Obviously, citations for offenses like speeding and reckless driving are going to raise your auto insurance premiums. However, depending upon your location, your insurance provider, and the circumstances of your offense, a ticket for violating your state's child restraint laws may also result in an increase in your car insurance rates.

Generally, breaking a state's child restraint law is considered a non-moving violation. The penalty is usually a misdemeanor fine, plus payment of all applicable court costs. Fines vary by state, but most range from $25 to $100.

A few states, such as Florida, will also add points to your driving record for this offense. If your state adds points to your driving record, it is much more likely that that your insurance premiums will increase. If you have points on your driving record for other offenses not related to the car seat violation, your risk of having your premiums raised increases even more. This is because some insurance companies will automatically raise your rates when you hit a certain number of points, regardless of what the points are given for.

It is interesting to note that whether or not you are a first time offender may also affect your penalty for violating a state's child restraint laws. In Iowa, for example, a first offense will not result in a conviction if the driver can produce in court proof that he or she has purchased an acceptable child restraint system. Ohio takes an especially hard line on car seat safety, requiring that second time offenders pay a fine of $250 and spend up to 30 days in jail.

Since not all insurance providers use the same formulas to determine rates, the best course of action is to contact your insurance agent if you have questions about a child safety seat violation's impact on your monthly premiums. If you find that your premiums will be increasing, an online search of various auto insurance providers may be able to help you find a lower rate with another company.