Exceeding Max Speed by 26-30 MPH

Imagine this scenario: It is late at night, and the roads ahead of you are completely empty. You are anxious to get home quickly, so you press down hard on the gas pedal. Suddenly, the reality of the situation hits you as red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror and a siren wails. It is law enforcement, and they are handing you a citation for driving 26 to 30 mph over the posted limit.

Speeding tickets are a common headache in Harrisburg, creating significant issues for those who receive them. The consequences can be severe, ranging from adding points to your license and paying expensive fines to seeing your insurance premiums skyrocket. In some instances, you might even face a driver’s license suspension. However, you do not have to face this alone. Logue Law Group is ready to assist you. Our team is dedicated to minimizing these penalties or helping you avoid them entirely. While you may associate high-stakes defense with a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer, our traffic defense team brings that same level of dedication to protecting your driving privileges.

Facts About Speeding

It is helpful to understand some critical facts regarding speeding laws in Pennsylvania. First and foremost, remember that driving faster than the limit is illegal in Harrisburg and throughout the state. If you are driving on streets or expressways that do not have visible speed limit signs, you must follow these default guidelines:

• Expressways: 55 MPH
• Non-residential streets: 35 MPH
• Residential streets: 25 MPH

It is also important to know how speed is enforced. Generally, police use various tools to capture your speed, and you typically must be going at least 6 MPH over the limit to be ticketed. However, there is a strict exception: if you are in an active school zone, you can receive a citation for exceeding the limit by as little as 1 MPH. Because the margins are so slim, having a legal contact who is as detailed as a Harrisburg DUI attorney can be crucial for your defense.

Exceeding the Maximum Speed by 26-30 MPH

Now, let us look at the specific penalties for exceeding the maximum speed limit by 26 to 30 MPH. If you are convicted of this specific offense, 5 points will be added to your driving record. Furthermore, the penalties increase if the violation happens in a specific area. If you are caught speeding at this level within an active work zone, you face a mandatory 15-day license suspension. Losing your license can disrupt your life significantly, which is why we approach these cases with the seriousness of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer defending a major case.

Ways in Which the Police Can Measure Your Speed

Police officers utilize several different methods to determine how fast you are driving.

Following and Pacing

One common technique police use is “pacing.” This involves an officer following your vehicle and matching their speed to yours to gauge how fast you are going. To ensure the reading is accurate and admissible, the officer must track your vehicle for a minimum distance of 3/8 of a mile before initiating a traffic stop. If you believe this procedure was not followed, a Harrisburg DUI attorney from our group can help investigate the details of the stop.

Manual Speed Trap

Another method is the manual speed trap. This involves using a non-automated device, often a stopwatch, to calculate your speed over a specific, pre-measured distance on the road. In some scenarios, law enforcement may even use aircraft—planes or helicopters—to time vehicles from the sky. They then relay the information to a police officer on the ground, who makes the stop.

VASCAR Devices

In both aerial and ground manual speed traps, officers frequently use VASCAR devices. It is important to note that these devices are not always 100% reliable, especially when used over short distances of less than 500 feet. Under Pennsylvania law, if you are in a zone with a limit of 55 MPH or lower, you generally must be exceeding the limit by 10 MPH or more (as measured by VASCAR) to be ticketed. An experienced attorney, much like a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer, knows how to find flaws in these technical measurements.

Radar Guns

Radar guns are a well-known tool for measuring speed. However, there is a key legal distinction you should know: in Harrisburg and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, only the State Police are authorized to use radar guns to catch speeders. Local municipal police forces are not permitted to use them.

Automatic Speed Traps

As technology advances, automatic speed traps have become more prevalent. These systems use transmitters placed on both sides of the road to automatically detect and record the speed of passing cars. This data is instantly sent to a computer in the police officer’s patrol vehicle. While these automated systems are designed to reduce human error, machines can still malfunction. A sharp Harrisburg DUI attorney can help ensure the equipment used was functioning correctly.

What do I do if the Cops Pull Me Over?

• Remain calm and always be polite.
• Avoid arguing with the officer or showing anger.
• Turn off your engine, but remain inside your vehicle.

Logue Law Group

If you are issued a speeding ticket for exceeding the limit by 26-30 mph, it is highly recommended that you seek legal counsel. You need a professional who can challenge the evidence and build a strong defense strategy. Contact the Traffic Ticket Lawyers at Logue Law Group today. We bring the expertise you would expect from a top-tier Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer to your traffic case.

The Logue Law Group provides 24/7 legal services. You can reach us at 412-387-6901 or via our website. We are proud to serve Harrisburg, Dauphin County, the surrounding regions, as well as Ohio and West Virginia.