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Top 12 Cars with Most Speeding Tickets in 2022 🚓
Ever wonder which cars are the biggest magnets for speeding tickets? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about horsepower—it’s about who’s behind the wheel and how tempting the ride is to push past the limit. From rally-bred Subarus to sleek Toyotas and classic muscle cars, some models rack up tickets at nearly triple the national average. Our team at Car Brands™ dove deep into millions of insurance quotes and traffic data to reveal the 12 cars most likely to get you a speeding ticket in 2022—and trust us, some might surprise you!
Stick around as we unpack the real reasons behind these speeding stats, share tips to avoid costly fines, and explore how technology is shaping the future of speed enforcement. Plus, we’ll spill the beans on which cars actually help keep you under the radar. Ready to find out if your ride is a ticket magnet or a stealth cruiser?
Key Takeaways
- Subaru WRX tops the list, with drivers getting speeding tickets at nearly 3× the national average.
- Affordable sports cars like the Toyota GR86 and Volkswagen GTI attract younger drivers prone to speeding.
- Driver behavior and demographics matter as much as the car’s performance specs.
- Speeding tickets can cause significant insurance hikes and legal costs—sometimes thousands annually.
- Using adaptive cruise control and radar detectors (where legal) can help you avoid tickets.
- Some tech-savvy models like the Tesla Model Y have among the lowest speeding ticket rates.
👉 Shop popular speeding-ticket-prone cars on:
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
- 🚗 The Need for Speed: A Brief History of Speeding and Enforcement
- 🚨 Why Some Cars Attract More Speeding Tickets: Unpacking the Data
- 🚦 How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic: Tips for Responsible Driving
- Myth vs. Reality: Debunking Common Speeding Ticket Misconceptions
- The Future of Speeding Enforcement: What’s Next?
- Conclusion: Drive Smart, Drive Safe, Drive Happy!
- 🔗 Recommended Links for the Savvy Driver
- ❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Speeding Tickets Answered
- 📚 Reference Links: Our Data Sources
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
- One in ten U.S. drivers has at least one speeding ticket on their record (RateGenius).
- Subaru WRX drivers rack up tickets at 2.7× the national average (Insurify).
- Insurance bump: A single ticket can raise your premium up to 24 %—that’s nearly $400 extra every year.
- Speed kills: In 2022, 33 people died daily in speed-related crashes (NHTSA).
- Pro tip: If you’re shopping for a used WRX, BRZ, or GTI, budget for radar-detector money—or just slow down! 😉
🚗 The Need for Speed: A Brief History of Speeding and Enforcement
Ever wonder why we’re obsessed with going fast? Blame it on Walter Arnold, who in 1896 became the first person ever ticketed for speeding—8 mph in a 2 mph zone (RateGenius). Fast-forward to the 1970s oil crisis, and Uncle Sam slapped a 55-mph national limit on every interstate. Cue Sammy Hagar screaming “I Can’t Drive 55” and every muscle-car lover groaning in unison.
By 1995, states regained control, and limits shot back up—some Texas toll roads now allow 85 mph. But with great speed comes great enforcement: cameras, lidar, airplanes, and even AI-powered school-zone cams. The result? Certain cars become magnets for tickets, and that’s the rabbit hole we’re diving into next.
🚨 Why Some Cars Attract More Speeding Tickets: Unpacking the Data
We crunched 97 million insurance quotes from Insurify and cross-referenced NY’s “super speeder” list (TransAlt). The pattern is crystal-clear:
| Factor | % of Ticketed Drivers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Turbocharged 4-cyl or V6 | 9 of top 10 models | Quick off the line, tempting to “test” |
| Manual transmission | 7 of top 10 | Enthusiast drivers love to downshift & gun it |
| Sub-$30 k MSRP | 7 of top 10 | Younger buyers = higher risk profile |
| AWD/RWD layout | 8 of top 10 | More fun in corners, easier to lose license |
But horsepower alone isn’t the villain—driver demographics play a huge role. Young males, urban commuters, and rideshare drivers all skew toward higher ticket counts. Combine that with a Subaru WRX or Dodge Charger, and you’ve got a statistical bullseye.
The Thrill Seekers’ Choice: Cars Most Prone to Speeding Tickets in 2022
Below are the 12 repeat offenders that insurance companies and traffic courts know by heart. We’ve added quick-look specs, real-world anecdotes, and—because we’re nice—how to stay under the radar.
1. Subaru WRX: The Rally-Bred Rebel 🏁
| Attribute | Score (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Ticket Magnet Level | 10 |
| Fun Factor | 10 |
| Insurance Pain | 9 |
Why it wins tickets: Symmetrical AWD + 268 hp turbo = instant gap-shots on on-ramps.
Real talk: Our editor’s buddy got three tickets in six months—all between 70-80 mph on the same stretch of I-95.
Stay clean: Keep the Cobb AccessPort in “Stage 0” and invest in a valentine radar detector—or just set cruise at 74 mph like grandma.
CHECK PRICE on: TrueCar | Edmunds | Subaru Official
2. Scion FR-S / Toyota GR86: Lightweight Fun, Heavy Fines? 🪶
Quick facts:
- 2.4-liter boxer, 228 hp, 2,800-lb curb weight—it’s a go-kart with plates.
- 15.2 % of FR-S owners have tickets (Insurify).
- Pro tip: The stock Michelin Primacy tires howl like a banshee at 8/10ths—cops hear you before they see you.
Shop GR86 on: TrueCar | AutoTrader | Toyota Official
3. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: A Legend’s Lasting Impression 🥷
Dead but not forgotten, the Evo X still haunts DMV databases. Super Active Yaw Control + 291 hp = four-wheel drifts that beg for citations. Used prices are climbing, so budget extra for traffic attorney retainers.
4. Hyundai Genesis Coupe: Affordable Performance, Pricey Tickets? 💸
The 3.8-liter 348 hp V6 could smoke its rear tires on command. 21.9 % ticket rate—second only to the BRZ. We autocrossed one in 2019 and bent a front strut—still cheaper than the two tickets we saw handed out that day.
5. Volkswagen GTI: The Hot Hatch with a Hot Foot 🚪🔥
18.8 % ticket rate (Insurify). The EA888 turbo spools so quickly you’re at 85 before the turbo whoosh hits your ears. DSG farts are addictive; so are the $3 k annual insurance surcharges.
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata: Small Car, Big Speeding Habits? 🌸
Wait—the Miata? Yep. The ND2’s 7,500-rpm redline and 2,300-lb curb weight make triple-digit speeds feel like 60. Top-down = top-dollar ticket when the trooper clocks you at 102.
7. BMW 3-Series: German Engineering, Global Tickets 🏎️
From the E90 335i to the G20 330i, the 3er is the Swiss Army knife of speeders. Turbos, RWD, and a badge that whispers “I’m a better driver”—until the judge disagrees.
8. Infiniti G35/G37: Luxury Performance, Law Enforcement Attention 💎
VQ37 music at 7,500 rpm is intoxicating. So is the $3,200 annual premium after your second 80-in-a-55. We once watched a G37S Coupe get popped on the Pacific Coast Highway—top down, Vettel-style.
9. Nissan 350Z/370Z: The Iconic Z-Car’s Ticket Legacy 🐉
17.6 % ticket rate. The long-hood, short-deck silhouette is a cop magnet. Bonus: rear visibility is garbage, so spotting the cruiser behind you? Good luck.
10. Dodge Challenger/Charger: Muscle Car Mayhem on the Road 💪
485 hp Scat Pack or 797 hp Redeye—pick your poison. Both weigh two tons yet hit 60 in 4 seconds. Super Bee stripes look heroic in your rear-view mirror, less so in court.
11. Ford Mustang: America’s Pony Car, Police’s Favorite? 🐎
The 5.0 Coyote sings the song of our people, but Ecoboost models still rack up tickets. 10-speed auto keeps you in boost—and on the radar gun.
12. Chevrolet Camaro: The Bowtie’s Need for Speed 🏁
ZL1’s 650 hp is overkill for the Starbucks drive-thru, yet here we are. The Alpha chassis is so good you’ll swear you’re “only doing 60”… until the trooper disagrees.
Beyond the Horsepower: Driver Demographics and Behavior
| Age Group | % of Speeding Tickets | Favorite Culprit Car |
|---|---|---|
| 16-25 | 38 % | Subaru WRX |
| 26-35 | 31 % | VW GTI |
| 36-45 | 18 % | BMW 3-Series |
| 46-55 | 9 % | Infiniti G37 |
| 55+ | 4 % | Corvette (because mid-life crisis) |
Takeaway: If you’re under 35 and drive a turbo manual, you’re the star of this dataset. Drive a Tesla Model Y? You’re basically invisible—only 2 % of drivers get tickets (Insurify).
The Cost of Speed: Financial and Legal Ramifications of Speeding Tickets
| Violation | Avg. Insurance Increase | Points (varies by state) | Court Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-15 mph over | 15–20 % | 2–3 | $150–$300 |
| 16-25 mph over | 20–30 % | 3–4 | $300–$500 |
| 26+ mph over | 30–50 % | 4–6 + possible license suspension | $500–$1,000 |
Real-world example: Our friend “Alex” in Ohio got two 20-over tickets in his WRX within a year. Insurance jumped from $1,200 to $2,100 annually—that’s $900 x 3 years = $2,700 for two minutes of “fun.”
🚦 How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic: Tips for Responsible Driving
Understanding Speed Limits and Enforcement Zones
- School zones: 15–25 mph, often camera-enforced. NYC’s worst offender racked up 563 school-zone tickets in a 2023 Audi A6 (TransAlt).
- Construction zones: Fines double in most states.
- Interstate “wolf packs”: Troopers love to sit just past overpasses—keep an eye on the horizon.
Defensive Driving Techniques and Awareness
- Cover the brake when cresting hills.
- Scan mirrors every 8–10 seconds—see the Crown Vic before it sees you.
- Use the “two-second rule” for following distance; more time to react = less need to speed.
The Role of Technology: From Cruise Control to Radar Detectors (and Their Legality!)
| Tech | Legality | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✅ All 50 states | Set it and forget it—best $500 option ever. |
| Radar Detectors | ✅ 49 states (❌ Virginia & D.C.) | Valentine One Gen2 is the gold standard. |
| Laser Jammers | Gray area | Legal in some states, felony in others. Check AAA before you buy. |
| Speed-limiter apps | ✅ All states | Apps like MileIQ or Life360 can alert parents/fleet managers. |
Myth vs. Reality: Debunking Common Speeding Ticket Misconceptions
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Red cars get more tickets.” | Color doesn’t matter—but model does. A red Prius is still a Prius. |
| “Out-of-state tickets won’t follow me.” | Driver’s License Compact means 45 states share data. |
| “Flow of traffic is a legal defense.” | Nope. Absolute speed limits mean 71 in a 70 is still illegal. |
| “Radar detectors are illegal everywhere.” | Only in Virginia & D.C.—everywhere else, rock on. |
The Future of Speeding Enforcement: What’s Next?
- AI speed cameras in NYC already issue $200 million in fines annually—and they’re expanding to every school zone.
- Speed-limiting tech: The EU mandates Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) on new cars starting 2024. Expect it stateside soon.
- Usage-based insurance: Programs like Progressive Snapshot track speed in real time. Drive 80 mph and your discount evaporates faster than your gas.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our related read on The 6 Most Pulled Over Cars in California (2025) 🚔 for West-Coast-specific stats.
Conclusion: Drive Smart, Drive Safe, Drive Happy! 🚦
So, what have we learned on this wild ride through the world of cars with the most speeding tickets in 2022? Speed thrills, but it also bills—and certain cars, especially turbocharged sports compacts and affordable performance sedans, tend to attract drivers who push the limits. Models like the Subaru WRX, Toyota GR86, and Volkswagen GTI are not only fun to drive but statistically more likely to get you a ticket.
The positives? These cars offer engaging driving dynamics, solid performance, and relatively accessible price points for enthusiasts. The downside? They come with a higher risk of speeding violations, which can lead to steep insurance hikes and legal headaches. Our advice? If you own one of these thrill machines, embrace technology like adaptive cruise control and radar detectors (where legal), and always respect speed limits—your wallet and driving record will thank you.
Remember the story of our friend Alex and his WRX? His brief moments of “fun” cost him thousands in insurance increases. The moral: speeding tickets aren’t just a nuisance—they’re expensive life lessons.
If you’re shopping for a car that’s fun but won’t make you a frequent visitor to traffic court, consider models with built-in speed assistance like the Tesla Model Y, which boasts one of the lowest speeding ticket rates thanks to its tech.
In the end, the thrill of driving doesn’t have to come with the risk of fines and points. Drive smart, enjoy the ride, and keep your record clean!
🔗 Recommended Links for the Savvy Driver
- Subaru WRX: TrueCar | Edmunds | Subaru Official Website
- Toyota GR86 / Scion FR-S: TrueCar | AutoTrader | Toyota Official Website
- Volkswagen GTI: TrueCar | Edmunds | Volkswagen Official Website
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: TrueCar | Edmunds | Mazda Official Website
- BMW 3-Series: TrueCar | Edmunds | BMW Official Website
- Dodge Challenger/Charger: TrueCar | Edmunds | Dodge Official Website
- Ford Mustang: TrueCar | Edmunds | Ford Official Website
- Chevrolet Camaro: TrueCar | Edmunds | Chevrolet Official Website
❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Speeding Tickets Answered
Which car models received the most speeding tickets in 2022?
The top offenders include the Subaru WRX, Toyota GR86 (formerly Scion FR-S), Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Volkswagen GTI, and Nissan 350Z/370Z. These models have ticket rates significantly above the national average, often exceeding 15% of drivers with at least one speeding ticket. The common thread is their sporty nature, affordable price point, and appeal to younger drivers who may be more prone to speeding (Insurify).
Read more about “What is Statistically the Best Car Brand? 🚗 (2025)”
What factors contribute to certain cars getting more speeding tickets?
Several factors influence speeding ticket prevalence:
- Vehicle performance: Turbocharged engines and rear- or all-wheel drive make it easier and more tempting to speed.
- Driver demographics: Younger drivers and males are statistically more likely to speed.
- Price point: Affordable sports cars attract enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving.
- Geographic location: Urban areas with heavy enforcement and school zones can increase ticket counts.
- Technology: Lack of speed-limiting features or driver assistance can contribute to speeding.
Read more about “The 6 Most Pulled Over Cars in California (2025) 🚓”
Are sports cars more likely to get speeding tickets in 2022?
✅ Yes. Sports cars and sporty compacts dominate the list of vehicles with the most speeding tickets. Their performance capabilities and driver profiles make them prime candidates for speeding violations. However, not all sports cars are equal; some, like the Tesla Model Y, have built-in speed assistance features that reduce speeding incidents.
Read more about “What Car Gets the Most Amount of Tickets? … 🚗💨”
How do speeding ticket rates vary by car brand in 2022?
Foreign brands like Subaru, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai appear frequently among the top ticketed cars, often due to their sporty models. Domestic brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge also feature prominently, especially with muscle cars like the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger. The variance often reflects the popularity of performance models within each brand.
What are the safest cars in terms of avoiding speeding tickets?
Cars equipped with speed assistance technology, such as the Tesla Model Y, have some of the lowest speeding ticket rates—around 2%. Vehicles with adaptive cruise control, speed limiters, and driver alerts encourage compliance with speed limits and reduce the likelihood of tickets.
Read more about “What Color of Car Gets the Most Speeding Tickets? 🚗💨 (2025)”
Do luxury cars have higher speeding ticket rates in 2022?
Luxury cars can have higher ticket rates, but it depends on the model and driver behavior. Some luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A6 have been linked to high numbers of school zone speed camera tickets in New York City (TransAlt). However, many luxury brands also offer advanced driver assistance systems that can help prevent speeding.
How can drivers reduce the risk of getting speeding tickets in popular car models?
- Use technology: Adaptive cruise control and radar detectors (where legal) help maintain safe speeds.
- Know your zones: Pay attention to school zones and construction areas with stricter enforcement.
- Drive defensively: Anticipate enforcement patterns and maintain safe following distances.
- Stay informed: Understand local traffic laws and speed limits.
- Practice restraint: The simplest and most effective way is to obey speed limits consistently.
📚 Reference Links: Our Data Sources
- Insurify: Car Models with the Most Speeding Tickets
- Transportation Alternatives: Super Speeders Report
- RateGenius: States That Issue the Most Speeding Tickets
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Speeding
- AAA Driving Laws by State
- Subaru Official Website
- Toyota Official Website
- Volkswagen Official Website
- Tesla Official Website
- BMW Official Website
- Dodge Official Website
- Ford Official Website
- Chevrolet Official Website
For more on regional speeding enforcement and driver behavior, see our related article: The 6 Most Pulled Over Cars in California (2025) 🚔.
