There are various speed limits and laws in place to protect drivers and pedestrians alike. However, when these laws are violated, and if proven, the law requires that the driver charged with speeding pay a certain amount in fines to as punishment.
If you have been charged, you may wish to contact an Attorney experienced with dealing with the different types of speeding offenses in West Palm Beach. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
How Do the Penalties Vary Based on Speed?
The penalties for a speeding ticket determine the amount of the fine and are based on the speed of the driver in miles per hour over the speed limit in these categories:
- Six to nine
- 10 to 14
- 15 to 20
- 21 to 29
- 30 and above
- 50 and above
The faster a person is driving over the limit, the higher the fine and the greater the consequences. If they are alleged to have been going more than 30 miles per hour over the legal limit, that makes the offense a mandatory Court appearance. The driver cannot simply pay the ticket or attend driving school. Their case must be reviewed by a Judge to determine whether their license should be suspended, if they are proven guilty and their record warrants it. If someone is alleged to be going 50 miles per hour over the legal limit, the driver would be required to appear in Court and to pay a minimum $1,000 fine if proven to be guilty of the offense.
How Prevalent are Speeding-Related Charges?
Speed related charges are prevalent in West Palm Beach. The police patrol the roads using different devices to measure the speed vehicles on the roads including:
- Radar
- Laser devices such as a laser pointer
- Calibrated speedometers
- Calibrated stopwatches in airplanes and helicopters
Although law enforcement uses these tactics to charge someone with speeding, the defendant’s Attorney should still use their experience to challenge these tactics. For example, if a speedometer is not fully calibrated or maintained, the defense could argue that their speed was detected using a malfunctioning item.
Could a Driver Be Pulled Over for Driving Five Miles Above the Limit?
There must be an additional factor other than driving five miles per hour over the speed limit. The minimum is usually six miles per hour. The Officer looks for poor or erratic driving along with the speeding that warrants further attention.
When a driver is going five miles an hour over the legal limit, they are probably not going to be pulled over for going six or even nine miles an hour over the legal limit. However, if the police Officer wants to pull you over, they are fully within their legal right to do so.
Can Zoning Impact Speed Limit Rules?
The zoning of the road where one is driving determines how strictly the laws are enforced and the penalties for violating those laws. When a person is caught speeding in a school zone, the speed limit is automatically reduced and the penalties are higher. When someone is speeding through a residential neighborhood where children are playing, the severity of the offense is also increased.
The same is true for construction zones. A construction zone on a highway may bring the speed limit down from 70 or 65 mph to 55 or 45 mph depending on the work being done. When workers are present, the fines and penalties because these are aggravating circumstances.
Speak with a Legal Professional Today
Driving fast is a risky decision that could not impact a person’s record, but their overall safety as well. Depending on how fast a driver is going, they could be facing expensive fines and issues with maintaining driving privileges.
If you have been charged with driving above the speed limit, be sure to get in touch with an Attorney familiar with the different types of speeding offenses in West Palm Beach.
