Exceeding Max Speed by 31 or More MPH: Facing the Consequences 

Have you ever been racing against the clock or simply zoned out while driving, only to see flashing lights in your rearview mirror? It is a sinking feeling. Suddenly, you are holding a ticket for going 31 mph or more over the limit. In Philadelphia, this is not just a minor annoyance or a simple bill to pay. It brings serious potential penalties that go far beyond standard fines.

You could be facing higher insurance premiums and a very real risk of losing your driver’s license. This is where Logue Law Group comes in. As a highly experienced team in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, our goal is to help minimize the fallout of these charges or potentially eliminate them altogether.

Let’s Look at the Rules of the Road

Speeding is strictly banned in Philadelphia. If you find yourself on a street or expressway that does not have a posted speed limit sign, you must follow these default state guidelines:

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

Typically, you will not be cited for speeding unless you are going at least 6 MPH over the limit. However, school zones are much stricter. In a school zone, going just 1 MPH over the posted limit can result in a ticket. While you might typically seek out a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer for high-level offenses, it is important to remember that local traffic statutes are complex and require equally skilled representation.

The Penalties for Excessive Speeding (31 MPH or More)

If you are clocked at 31 MPH or more over the limit, this is considered an “excessive speeding” offense. Unlike smaller tickets, you cannot just pay a fine and move on. You must attend a mandatory PennDOT hearing. If you fail to show up, your license is automatically suspended for 60 days.

At this hearing, the examiner has the power to issue a 15-day license suspension or require you to retake a driving road test. Furthermore, five points will be added to your driving record immediately. However, with our skilled team by your side, you can navigate this difficult process.

How Police Measure Your Speed

To ensure road safety, police officers use various technologies to track vehicle speed. A Philadelphia federal attorney will tell you that understanding these methods is key to your defense: 

• Pace Method: The officer follows your car and matches their speed to yours. They must follow you for at least 3/8 of a mile to write a valid ticket.
• Aircraft Observations: Police use planes to time how long it takes your car to travel a specific distance. This data is sent to officers on the ground. This is often called a Manual Speed Trap. 
• VASCAR Devices: These devices calculate speed based on time and distance. However, they are known to be unreliable when measuring distances shorter than 500 feet.
• Radar Guns: This is a common method, but in Pennsylvania, only state troopers are allowed to use radar guns to catch speeders.
• Automatic Speed Traps: These use technology to reduce human error. Transmitters on the road measure speed and send the data wirelessly to a police computer nearby. 

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over 

If you see those lights behind you, follow these steps to protect yourself:

• Be polite and respectful to the officer.
• Do not argue or get angry, as this will only make things worse.
• Turn off your engine, but stay in your car unless told to get out.

Get Legal Help for Your Ticket 

If you have been ticketed for exceeding the limit by 31 MPH or more, the Logue Law Group is ready to help. We 844.PITT.DUI know how to challenge the evidence and build a strong defense. Contact our experienced Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer today for the guidance you need.