Exceeding Max Speed by 16-25 MPH 

Life moves at a rapid pace, and occasionally, your driving speed matches it. Perhaps you were distracted by an urgent phone call or rushing to make it to a crucial meeting on time when you saw those distinct flashing lights in your rearview mirror. In an instant, you were being handed a traffic citation for driving 16-25 mph over the posted limit.

In Philadelphia, speeding violations are among the most common traffic citations issued by police. While they might seem like minor hiccups, these infractions can quickly snowball into significant problems that impact your day-to-day life. You could be facing penalty points on your license, heavy fines, skyrocketing insurance premiums, or even the suspension of your driving privileges.

Luckily, you do not have to face this legal hurdle by yourself. The seasoned legal team at Logue Law Group understands the nuances of traffic statutes and is dedicated to protecting your rights. Our skilled team has successfully defended many clients in similar situations, and we are prepared to use that experience for your benefit.

Understanding Speed Limits in Philadelphia

Basic Speed Regulations

Speed limits are enforced to ensure public safety, and ignoring them in Philadelphia leads to real consequences. If you are driving on a road that does not have a clearly posted sign, Pennsylvania law generally enforces the following default limits:

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

Speed Measurement Thresholds

Police agencies usually allow for a small margin of error before they write a ticket. Typically, an officer needs to clock you going at least 6 MPH over the limit to justify a charge. However, this buffer zone vanishes completely in active school zones or construction areas. In these zones, exceeding the limit by even one mile per hour can lead to a citation.

Consulting with a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer can provide necessary insight into whether your specific situation falls under these exceptions or thresholds, potentially offering a way to challenge the ticket successfully.

Consequences of Exceeding Speed Limits by 16-25 MPH

Point System Impact

If you are convicted of driving 16-25 mph over the limit, the Pennsylvania point system will penalize you by adding 4 points to your driving record. These points stay active for two years starting from the date of the violation. If you accumulate too many points, you could face further penalties.

Enhanced Penalties in Work Zones

The penalties become much stricter if your speeding violation happens inside a construction zone. On top of the standard 4-point penalty, you may be hit with an automatic 15-day suspension of your driver’s license. This strict rule highlights the state’s dedication to keeping construction workers safe.

A knowledgeable Philadelphia federal attorney can investigate your case to see if the work zone was properly marked and legally established, which could be a key part of your defense.

How Police Measure Vehicle Speed

Traditional Monitoring Methods

Law enforcement uses various methods to track how fast you are going:

• Pacing and Following: Officers drive behind you at a consistent distance, matching their speed to yours for at least 3/8 of a mile before pulling you over. This method requires the police car’s speedometer to be calibrated correctly.
• Manual Speed Traps: This involves officers using handheld tools like stopwatches to calculate your speed over a specific distance. Occasionally, aircraft are used to monitor speed from the sky and radio it down to patrol cars.

If you are cited using one of these methods, a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer can verify if the police followed the correct protocols and challenge the evidence presented against you.

Technology-Based Speed Detection

• VASCAR Devices: The Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder (VASCAR) is used in both air and ground enforcement. However, these devices are known to have reliability issues, especially when measuring speed over distances shorter than 500 feet. You generally cannot be charged with speeding in a 55 MPH zone (or lower) unless the VASCAR reading shows you were going more than 10 MPH over the limit.
• Radar Technology: In Pennsylvania, typically only state police are allowed to use radar guns. Local municipal police departments are generally restricted from using radar, which can be a massive factor in your defense strategy.
• Automatic Detection Systems: These advanced systems use electronic sensors on the road to automatically calculate speed and send data to police computers, aiming to reduce human error.

Proper Conduct During Traffic Stops

Recommended Actions

When you see the lights and get pulled over, your behavior can change the outcome of the stop:

• Stay Polite: Being respectful to the officer usually helps.
• Don’t Argue: Getting angry or confrontational will only make things worse.
• Prioritize Safety: Turn off your car immediately, but stay inside unless the officer tells you to get out.

Protecting Your Rights

Keep in mind that anything you say can be used against you. While you should be polite, you do not have to admit you were speeding or give a long explanation. Simply acknowledging that you know why you were stopped is enough.

If you have already received a ticket, speaking with a Philadelphia federal attorney can help ensure you don’t accidentally hurt your defense during any future hearings or conversations.

Pennsylvania Traffic Violation Law Framework

Legal Foundation

Traffic rules in the state are outlined in Title 75 of the statutes. This code covers everything regarding traffic offenses, procedures, and penalties. It acts as the legal groundwork for how speeding tickets are handled and punished.

Defense Strategies

An experienced legal team can review the details of your case, such as:

• Was the speed detection equipment properly maintained and calibrated?
• Are the officer’s training and certification records up to date?
• Did the police follow proper traffic enforcement rules?
• Were the speed limit signs or work zone markers accurate?
• Are there constitutional issues regarding the stop?

In many instances, a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer can attack procedural or technical errors in the citation to get the penalties reduced or dismissed.

Why Professional Legal Representation Matters

Case Evaluation Expertise

Every speeding ticket case is different. Our team at Logue Law Group digs into the specific facts of your violation to find holes in the prosecution’s argument and build a strong defense.

Negotiation Skills

Skilled lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecutors. We may be able to get the charges reduced to a lesser offense with fewer points or find alternative solutions like traffic school.

Court Representation

If your case goes to trial, having a professional by your side is vital. Our team knows the local court rules and judges in Philadelphia and can present a convincing argument for you.

Taking Action After Receiving a Speeding Citation

Immediate Steps

Do not wait to deal with your ticket. The law requires you to respond within specific deadlines. Missing these dates can lead to a suspended license or extra fines.

Professional Consultation

Reach out to our team as soon as you get your citation. Acting fast gives us more options to resolve your case. A Philadelphia federal attorney from our group can review the evidence and explain your next steps clearly.

Comprehensive Support 

Logue Law Group offers full support from start to finish. We handle the communication with the courts and prosecutors, keeping you updated every step of the way. We work hard to get the best result for you.

For immediate help with your Philadelphia speeding violation, contact Logue Law Group 24/7 at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website. Our dedicated team is ready to protect your license and minimize the impact on your life.

Don’t let a speeding ticket ruin your driving record. With the right legal help, you can fight back effectively.