What is the Real Cost of a Speeding Ticket?
A few years ago I was ticketed for speeding on Route 12 in Fox Lake. I was, in fact, speeding about 12 miles over the limit so I took my ticket from the officer with no argument. But I do remember his words when I asked if it is better to just pay the ticket in the courthouse on the appointed date or to attend the driving school. He said, “It depends on whether you have more time than money.” I should have known better, but I just paid the $50 fine in advance without seeing the judge on my court date. Nearly always you will be offered the opportunity to attend “traffic school” in Woodstock if you get your ticket in McHenry County. My advice is to attend the school. This choice will keep that ticket off the record and away from your insurance underwriter’s eyes. But since I made the stupid choice, I was surcharged $150 per year for three years by my insurance company for that ticket. Total money cost for this one ticket: $500. Keep in mind that small towns in particular depend on the in
