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How bad is a careless driving ticket?

I received a careless driving ticket the other day, and I was astounded to learn that some people consider this a major offense. The officer didn’t make it out to seem like anything more than a regular ticket. Is a careless driving charge serious?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Bad is a relative term, so how bad a careless driving ticket is depends on your perception. In most states, a carless driving ticket is bad in the sense that it’s a misdemeanor and you’ll receive more points on your license than you would for
speeding
or improper lane usage.
However, a careless driving ticket is a minor offense in comparison to something like reckless driving or DUI. That said, careless driving puts you and other drivers at risk, so you should avoid it. Limit your distractions and pay attention, and you’ll likely be fine.
If you’ve received a careless driving ticket, you may have noticed an increase in your car insurance rates. But that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. For cheap auto insurance options, download the
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