Speeding in a Prohibited Zone in Raleigh
Raleigh leads the state in speeding tickets. Last year, county police issued nearly 35,000 citations. Many people are quick to admit guilt and pay the fine without considering the consequences. Don’t be that person.
By fighting the ticket, you can get the reduction you need to prevent an increase in your auto insurance premiums and possible license suspension. Contact the Coolidge Law Firm. We will examine all the evidence regarding your traffic stop and do everything we can to get the fine reduced or even dropped.
Speeding is prohibited everywhere in North Carolina, but there are certain areas where you will face higher fines and more point on your record if you are caught going over the speed limit. These areas are considered ‘prohibited zones’ and they include school zones and constructions zones.
We know the easiest route is to pay the fine, but the effects of admitting to speeding will last long after the fine has been paid. Schedule a time to speak with us more about your case. Call us or submit your information in the online contact form.
The Coolidge Law Firm defends clients of speeding in all communities in Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, and Apex.
Speeding in a School Zone
No matter where you drive in North Carolina, you are going to encounter a school zone. A school zone is an area near a school where younger pedestrians are likely to be present. These zones may seem like an inconvenience, but you are required to go the speed limit posted in the zone.
A school zone is required to have a sing that notifies you when you are required to go the reduced speed. You are only required to go the lowered speed limit when the sign is either flashing or during the posted time. If you received a ticket for speeding in a school zone when the zone was not in effect, you should contact the Coolidge Law Firm right away.
Speeding in a school zone is penalized with a $250 fine. You will also have points added to your driving record. Speeding in a school zone is not eligible for the exceptions in the Safe Driver Incentive Plan. This means the charge will almost always increase auto insurance premiums.
Speeding in a Construction Zone
There are hundreds of construction projects underway in North Carolina. These areas are occupied with construction workers and heavy equipment. Speeds are reduced and the roads are often bumpy, which makes the zone an annoyance for motorists. Like school zones, constructions zones are established to protect drivers and workers in the area.
Construction zones are required to have two visible signs. The first should inform you of the reduced speed and that you are entering a construction area, while the second sign lets you know you have reached the end of the construction zone. The state doesn’t require workers to be present for you to be given a moving violation for speeding.
Speeding in a construction zone is penalized the same as speeding in a school zone. You will be required to pay a $250 fine. You will also have points added to your driving record.
North Carolina Safe Drivers Incentive Program
Everyone knows that safe drivers save lives and money. That’s why the state created the Safe Drivers Incentive Program to offer a financial incentive for drivers to practice safe driving habits. This plan allows auto insurance companies to charge higher premiums for drivers who violate traffic laws or practice unsafe driving.
Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, you will receive insurance points. The points you earn will depend on the violation. For example, speeding through a school or construction zone will result in three points while a more serious traffic crime such as reckless driving will result in four points.
The more points you accumulate, the higher your insurance premiums will be. When you have three points on your record, you could see a 60% increase in auto insurance premiums while four points have the potential to increase your rates by 80%.
Yes, speeding tickets result in fines, but the insurance consequences are equally, if not more, important. The effects of an increase in insurance premiums will affect you long after your ticket has been paid. That’s why you should contact an attorney who is willing to fight the ticket for you.
Additional Recourses for Speeding in a Prohibited Zone
Safe Drivers Incentive Plan- Follow this link to view a chart provided by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. You can see the number of points assigned for certain traffic offense and the potential increase of insurance premiums. You can also learn about situations were points will not be added and an example of how points increase coverage.
Speed Limits in School Zones | North Carolina General Statutes– Learn more about speed limits in school zones by visiting the North Carolina General Assembly website. You can read the full text of the statute and find out who has the authority to set speed limits in school zones.
Speak to a Speeding Ticket Attorney Today
Don’t admit guilt and pay your speeding ticket. Instead, let the Coolidge Law Firm fight it for you. We have decades of experience representing Raleigh drivers, and we vow to provide you will quality legal representation.
Schedule a time to speak with us more about your case. Call (919) 239-8448 or submit your information in the online contact form. The Coolidge Law Firm defends clients of traffic offenses in all areas of Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, and Apex.