Points are also assessed for a wide variety of offenses besides speeding. Leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, careless driving, improper passing, driving on the wrong side of the road, failure to dim lights, alteration of suspension system, and following too closely are all examples of offenses for which a driver can be assessed points in addition to the points for speeding. Almost all legislators, including the bill's sponsor, have received complaints that insurance companies have dramatically increased rates for relatively minor violations. One example was cited where a ticket was issued for a violation that was less than five miles per hour over the posted speed limit. By law, this driver was assessed a point against his license in addition to the fine.
Points do serve a useful purpose.
As they accumulate against a particular driver, they are an indicator of a driver's irresponsible behavior. Irresponsibility, in the eyes of the insurance companies, suggests high risk and necessitates, therefore, a higher rate. While this may all be true, speeding, in and of itself and without any other aggravating behavior, such as reckless driving, is a victimless crime. Certainly if speeding is combined with other faults, such as failure to yield right of way or driving on the wrong side of the road, the driver is exhibiting behavior that may be a hazard to others. When the only offense is speeding, however, there is no evidence that a hazard to others exists.