By Pierce Blitch
The Impact of Speeding on Your Record and Wallet
Speeding tops the chart as the most frequent reason drivers get pulled over. Not only can these tickets stain your driving record, but they can also hike up your insurance rates. Take it from someone who has seen speeding tickets on driver histories dating back decades. In Georgia, speeding isn’t just frowned upon; it’s a misdemeanor that could land you in jail for up to a year and cost you as much as $1000 in fines. Let’s break down the impact on your driver’s points for various speeding thresholds:
- Speeding 15-18 mph over the limit: 2 points
- Speeding 19-23 mph over the limit: 3 points
- Speeding 24-33 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Speeding 34 mph or more over the limit: 6 points
Despite the common belief, speeding barely shaves time off your travel, especially on longer trips. So, take it easy on the gas pedal! However, if you do get stopped for speeding, here’s what you should do next.
How to Handle a Speeding Stop Safely and Respectfully
First, pull over as safely as you can, particularly on highways. It’s not uncommon for accidents to occur when other drivers lose control near roadside stops. Your attentiveness will be appreciated by the officer. Remember, most officers aren’t out just to issue tickets—they’re on the lookout for more serious offenses. So, when the officer approaches:
- Stay calm and polite.
- Provide your license, registration and proof of insurance.
- Sign the ticket without argument.
- Leave the scene safely.
Arguing on the spot isn’t the time or place—decisions about the ticket should be made at home or with legal counsel.
Deciding Your Next Steps: Pay, Negotiate, or Contest?
Once home, you have three options:
- Pay the ticket: Avoid court altogether. Most jurisdictions offer online payment, but this will affect your insurance.
- Negotiate the ticket: This involves contacting the prosecutor, though they may be hard to reach due to heavy caseloads. You might consider a ‘no contest’ plea to avoid points on your license, but this doesn’t guarantee your insurance rates won’t rise. A skilled lawyer will generally be able to negotiate your case better than you can
- Fight the ticket: This is the most complex route and typically requires a lawyer to navigate the court system effectively.
Speeding may seem like a minor infraction, but it carries serious consequences beyond just a fine. From insurance hikes to legal repercussions, the true cost of speeding can be significant. If you’re caught speeding, consider your options carefully. The right decision could save you not just money, but also future hassles.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every criminal charge holds potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible criminal defense available. Nearly all the attorneys at The Blitch Law Firm are former Assistant District Attorneys, so our unique insight on how the prosecution approaches cases equips us with the ability to see the case from all sides. If you, a family member, or a close friend faces criminal charges, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our creative defense strategies with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this site is offered solely for informational purposes and might not represent the current law in your jurisdiction. None of the details provided here should be interpreted as legal advice from The Blitch Law Firm or from the individual writer. Additionally, it is not meant to replace professional legal advice. Readers should not base their actions or decisions to abstain from actions solely on the information found in or available through this site. Instead, they should seek tailored legal or other expert counsel regarding their specific situation from an attorney or other professional authorized to practice in the reader’s state, nation, or other relevant licensing area.