Glossary

Major violation

A serious driving offense, such as DUI, reckless driving or driving with a suspended license, that brings large surcharges and can lead to nonrenewal.

Also called: serious violation, major traffic violation, major moving violation

A major violation is a driving offense that insurers treat as a sign of high risk. Each insurer's rating plan defines the list, but it commonly includes DUI or DWI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license, leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular assault or homicide, eluding police, street racing and, at many companies, speeding far above the limit.

Insurers learn about major violations from your motor vehicle report and apply a surcharge much larger than for a minor violation, often for three to five years and sometimes longer. Some insurers will not renew or accept a driver with a recent major violation, pushing them toward nonstandard auto insurance. Example: a driver paying $1,500 a year with a 70% surcharge would pay about $2,550 until it expires (hypothetical figures).

A major violation can also bring state requirements, such as an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate of insurance, a license suspension or an ignition interlock device. How long a violation counts and which offenses are major vary by insurer and state, so ask how your insurer classifies a specific offense. See Car insurance after a DUI.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

Minor violation A common traffic offense, such as most speeding tickets, running a stop sign or an illegal turn, that brings a smaller premium surcharge. Moving violation A traffic offense committed while a vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light, that can add license points and raise premiums. DUI Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, an offense that brings license penalties, possible SR-22 or FR-44 filings and steep insurance increases. SR-22 A form an insurer files with the state to certify that a high-risk driver carries the required liability coverage, often for about three years. Surcharge An extra charge added to your premium after an at-fault accident, traffic violation or claim, usually lasting three to five years. Motor vehicle report (MVR) Your official state driving record, listing tickets, convictions, suspensions and license status, which insurers check to set your rate.

Related guides

Car insurance after a DUI What a DUI does to your car insurance: surcharges, possible nonrenewal, SR-22 or FR-44 filings, how long it counts, and how to stay insured. Points on your license and your insurance DMV license points and insurance surcharges are separate systems. How each works, with state examples, and what point reduction courses do and don't fix.