People drive over the speed limit for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you were running late to work or wanted to cut down the time it would take to get to your destination on a long trip. You may have been speeding without realizing it and were startled to see the red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
Whatever your reason is for being cited with a speeding ticket, you are merely one of an abundance of people who have been in this predicament. In fact, speeding tickets are cited more than any other moving violation listed in Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code.
Although most motorists don't see a speeding citation as a big deal, being ticketed for excessive speeding or receiving subsequent speeding citations could lead to dire consequences. Rising insurance premiums, costly fines and the suspension or revocation of your license are some of the penalties that could potentially be imposed. However, with the assistance of an attorney, you will be able to weigh your options and respond to citations in a fashion that will minimize or completely prevent these repercussions.
Exceeding Maximum Speed in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, motorists are prohibited from driving over the posted speed limit. It's important to note that even though speed limit signage may not be present in some areas, drivers are expected to be aware of and abide by the following guidelines:
- 55 miles per hour on highways and expressways
- 25 miles per hour on residential streets
- 35 miles per hour on non-residential streets
State law enforcement allows motorists to drive a maximum speed of 5 miles over the speed limit in most circumstances. But driving 6 or more miles over the speed limit warrants an “exceeding maximum speed” citation 75 Pa. Cons. Stat § 3362. This rule is not applicable in an active work or school zone, as a driver may be cited if they are caught going 1 mile over the posted speed limit in these areas.
Pennsylvania's Point System
The state's Department of Transportation, also known as PennDOT, documents and maintains the driving records of licensed motorists in the state. When a driver is cited with a ticket and pleads guilty (pays the fine), he or she receives a series of “points” on their driving record. Once a driver reaches the six-point mark, administrative corrective action will be taken.
Penalties
A citation for exceeding maximum speed typically results in a fine and points marked on a motorist's driving record. The number of points added depends solely on the nature of the offense. In Pennsylvania, the miles over the speed limit that a driver is caught executing dictates the number of points on their record:
- 6 to 10 miles per hour over speed limit = 2 points
- 11 to 15 miles per hour over speed limit = 3 points
- 16 to 25 miles per hour over speed limit = 4 points
- 26 or more miles per hour over speed limit = 5 points
Philadelphia Traffic Attorney
It's important that you handle speeding tickets appropriately to avoid stiff penalties. With the help of an attorney, you can do that effectively. Contact skilled traffic attorney Joseph D. Lento today for assistance.
