Whether you’re running late for an appointment or you’re just anxious to reach your destination, nudging your vehicle over the speed limit can be tempting. But you may regret that decision after landing yourself a speeding ticket.
The penalties in Georgia for receiving one can be costly and far-reaching. Because of this, it can be worth your time to fight a speeding ticket.
Speeding ticket fines
Receiving just one speeding ticket can put you out hundreds of dollars. Depending on how fast you were going and where the violation occurred usually determines how expensive your ticket is. For example, fines can be higher in school zones or highway construction zones. Basic Georgia speeding ticket fines are as follows:
- $25 for driving six to 10 mph over the limit
- $100 for driving 11 to 14 mph over the limit
- $125 for driving 15 to 18 mph over the limit
- $150 for driving 19 to 23 mph over the limit
- $500 for driving 24 to 33 mph over the limit
Additionally, Georgia police officers will charge drivers who go 85 mph or more on any street or highway with an extra $200 Super Speeder fine.
License suspension
A speeding ticket can also lead to driver’s license suspension. Losing your driving privileges can be frustrating and inconvenient. Your inability to drive under a suspended license can make it difficult for you to carry out daily tasks like grocery shopping, getting to work or picking up the kids from school. Having another driver to take you places can be challenging to schedule, and public transportation can only get you so far.
When your suspension period lifts, you will have to pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back, only adding to your expenses.
Criminal record
A speeding ticket can also have unforeseen consequences that may surprise you. Depending on your ticket, the traffic violation may show up on your criminal record as a misdemeanor. So, it will appear in any background checks run on you. If you’re in the process of looking for a new job, this may hurt your chances of getting hired, especially in jobs such as commercial vehicle operations or mail delivery which require you to drive.
Finding a defense for you
While a speeding ticket might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can actually have major consequences. Fighting a speeding ticket can help reduce the severity of your penalties. It can sometimes even lead to dropped charges altogether. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help build a strong defense to find the best possible outcome for you.
