Caught With Marijuana in My Car

Reader’s Question:

If marijuana is found in someone’s vehicle by a law enforcement officer and they get a ticket for that, does their car insurance rate go up?

Jim

Denver, CO

It would likely depend upon the type of violation that the motorist was cited for. If it was a DWI or DUI, ticket that the individual received and they are convicted of this offense then it would go on their driving record where their insurance carrier could see it.

A DWI or DUI is considered a major violation and therefore insurance rates could be affected greatly. If the ticket was a different violation but still listed as a drug offense on your motor vehicle record (MVR) then it still would likely affect your auto insurance rates.

Insurance rating systems differ from one insurance carrier to another so if you were cited for an officer finding marijuana in your car you would need to verify from your insurance agent how your insurance carrier rates this type of violation.