Exceeding Max Speed by 26-30 MPH

Imagine a scenario late at night: the roads are completely empty, stretching out into the darkness. Anxious to get home quickly, you press down hard on the gas pedal. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the wail of a siren and the flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. A police officer approaches your window, handing you a citation for driving 26-30 mph over the speed limit.

Traffic violations in Berks County, Pennsylvania, are more than just a minor inconvenience; they can cause significant disruption to your life. Beyond the immediate sticker shock of the fine, you risk accumulating points on your license and seeing your insurance premiums skyrocket. In severe scenarios, you might even face a license suspension. However, you don’t have to navigate this legal maze alone. Logue Law Group is ready to assist. Our team of experienced Morgantown DUI attorneys is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these charges or helping you avoid them entirely.

Crucial Facts About Speeding

It is important to understand the specific rules of the road in Pennsylvania. While speeding is obviously prohibited, you must adhere to default limits even when signs aren’t visible:

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

Police utilize various tools to track speed, and while there is generally a tolerance buffer where you must be exceeding the limit by at least 6 MPH to get ticketed, this does not apply everywhere. In active school zones, driving just 1 MPH over the posted limit can result in a citation. If you are unsure how these variances apply to your case, a Morgantown criminal lawyer can review the details of your stop and provide the guidance you need.

Consequences of Exceeding the Limit by 26-30 MPH

When you are caught driving 26 to 30 MPH over the limit, the penalties become much steeper. A conviction for this specific offense will add 5 points to your driving record. The situation becomes more precarious if the violation occurred within an active work zone, as this can result in an automatic 15-day suspension of your driver’s license.

Preserving your ability to drive is often essential for employment and family obligations. A knowledgeable Morgantown DUI attorney, who also specializes in traffic defense, can help you fight these administrative penalties and work toward a more favorable outcome.

How Police Measure Your Speed

Law enforcement officers have several methods at their disposal to determine how fast you are traveling.

Following and Pacing

One of the most common techniques involves an officer following your vehicle. They determine your speed by matching it with their own speedometer. For this measurement to be legally valid in court, the officer must follow your car for at least 3/8 of a mile before initiating the traffic stop.

Manual Speed Trap

This method uses a non-automatic device, such as a stopwatch, to calculate your speed over a pre-measured distance on the road. In some cases, aircraft (planes or helicopters) are used to time vehicles from the sky, relaying the information to ground units to issue the ticket.

VASCAR Devices

In both ground and aerial manual speed traps, officers frequently use VASCAR devices. These 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 going at least 10 MPH over the limit (as measured by VASCAR) to be ticketed. If you suspect the equipment used in your case was faulty, a Morgantown criminal lawyer can help you challenge the reliability of the evidence.

Radar Guns

While radar is a standard tool across the country, Pennsylvania has unique restrictions. Currently, only the State Police are authorized to use radar guns to catch speeders. Local municipal police officers in Berks County are prohibited from using them.

Automatic Speed Traps

Technology has introduced automatic speed traps, where transmitters are placed on opposite sides of the road. These sensors calculate the speed of passing cars and send the data directly to a computer in the officer’s patrol vehicle. While this reduces human error, these systems are not infallible. A Morgantown DUI attorney can inspect the technical data to ensure your rights weren’t violated by a machine error.

What to Do During a Traffic Stop

If you are pulled over, keep these tips in mind:

• Remain polite and calm at all times.
• Do not argue with the officer or display anger.
• Turn off your engine, but remain inside your vehicle.

Contact Logue Law Group

Receiving a ticket for exceeding the speed limit by 26-30 mph is a serious matter that requires professional attention. It is highly advisable to seek legal counsel rather than simply paying the fine and accepting the points. Contact Logue Law Group today to discuss your defense strategy.

We offer 24/7 legal services and can be reached at (304) 381-3656 or via our website. We proudly serve Berks County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding regions. Don’t risk your license; let a skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer fight for you.