A speeding ticket doesn’t seem like a big deal, does it? While it’s a hassle, it seems like almost every driver has gotten one at some point or another. However, depending on your speed and location, both the ticket itself and the long-term consequences can be quite serious. Our Raleigh speeding ticket lawyers are providing an in-depth look at what you can expect after getting a citation and what your options are.
The Initial Cost of a Speeding Ticket
When you get a speeding ticket, you’re immediate thought is probably how much the ticket will be. This depends on how much faster than the posted speed limit you were driving and where you were speeding.
- Driving 1-5 miles over the limit: $10 plus court costs and fees;
- Driving 6-10 mph over the limit: $15 plus court costs and fees;
- Driving 11-15 mph over the limit: $30 plus court costs and fees;
- Driving 16 mph or more: $50 plus court costs and fees.
Speeding in any capacity in a school zone or work zone carries an automatic $250 fine along with court costs and fees. Also, if you were speeding over a 55 mph limit but driving less than 80 mph or driving over 80 mph, this is a Level 3 misdemeanor, and you may be facing additional fines and even jail and a loss of driving privileges.
Waiving Court Fees
While all speeding tickets include a court date, with most minor speeding tickets, the court date can be waived simply by paying the ticket. Because court fees range between $100 and over $200, you may think you’re better off simply paying the ticket and moving on, but by doing this, you’re admitting guilt for the violation and accepting the additional punishments associated, including license points and increased insurance premiums.
Because it’s a misdemeanor, driving in excess of 80 mph, or driving over 15 mph a posted speed limit of 55 mph or more, and any charge of reckless driving all require a court appearance. Failing to appear for a court appearance can lead to a revocation of your driver’s license.
Speeding Tickets and License Points
In addition to the initial ticket and costs associated, a speeding ticket will put “points” on your driver’s license. Basically, this is a record of moving violations with certain violations scoring higher than others. However, if you receive seven points in three years, you may be required to take a state-approved driving class, while 12 points in three years is punished by a 60-day license suspension.
Let’s look at how points are assigned for speeding:
- Speeding in a school zone: 3 points
- Speeding over 55 mph: 3 points
- Speeding in a work zone: 3 points
- All other speeding violations: 2 points
Speeding Tickets and Insurance Points
Points are also placed on your insurance when you receive a moving violation and can lead to extremely high increases in your premium. According to the Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance published by the NC Department of Insurance, the percent of rate increase is as follows:
- Speeding 10 mph or less over a speed limit under 55 mph: 30 percent
- Speeding over 10 mph at a total speed of over 55 mph but below 76 mph: 45 percent
- Speeding 10 mph or less over a speed limit in a posted zone of 55 mph or above: 45 mph
- Speeding in excess of 75 mph when the speed limit is below 70 mph: 80 percent
- Speeding in excess of 80 mph when the limit is 70 mph or above: 80 percent
These rate increases compound, in that if you get a speeding ticket driving 62 mph in a 55 mph zone, you’ll see a 30 mph increase in your premium. If you get a second ticket a year later for the same offense, you’ll see an additional 30 percent increase on top of this.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Wake County
If you are facing a speeding ticket, the long-term costs and consequences can be much higher than you may realize. At The Coolidge Law Firm, we’re dedicated to having speeding tickets reduced or even eliminated for our clients so they can move forward freely after a mistake. To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation, call us today at (919) 239-8448 or fill out the form below to get started.
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