If you have recently received a Georgia speeding ticket, there is a chance you may notice a Super Speeder fee. Understanding this additional penalty could save you from serious legal and financial troubles down the road. There are consequences to ignoring this fee.
What Is the Super Speeder fee?
Georgia’s Super Speeder law requires an additional $200 state fee, different from prior speeding ticket fines and court costs. You may receive this fee if law enforcement catches you doing either of these offenses:
- 75 mph or more on any road with two lanes
- 85 mph or more on a road or highway
This fee is not part of your original ticket. The Department of Driver Services (DDS) sends you a separate notice approximately 60-120 days after your conviction. It gives you 120 days to pay the $200 fee.
Consequences of ignoring the fee
Many drivers make the critical mistake of thinking they can simply ignore this additional notice. Here are examples of consequences when you do not pay:
- License suspension: If you cannot pay the Super Speeder fee in 120 days of receiving the DDS notice, they may automatically suspend your Georgia driver’s license.
- Reinstatement fee: Once the DDS suspends your license, you will need to pay not only the $200 Super Speeder fee but also a $50 reinstatement fee to reinstate driving privileges
- Driving with a suspended license: If you continue driving after your license has been suspended, you are committing a separate criminal offense. This misdemeanor can result in additional fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, potential jail time of up to 12 months and further license suspension.
- Insurance complications: A suspended license and additional traffic violations will likely cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. In severe cases, a suspension can even trigger policy cancellation.
Overlooking a Super Speeder notice can result in long-term consequences. These consequences may result in you needing to take further legal action instead of reaching a resolution early.
What you should do
If you receive a Super Speeder notice, do not ignore it. Pay the fee promptly through the DDS website or by mail. Additionally, the Super Speeder fee applies even if you are an out-of-state driver convicted in Georgia. The state can report that it suspended your Georgia driving privileges to your home state through interstate reporting agreements.
Keep in mind that paying a ticket online constitutes a guilty plea. It is advisable to consult a legal professional before your court date to evaluate your options.