How to Keep a Nevada Speeding Ticket Off Your Insurance Record

You got a speeding ticket in Las Vegas. The fine is one thing. What you probably want to know is whether this will raise your car insurance.

It can. But it does not have to. The way to keep a ticket off your insurance record is to keep it from becoming a conviction for a moving violation. Here is how that works.

How a Nevada Ticket Reaches Your Insurance

Insurers do not hear about your ticket from the court. They find it on your driving record. Here is the usual path:

• You pay the ticket or are found guilty of a moving violation.
• The conviction is reported to the Nevada DMV, and points are added to your record.
• Your insurer checks your record, usually at renewal.
• The insurer sees the violation and reviews your rate.

Paying a ticket is a guilty plea. That is the step that starts everything above. I cannot tell you what your insurer will do, because that varies by company and by your history. What I can tell you is that no points on your record means nothing for the insurer to find.

Moving Violation vs. Non-Moving Violation

A moving violation is an offense committed while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light. These carry points.

A non-moving violation is closer to a parking ticket. It does not carry points and is not reported to the DMV. You may still pay a fine, but your driving record stays clean.

That is the goal in most of my cases: reduce the ticket from a moving violation to a non-moving violation. The result is no points, no DMV reporting, and no insurance impact from that ticket. Outcomes are never guaranteed, and the court makes the final call.

How Nevada Points Work

• Speeding adds points based on how far over the limit you were.
• A red light violation adds 4 points.
• Reckless driving adds 8 points.
• If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license can be suspended.

For a full breakdown of point values and fines, see our Nevada traffic ticket points guide.

Two Ways an Attorney Can Keep Points Off Your Record

Negotiate a reduction

I speak with the prosecutor and ask to amend your moving violation to a non-moving violation. Many cases are resolved this way, often within hours to a week. The court may require traffic school or a reduction fee, and the fine often stays the same.

Contest the ticket

If the citation or the evidence has weaknesses, I can contest it. In Las Vegas Justice Court, contested cases are often dismissed. A contested case takes longer because the court sets a hearing months out, and a bond is required. No result is guaranteed.

Is the Fee Worth It?

My fee is a flat $100 to $200. There is no hourly billing and no surprise charges.

I do not have a reliable number for what a ticket would cost you in higher premiums, and it differs for every driver. But a conviction puts points on your record that your insurer can see for years. For many drivers, a flat fee to avoid that is a reasonable trade.

What To Do Next

• Do not pay the ticket yet. Paying enters the conviction.
• Find the court date and deadline on your citation.
• Take a clear photo of the citation, front and back.
• Contact me before the deadline.

Want more detail on how insurers treat tickets? Read Traffic Tickets and Car Insurance: What Nevada Drivers Need to Know.

Send me a copy of your citation and I will tell you what your options look like. You can call me directly at (702) 870-6402.

I am Donald Kudler, co-founding attorney at Cap & Kudler, with more than 20 years of Nevada legal experience. I handle every traffic ticket case personally. This article is general information, not legal advice for your specific case.