Speeding while driving doesn’t only happen if you’re late for an appointment; sometimes, our travel speed can creep up without us realizing it. Whether you’re just “keeping up with traffic” or “have a fast car,” keep an eye on your speed, or you could get pulled over for a ticket. If you’re just 5MPH over the limit, you’re probably safe (assuming you’re not in a school zone) from getting pulled over, though it does happen. Hit double digits, like 10MPH over the limit or more, and you’ll likely get pulled over at some point.
But what happens if you’re 30MPH or more over the limit? (Do not do this!). Such as going 80MPH in a 50MPH zone or 55MP in a 25MP zone. What sort of fines and fees may you face? What about receiving points on your driving record? How does that affect your driving privileges or insurance premiums? Can your license be suspended in NY state for this level of speeding? Can I fight a ticket even if I was speeding? All questions to consider.
Let’s look at the highest speeding violations and what they can mean for your driving record.
What are the Speed Limits in New York State?
Traffic Attorney in Orange County NY
If you’re a motorist in NY state, it’s essential to know the different speed limits for various types of roadways, even when they are unmarked.
- The unmarked speed limit in NY state is 55MPH. These are often on back country roads with long stretches without a speed limit sign.
- The NYC speed limit is 25MPH unless otherwise stated (there is even a discussion to lower this to 20MPH).
- Construction and road work zones can have varying posted speed limits, and penalties and points get doubled if you exceed them. So, look for the limit when approaching a road work area.
Here is the breakdown of fines and points for state speeding ranges when you’re over the limit:
NY Speeding Fines:
- “Inappropriate Speed” or 1-10MPH: Minimum fine: $45. Maximum fine: $150. Jail time not to exceed 15 days.
- 11MPH – 29MPH Over the Limit: Minimum fine: $90. Maximum fine: $300. Jail time not to exceed 30 days.
- 30MPH or More: Minimum fine: $180. Maximum fine: $600. Jail time not to exceed 30 days.
NY Speeding Points:
- “MPH over speed not indicated” or 1-10MPH: 3 Points
- 11MPH – 20MPH: 4 Points
- 21MPH – 30MPH: 6 Points
- 31MPH – 40MPH: 8 Points
- 40MPH or More: 11 points
We can see that the more you exceed the speed limit when driving, the higher the fines, points, and possible jail time. If you receive too many points, your license will get suspended outright.
Fines + Combined Points (Yes, there is more)
A $93 statutory surcharge is attached to each speeding offense. In addition, if you get more than 5 points on your license, there is an administrative DMV called the DRA (Driver Responsibility Assessment). It’s $100 when you hit 6 points and an additional $25 for each point above 6. This gets paid for three years making the total over the 3 years $300 for 6 pts and $75 per additional point on your license. These can start to add up very quickly so stop speeding and work with an attorney to help get your tickets reduced before these fines and points are issued to your driving record.
Here is the New York State Speeding Penalties website spelling out fees and points based on how much above the speed limit you are. (*Note that you can even get a ticket for just 1-5MPH over the limit, though it’s rare. So, watch your speedometer and know your pace on the road.)
Get Ticketed for Driving 20-30MPH Over the Speed Limit?
The reason you were driving that fast doesn’t matter now or in court. What does matter is what you do after you receive an excessive speeding ticket of 20mph or more over the limit. You’ll have some choices to make.
Take action now, and do not plead guilty. Get yourself a well-qualified Traffic Attorney in Orange County NY. Hiring the right driving infraction law firm will give you the best chance to minimize points, fines and maintain your ability to drive a vehicle in NY state or anywhere in the United States. Give us a call today, and let’s discuss your case details. We are here to fight on your behalf.