* The specific violation: The primary concern isn't just the *number* of passengers, but whether it violated a specific traffic law. Most jurisdictions have passenger limits based on the vehicle's seating capacity (including seatbelts), and exceeding that is an offense. Simply having more people than is *comfortable* isn't usually a legal problem.
* Your insurance company's policy: Some insurance companies might consider a citation for exceeding passenger limits as a moving violation, which *could* lead to increased premiums. Others may be less strict, particularly if it's a first offense and there are no other contributing factors (like reckless driving).
* Your driving record: If you have a clean driving record, a single minor infraction like this is less likely to significantly impact your rates than if you have multiple violations or a history of more serious offenses.
* State laws: State laws vary regarding how traffic violations are reported and how they influence insurance premiums.
In short: While it's *possible* your insurance could increase, it's not a certainty. The impact depends on the specific circumstances and your insurance company's policies. The bigger risk is the potential for a fine and points on your driving record from the initial traffic ticket.
