Exceeding Max Speed by 31 or More MPH

Were you caught by surprise by your own cruising speed, or were you simply racing against the clock to reach your destination? Suddenly, you see flashing lights, get pulled over by a law enforcement officer, and find yourself facing a severe traffic ticket for driving 31 mph or more over the posted maximum limit.

Speeding tickets are a very frequent frustration for drivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, carrying harsh potential consequences that go way beyond simple fines and points added to your driving record. Increased auto insurance rates and the scary risk of losing your driver’s license loom large. That is exactly where Logue Law Group steps in to assist you. Our renowned team is here to reduce your legal troubles and potentially help you eliminate the charges completely. When you need help, trust a dedicated Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from our group, representing clients with exceptional skill.

Facts About Speeding

Driving above the posted speed limit is strictly illegal in Pittsburgh. If you are traveling on an expressway or street lacking a visible speed limit sign, you must adhere to these standard guidelines:

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

Normally, to be cited for a speeding violation, you must be traveling at least 6 MPH above the limit, unless you are driving through an active school zone. In that specific case, driving a mere 1 MPH over the posted limit can result in a citation.

Exceeding the Maximum Speed by 31 or More MPH

Getting a citation for driving 31 MPH or more above the limit constitutes an excessive speeding violation. In this scenario, attending a mandatory PennDOT hearing becomes absolutely unavoidable. If you fail to attend, it automatically results in a 60-day license suspension.

During the PennDOT hearing, the examiner may enforce either a 15-day license suspension or require you to take a driving road test. Furthermore, five points will be added to your driving record. Having a knowledgeable Pittsburgh DUI attorney advocating for you can help you navigate this administrative process and minimize the severity of your penalties.

Ways Police Measure Your Speed

• A police officer might follow your vehicle and match its speed against their cruiser’s speedometer. They must trail you for a minimum of 3/8 of a mile before taking action.
• Police employ various tools, sometimes including airplanes, to observe and measure the distance your car travels. Data is then relayed to ground officers in what is commonly called a Manual Speed Trap.
• Manual speed traps frequently utilize a VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) device. However, these machines are unreliable for tracking distances under 500 feet. You cannot be charged with speeding in zones with a posted limit of 55 MPH or lower unless you were exceeding the limit by 10 MPH or more when measured by a VASCAR device. Consulting an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help challenge these specific readings.
• Radar guns are another standard method for measuring speed. Only state troopers are authorized to use radar guns to catch speeding vehicles in the state.
• Equipped with advanced technology, automated speed traps minimize human error. Transmitters are placed on both sides of the road to determine passing vehicle speeds, sending the readings directly to a computer in the patrol car.

Steps to Take if the Cops Pull You Over

• Be polite and respectful.
• Avoid arguing or displaying anger.
• Turn off the ignition, but remain inside the vehicle.

Traffic Ticket Lawyer

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