Exceeding the Speed Limit by 31 MPH

Were you distracted by your speed while trying to reach your destination on time? Before you know it, flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. A traffic stop results in a citation for traveling 31 miles per hour or more above the posted limit.

Speeding violations are a frequent concern for drivers in Steubenville, carrying consequences that reach far beyond monetary fines and points against your driving record. The ripple effects can include substantially higher insurance rates and the very real possibility of license suspension. This is where Logue Law Group can make a difference. Our distinguished legal professionals are prepared to reduce the impact of these charges and, in many cases, help you avoid the most serious penalties altogether. With extensive experience handling traffic violations throughout the region, our Steubenville DUI attorney understands the local court systems and how to build effective defense strategies.

Understanding Speed Limit Violations

Operating a vehicle beyond the posted speed limit is against the law throughout Ohio. When traveling on roads without clearly visible speed limit signage, drivers must follow these standard limits:

• Expressways and highways: 55 miles per hour
• Streets and roads outside residential areas: 35 miles per hour
• Streets within residential neighborhoods: 25 miles per hour

Law enforcement typically issues citations when drivers exceed the speed limit by at least 6 miles per hour. However, school zones operate under stricter enforcement. In these protected areas, exceeding the posted limit by even a single mile per hour can result in a ticket.

The Serious Nature of Excessive Speeding Charges

When you receive a citation for driving 31 miles per hour or more above the speed limit, you’re facing an excessive speeding violation. This classification may require a mandatory hearing with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Failing to respond can result in a 60-day suspension of your driving privileges.

At the BMV hearing, the examiner holds the authority to impose either a 15-day license suspension or require you to complete a driving road test. Additionally, your driving record will receive five points. Working with a Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you prepare for this hearing and potentially reduce these consequences.

Methods Law Enforcement Uses to Measure Vehicle Speed

Police officers employ several techniques to determine whether drivers are exceeding speed limits:

Following Method

An officer positions their patrol vehicle behind yours and matches your speed using their calibrated speedometer. State regulations require the officer to follow your vehicle for a minimum of 3/8 of a mile before issuing a citation based on this method. A Steubenville DUI attorney can scrutinize whether the officer followed proper procedures during this process.

Manual Speed Monitoring

Officers use various observation techniques, sometimes including aircraft, to measure the distance your vehicle travels over a specific timeframe. The collected information is then transmitted to ground units. This approach is commonly called a Manual Speed Trap. If you’re cited under these circumstances, a Steubenville criminal lawyer can challenge the accuracy of the measurement.

VASCAR Technology

Manual speed detection often incorporates a Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder device. However, these instruments have demonstrated accuracy issues when tracking distances shorter than 500 feet. Important legal protections exist: officers cannot charge you with speeding in zones posted at 55 miles per hour or below unless you exceeded the limit by 10 miles per hour or more when VASCAR technology was used for measurement. Consulting with a Steubenville DUI attorney can help ensure these protections are upheld in your case.

Radar Detection Equipment

Radar guns represent another widely used speed measurement tool. In Ohio, only state troopers have authorization to use radar equipment for speed enforcement.

Automated Speed Detection Systems

Modern automatic speed monitoring systems reduce the potential for human error. These systems use transmitters installed on opposite sides of the roadway to calculate vehicle speeds. The data is then sent to a computer system in the patrol vehicle for review and citation issuance.

What to Do During a Traffic Stop

If law enforcement signals you to pull over, following these guidelines can help the situation proceed smoothly:

• Maintain a courteous and respectful demeanor throughout the interaction
• Avoid confrontational behavior or displays of frustration
• Turn off your vehicle’s engine while remaining safely inside
• Keep your hands visible, typically on the steering wheel
• Provide requested documentation when asked

Legal Representation for Excessive Speed Violations

Receiving a ticket for exceeding the speed limit by 31 miles per hour or more requires immediate attention. A Steubenville DUI attorney with traffic violation experience can examine your case and identify potential defense strategies. Our legal team will thoroughly review the circumstances of your citation, including the method used to measure your speed and whether proper procedures were followed.

We understand that these charges can feel overwhelming, especially when facing the possibility of license suspension and increased insurance costs. Our approach involves careful examination of the evidence against you and identification of any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This might include questioning the calibration records of speed measurement devices, reviewing the officer’s training and certification, or examining whether proper distance requirements were maintained during speed measurement.

Working with an experienced Steubenville criminal lawyer provides several advantages. We can represent you at mandatory hearings, negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, and present compelling arguments to reduce or dismiss charges. Our familiarity with local court systems and relationships with area prosecutors can prove invaluable in achieving favorable outcomes.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Time matters when you’re facing excessive speeding charges. Deadlines for hearings and responses come quickly, and missing them can result in automatic penalties. Contacting a Steubenville criminal lawyer shortly after receiving your citation ensures you have adequate time to build a strong defense and explore all available options.

Don’t let a speeding ticket disrupt your life and livelihood. The team at Logue Law Group has successfully helped countless clients navigate traffic violations and minimize their impact. Our commitment to personalized service means we’ll take time to understand your unique situation and develop a defense strategy tailored to your needs.

Reach out to our experienced Steubenville DUI attorneys today to discuss your case. We offer consultations where we can review the details of your citation, explain the potential consequences you’re facing, and outline how we can help. With our guidance and advocacy, you’ll have the strongest possible defense against excessive speeding charges.

Call us anytime at 844.PITT.DUI for a free consultation.