Exceeding Max Speed by 31 or More MPH

Were you caught off guard by your cruising speed, or were you simply racing against the clock to reach your destination? Suddenly, you find yourself being pulled over by a police officer, facing a traffic ticket for exceeding the maximum speed limit by 31 mph or more.

Speeding tickets are an all-too-common headache in New Castle, with potential consequences that extend far beyond simple fines and points added to your license. Increased auto insurance premiums and the serious risk of losing your driver’s license loom large over your daily life. That’s exactly where Logue Law Group steps in to help. Our renowned legal team is here to minimize your troubles and, possibly, help you eliminate them. Trust Logue Law Group, featuring a highly experienced New Castle criminal lawyer ready to defend drivers in the local community.

Facts About Speeding

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is strictly prohibited throughout Pennsylvania. If you find yourself traveling on an expressway or street in Lawrence County without a visible speed limit sign, you must adhere to the following state guidelines:

• Expressways: 55 MPH
• Non-residential streets: 35 MPH
• Residential streets: 25 MPH

To be cited for speeding, you generally need to be driving at least 6 MPH above the speed limit, unless you are passing through an active school zone. In that specific case, even driving just 1 MPH over the posted speed can result in a ticket. To protect your driving record, it is highly recommended to consult a dedicated New Castle DUI attorney or traffic defense professional.

Exceeding the Maximum Speed by 31 or More MPH

Receiving a ticket for driving 31 MPH or more over the speed limit constitutes an excessive speeding offense. In this scenario, attending a mandatory PennDOT hearing becomes absolutely inevitable. Failure to attend this hearing will automatically result in a harsh 60-day license suspension.

During the PennDOT hearing, the examiner may impose either a 15-day license suspension or require a driving road test. Moreover, five points will be added to your driving record. However, having a skilled New Castle criminal lawyer by your side can help you navigate through this complex bureaucratic process and minimize the overall severity of the penalties.

Ways in which the police can measure your speed

• A police officer follows your vehicle and matches its speed against their own calibrated speedometer. They must trail you for at least 3/8 of a mile before officially taking action.
• Police employ various tools, including airplanes, to observe and measure the distance your car covers. Data is then relayed to the officers in charge on the ground. This practice is commonly referred to as a Manual Speed Trap.
• Manual speed traps often utilize a VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) device. However, these machines have been shown to be unreliable for tracking distances under 500 feet. It’s essential to note that you cannot be charged with speeding in zones with a posted speed limit of 55 MPH or lower unless you were exceeding the limit by 10 MPH or more, specifically measured using a VASCAR device.
• Radar guns are another commonly used method for measuring vehicle speed. Note that only state troopers are authorized to use radar guns to catch speeding vehicles in Pennsylvania.
• Equipped with advanced technology, automatic speed traps minimize human errors. Transmitters are placed on both sides of the road to determine the speed of passing vehicles. The exact readings are then immediately sent to a computer located in the police patrol car.

Steps to take if the cops pull you over

• Be polite and respectful at all times.
• Avoid arguing, debating, or displaying anger toward the officer.
• Turn off the ignition, but remain safely seated inside the vehicle.

Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you receive a speeding ticket for surpassing the maximum speed limit by 31 MPH or more, our New Castle DUI attorney and traffic defense team can assist you. Our dedicated legal team at Logue Law Group will work closely with you to challenge the evidence and determine the best defense strategy. Contact our experienced legal team today by calling 412.387.6901.