The best insurance companies after a citation
Insurance companies consider driver license points when calculating your car insurance premium. If you’ve repeatedly committed traffic offenses, you’ll be perceived as a risky driver and charged more for coverage—or even denied coverage.
There are insurance providers that offer policies for high-risk drivers who have a moving violation on their record. If you’re looking for affordable car insurance after a citation, shop around and get quotes from a range of companies before you renew.
To help you get started, Jerry experts reviewed thousands of real policies for drivers with a range of violations. After compiling the data, we found these providers to be among the top insurance companies for drivers with a poor record:
| Insurance company | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Madison Mutual | $138 |
| Clearcover | $171 |
| Direct Auto | $176 |
| National General | $185 |
| Safeco | $191 |
| Gainsco | $200 |
| Allstate | $201 |
| Progressive | $212 |
| Nationwide | $232 |
| Travelers | $210 |
However, keep in mind these are just average costs. Your quotes may differ based on your violation, previous history, and state regulations.
FAQ
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Citation vs. ticket–is there a difference?
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How much does a speeding ticket cost?
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Can I pay the fines on my citation online?
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How can I find affordable car insurance if I have prior citations?
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Can going to traffic school help my insurance rates?
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How long does a ticket affect your insurance?
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What happens if you don’t pay for a traffic ticket?
Bonnie Stinson is an insurance writer with 8+ years of experience as a content writer. They specialize in making complex topics like insurance and technology easy to understand. Bonnie has written over 1,300 articles to help people become confident car owners, from how to choose the right car and build a car insurance policy to dealing with stressful situations like car accidents and unexpected repairs. Before joining Jerry’s editorial team, Bonnie worked as a digital media strategist and user experience researcher, producing content for Furnishr, STACKEDD Magazine, InfinityCore Health, and the global non-profit Giraffe Heroes.
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
