Subaru WRX tops US speeding ticket charts, Insurance.com study finds
A 2014 Insurance.com analysis found the Subaru WRX had the highest proportion of drivers with recent speeding tickets in the United States, ahead of discontinued models like the Pontiac GTO.
The Subaru WRX was named the most ticketed vehicle in the United States in a 2014 study by Insurance.com, which examined the percentage of drivers with recent speeding violations by model. According to the insurer, 33.6% of WRX drivers had received a speeding ticket in the study period, putting the Japanese performance saloon ahead of all other cars on US roads. This figure is significantly higher than the average for all vehicles, which stood at 19.9%.
Subaru WRX: The Most Ticketed Car in America
How the Study Was Conducted
Insurance.com analysed insurance quotes and violation records to determine which car models had the highest proportion of drivers with recent speeding tickets. The study focused on the percentage of owners who reported at least one speeding violation within a set period, rather than the total number of tickets issued. This approach allowed the insurer to compare driver behaviour across different models and brands, regardless of how many of each were on the road.
Top Five Most Ticketed Vehicles
- Subaru WRX, 33.6% of drivers with a recent speeding ticket
- Pontiac GTO, 32.7%
- Scion FR-S, 32.6%
- Toyota Supra, 30.8%
- Subaru Tribeca, 29.7%
The presence of both current and discontinued models in the top five highlights a strong connection between performance-oriented cars and higher rates of speeding violations. The Pontiac GTO, for example, was discontinued in 2006, yet still ranked second. The Toyota Supra, another enthusiast favourite, also made the list despite production gaps in recent decades. The Scion FR-S and Subaru Tribeca rounded out the top five, each with more than 29% of owners reporting speeding tickets.
Discontinued Models Still Draw Attention
Several discontinued American cars appeared in the top 20, including the Mercury Topaz, Pontiac G8, and Saturn Aura. The Mercury brand was discontinued by Ford, with the Topaz last produced in 1994. General Motors also ended production of the Pontiac and Saturn brands following its bankruptcy restructuring in 2009. Despite their age, these vehicles remain popular among drivers who are more likely to receive speeding tickets, suggesting that their performance appeal endures even after they leave showrooms.
Brand Averages and Broader Trends
When looking at brands as a whole, Scion led with 27.5% of its owners having a recent speeding violation. This was higher than the overall average of 19.9% across all makes and models. The study’s results emphasise that certain brands and models, especially those associated with performance or sporty driving, tend to attract drivers who are more likely to be ticketed for speeding.
Insurance Implications for Drivers
Insurance.com pointed out that insurance companies use their own data and risk models to set premiums, so the impact of a speeding ticket on a WRX driver's insurance cost can vary widely between providers. While some insurers might penalise a WRX driver with a ticket more heavily, others may not increase rates as dramatically, depending on their assessment of risk. The study’s findings highlight the connection between car choice and insurance costs, especially for those who drive models with a reputation for speeding violations.
Consequences for Drivers and Enthusiasts
For WRX owners and fans of similar performance cars, the study’s results underline the extra scrutiny these vehicles may attract from law enforcement. A higher likelihood of being ticketed can mean increased insurance premiums and the potential for points on a driving record. This may influence both the cost of ownership and the driving habits of those behind the wheel.
Summary of Findings
The Insurance.com study provides insight into the relationship between car choice and driving behaviour in the US. The Subaru WRX, with its accessible turbocharged performance and rally-inspired handling, leads the list of most ticketed vehicles. Discontinued models like the Pontiac GTO and Toyota Supra continue to attract drivers prone to speeding. The findings also suggest that insurance costs and law enforcement attention are important considerations for those drawn to performance cars, whether new or old.
