Exceeding Max Speed by 31 or More MPH

Whether you were simply cruising along without checking the speedometer or rushing against the clock to arrive at your destination, seeing flashing lights is stressful. Suddenly, you are being pulled over by a police officer and face a citation for driving 31 mph or more over the posted limit.

Speeding violations are a frequent headache in Morgantown and throughout Pennsylvania. The potential fallout extends much further than simple fines or points on your record. You face skyrocketing insurance premiums and a very real risk of losing your driving privileges. This is where Mountaineer Law Group steps in to provide defense. Our well-known team of Morgantown criminal lawyers are dedicated to minimizing your legal troubles and, in some cases, eliminating them entirely. Trust our group, the skilled legal professionals serving Berks County and the surrounding communities.

Facts About Speeding

Driving faster than the posted limit is prohibited in Morgantown. If you are driving on a street or expressway that lacks a speed limit sign, you must adhere to the following default limits:

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

To receive a citation for speeding, you generally must be traveling at least 6 MPH over the limit. The exception is a school zone, where driving just 1 MPH over the limit can result in a ticket.

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 situation, a mandatory Departmental Hearing with PennDOT is inevitable. If you fail to attend, your license is automatically suspended for 60 days.

At the PennDOT hearing, the examiner may decide to issue a 15-day license suspension or require a driving road test. Furthermore, five points will be added to your driving record. However, having a qualified Morgantown criminal lawyer by your side can help you navigate these complex proceedings and aim to reduce the severity of the penalties.

Ways in which the police can measure your speed

Police officers utilize several methods to track speed:

• Pacing: An officer follows your car and matches their speed to yours. They must trail you for at least 3/8 of a mile to issue a citation based on this method.
• Aircraft: Police use airplanes to observe how long it takes your car to cover a specific distance. This data is relayed to officers on the ground. This is known as a Manual Speed Trap.
• VASCAR: Manual traps often use VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) units. These devices can be unreliable over distances shorter than 500 feet. Notably, in zones with limits of 55 MPH or lower, you cannot be charged based on VASCAR unless you were exceeding the limit by 10 MPH or more.

Radar guns are another standard tool. In Pennsylvania, only state troopers are authorized to use radar to catch speeders.
Automatic speed traps use technology to reduce human error. Transmitters placed on the road measure speed and send readings to a patrol car computer. If you suspect an error in measurement, a Morgantown DUI attorney from our group can review the technical details of your stop.

Steps to take if the cops pull you over

• Be polite and respectful to the officer.
• Avoid arguing or showing anger.
• Turn off your engine but remain inside your vehicle.

Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you have been issued a speeding ticket for surpassing the limit by 31 MPH or more, our lawyer is here to assist you. Our legal team is dedicated to working with you to challenge the validity of the evidence and formulate the strongest defense strategy.

Do not face the judge or PennDOT alone. Contact our experienced Morgantown criminal lawyer team at (304) 381-3656 today to discuss your case.