Exceeding Max Speed by 31 or More MPH

Did you lose track of your speedometer while cruising down the highway, or were you racing against the clock to arrive at your destination on time? All of a sudden, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror and find yourself being pulled over by a police officer. You are now facing a citation for driving 31 mph or more over the posted speed limit.

Receiving a speeding ticket is a frustrating and all-too-common headache for drivers in Harrisburg and the surrounding areas. The potential consequences of this violation extend far beyond simple fines or points added to your license. You could face skyrocketing insurance premiums and the very real risk of a driver’s license suspension. This is where the Logue Law Group steps in to assist you. Our renowned Harrisburg DUI attorneys are dedicated to minimizing your legal troubles and, in some cases, helping you eliminate them altogether. Place your trust in Logue Law Group, the most experienced and skilled defense team serving Dauphin County and beyond.

Facts About Speeding

Driving faster than the posted limit is strictly prohibited throughout Pennsylvania. If you find yourself driving on an expressway or street in Harrisburg without a clearly visible speed limit sign, you must adhere to the following general speed guidelines:

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

To be officially cited for speeding, you generally must be driving at least 6 MPH above the established limit. The only exception to this rule is if you are passing through an active school zone. In school zones, driving just 1 MPH over the posted speed limit can result in a traffic ticket. While a speeding ticket is different from more severe charges handled by a Harrisburg DUI attorney, the strict enforcement in school zones serves as a reminder of how rigid traffic laws can be.

Exceeding the Maximum Speed by 31 or More MPH

Getting a ticket for driving 31 MPH or more over the limit is considered an “excessive speeding” offense. In this specific scenario, you cannot simply pay the fine and move on; attending a mandatory departmental hearing with PennDOT becomes inevitable. If you fail to attend this hearing, your license will automatically be suspended for 60 days.

During your PennDOT hearing, the examiner has the authority to impose a 15-day license suspension or require you to retake a driving road test. Furthermore, five points will be added to your permanent driving record. However, having skilled legal representation—someone with the tenacity of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer—by your side can help you navigate through this administrative process and potentially minimize the severity of the penalties imposed.

Ways in which the police can measure your speed

Law enforcement in Dauphin County employs several methods to track speeders:

• Following: A police officer may trail your vehicle and match their speed against your own using their speedometer. To issue a valid citation based on this method, they must trail you for at least 3/8 of a mile.
• Manual Speed Trap: Police use various tools, and sometimes even airplanes, to observe and measure the time it takes your car to cover a specific distance. This data is relayed to officers on the ground.
• VASCAR: Manual speed traps often utilize a VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) device. However, these machines have been shown to be unreliable for tracking distances under 500 feet. It is essential to note that you cannot be charged with speeding in zones with a posted limit of 55 MPH or lower unless you were exceeding the limit by 10 MPH or more, as measured by a VASCAR device. When defense strategies are built, similar to how a Harrisburg DUI attorney scrutinizes breathalyzer results, we scrutinize VASCAR reliability.
• Radar Guns: This is another commonly used method. In Pennsylvania, only state troopers are authorized to use radar guns to catch speeding vehicles.
• Automatic Speed Traps: Equipped with advanced technology, these traps minimize human error. Transmitters are placed on both sides of the road to determine the speed of passing vehicles, and readings are sent to a computer in the police patrol car.

Steps to take if the cops pull you over

• Be polite and respectful to the officer.
• Avoid arguing, making excuses, or displaying anger.
• Turn off your vehicle’s ignition, but remain inside the car.

Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you receive a speeding ticket for surpassing the maximum speed limit by 31 MPH or more, our Harrisburg legal team can assist you. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to challenge the evidence and determine the best defense strategy for your case. Whether you need help with a traffic violation or require the services of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer, contact Logue Law Group today at 412-387-6901.