Exceeding Max Speed by 16-25 MPH

We know that driving doesn’t always go as planned. You might have been distracted, deep in thought about a personal issue, when suddenly those dreaded red and blue lights appeared in your rear-view mirror. You pulled over, heart sinking, only to receive a traffic citation for driving 16-25 mph over the posted speed limit.

Speeding is the most frequent reason drivers are pulled over in Harrisburg, but that doesn’t make it a minor issue. These citations can snowball into significant legal headaches, including points on your license, expensive fines, increased insurance rates, or even license suspension. However, you don’t have to face this alone. Logue Law Group is ready to assist you. Our team of reliable Harrisburg traffic ticket attorneys has the skills and background necessary to reduce these penalties or potentially have them dismissed. Rest assured, our group includes some of the most qualified Harrisburg DUI attorney professionals in the area.

Facts About Speeding

Let’s look at the reality of speeding laws in Pennsylvania. Driving faster than the posted limit is illegal. If you are driving on a road where you don’t see a specific speed limit sign, you must adhere to the following default limits:

• 55 MPH on expressways
• 35 MPH on non-residential streets
• 25 MPH on residential streets

Police use various techniques to calculate your speed. Generally, you need to be traveling at least 6 MPH over the limit to receive a speeding ticket. However, there are strict exceptions: if you are in an active work zone or a school zone, driving even 1 MPH over the limit can result in a citation. A Harrisburg DUI attorney can help explain your options if you receive a speeding ticket.

Exceeding the Maximum Speed by 16-25 MPH

It is crucial to understand the specific penalties for exceeding the speed limit by 16-25 MPH. If you are convicted of this specific offense, 4 points will be added to your driving record. Furthermore, if this speeding violation occurred within an active construction zone, you could face an additional penalty of a 15-day license suspension. A knowledgeable Harrisburg DUI attorney can explain how these penalties may impact your license and insurance rates.

Ways in Which the Police Can Measure Your Speed

Law enforcement officers have several tools and methods to determine how fast you are driving. Here are the most common ways they track speed in Dauphin County:

• Following and Pacing: A police officer follows your vehicle, matching their speed to yours for a distance of at least 3/8 of a mile before pulling you over.
• Manual Speed Traps: Police use manual timing devices, such as stopwatches, to calculate your speed over a specific, pre-measured distance. In some cases, aircraft are used to spot speeding cars and relay the data to officers on the ground. This is often referred to as a “Manual Speed Trap.”
• VASCAR Devices: These devices are used in both ground and aerial speed traps. However, their accuracy is frequently challenged in court, especially when measuring speed over distances shorter than 500 feet. Generally, you cannot be cited for speeding in a 55 MPH (or lower) zone using VASCAR unless you were going at least 10 MPH over the limit.
• Radar Guns: In Pennsylvania, only the State Police are legally permitted to use radar guns to detect speeders. Local municipal police cannot use them.
• Automatic Speed Traps: These systems use technology to reduce human error. Transmitters placed on the road automatically calculate the speed of passing vehicles and send the data directly to a computer in the police cruiser.

A skilled Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer can review exactly how your speed was measured to see if there were any errors in the process.

Steps to Take if the Cops Pull You Over

If you are stopped by law enforcement, following these steps can help your situation:

• Be Polite: Treating the officer with respect is always the best policy.
• Avoid Arguments: Do not get into a heated debate or show anger toward the officer.
• Turn Off the Car: Turn off your engine once you are safely pulled over, but stay inside your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.

Pennsylvania Traffic Violation Law

If you have been issued a ticket for exceeding the max speed by 16-25 mph, it is vital to consult with a legal professional. Our team at Logue Law Group is dedicated to defending your rights, challenging the evidence presented against you, and building a solid defense strategy. Do not hesitate to contact a top Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer to discuss your case.

For immediate legal help, contact Logue Law Group 24/7 at 412-387-6901 or visit us online.

For a deeper dive into traffic laws, including definitions and descriptions of offenses, you can review Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Code.