Maybe you've never heard of peak ticket season, but it's real! Drivers are much more likely to get a citation during certain months. It's a trend all across the country.
We looked at dozens of thousands of traffic tickets issued in New York, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, and Fort Lauderdale from 2014 to 2022 to find out more. Here is what we learned, and why that matters for you as a driver.
When Are the Most Traffic Tickets Issued?
Spring is the most ticket-prone season across the United States. Drivers rack up more tickets in March, April, and May than at any other time. In Pennsylvania, for example, 21% of all tickets are issued in April and May alone.
Why? Well, no one knows for certain, but the weather could have something to do with it. The days get longer and warmer, so drivers finally hit the road for fun after a winter of mostly commuting. Driving more means more opportunities to break the law, and speeding is the most common infraction.
What Months Have the Fewest Traffic Citations?
December, January, and February are the calmest months on the road.
That's not too surprising. Snow and ice often keep drivers off the road in states with harsh winters (like New York and Pennsylvania). And when drivers get behind the wheel, they play it safe in inclement weather to avoid getting into a crash.
Even drivers in warmer cities like Phoenix and Fort Lauderdale don't get as many tickets. Joy rides and road trips just aren't as popular in the winter.
How to Avoid Getting a Ticket During Peak Ticket Season
Now you know to be extra careful in March, April, and May. But that doesn't mean you have to stay off the road. Instead, you could enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) to dodge tickets during peak season.
Say you're a driver in Missouri who has had a license for five years. The laws you learned in driver's ed have changed. For example, Missouri started banning all drivers from using handheld devices while driving in August 2023. It's the latest crackdown on distracted driving.
DIP classes will get you up to speed on your state's most recent traffic laws. They will keep your record blemish-free and save you money on fines.
Clean Up Your Driving Record After a Ticket
No one ever wants to get a citation, but it happens — especially during peak ticket season. If you get one, you may be able to remove it from your record.
Some states allow drivers to enroll in traffic school. You can take these classes online with a state-approved provider like IDriveSafely. You'll get a refresher on your state's laws, which will help you avoid fines in the future. Plus, once you complete the course, the points you racked up will disappear. That's good news because having few points (or convictions) on your record keeps your insurance rates low.
Get on the Road Confidently Year-Round
Spring is peak ticket season because drivers engage in riskier behaviors. Even if you follow all the laws, that doesn't mean other drivers will too. At some point, you'll come across a reckless driver.
Do you know how to stay safe? Defensive driving classes teach you how to confidently deal with dangerous situations. Learn online at your own pace with IDriveSafely about road rage, distracted driving, and so much more.
