Beat a Speeding Ticket in PA: Legal Strategies and Management
You see everyone driving faster than you in Pennsylvania, and it’s still you who gets a speeding ticket. This can be so frustrating!
But can this speeding ticket be beaten? The simple answer is yes. However, that’s easier said than done. The process of negotiating a lesser fine, challenging the ticket’s validity, or understanding your rights under PA speeding ticket laws can be complex. In this blog, let us walk you through things you need to know. And how a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help.
Pennsylvania Speeding Rules
It’s important to remember that officers can cite a speeding ticket even if you went only a few miles over the speed limit. You might think going 5 mph over the limit isn’t much, but it’s technically speeding. You could go 57 mph in a 55 mph zone and still get a ticket. For example, you might go over by 1 mph, and an officer can claim it’s for construction zone safety and hand you a ticket. This will be enough to add points to your driving record.
Speeding Fines
Speeding in PA can result in fines, which differ widely depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving.
- A base fine of $35 for going up to 5 mph over the speed limit.
- An extra $2 will be charged for every mph over 5.
- If you go over 11mph, the incremental fines are higher, and so are the potential court expenses.
You need to keep in mind that the base fine doesn’t include extra fees such as administrative costs or state surcharges. This can easily add up to $100 or more.
Handling a Speeding Ticket in PA
You’ve been handed a ticket for speeding. Now what do you do? Here’s a guide by our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
Review the Ticket
The first thing to do is to carefully examine your ticket. Check for:
- The location where you were stopped.
- Your alleged driving speed.
- The official speed limit.
Officers can make mistakes from time to time. They may list the inaccurate speed limit or incorrectly note your speed. So, it’s better to check for yourself before moving forward.
Decide Whether to Pay or Fight
The next step is to decide whether you want to just pay the fine or fight the ticket. Paying the fine may seem like the simplest option, but remember that:
- It adds points to your driving record.
- It potentially increases your insurance rates.
If you’re worried about these consequences, considering a legal fight might be worthwhile. Get in touch with a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer when you’re ready.
Fighting the Speed Ticket
If you’ve decided to fight the ticket, here are some ways to do it:
- Officers use pacing methods, visual estimation, or radar guns to identify your speed. Radar guns often malfunction, and pacing methods aren’t the most accurate. Here, you can challenge the evidence provided by the officer.
- In certain cases, you might be able to negotiate a plea deal for a lesser violation, which won’t add points to your driving record.
- An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you deal with the process. Proper support can increase your odds of a positive result.
A speeding ticket may feel like a minor inconvenience. However, they can have long-term impacts, from license suspensions to higher insurance rates. If you’re not sure how you should proceed, consulting with a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help. So, get in touch with Logue Law Group today! Drive safely, and if you find yourself staring at a speeding ticket, reach out to us at sean@seanloguelaw.com.