Sometimes the urge to have fun overrides our common sense. All of us know how to drive defensively and know that failing to do so could lead to an accident. Yet, when it comes to a wide-open expanse of highway, the urge to do something reckless can be overwhelming. This urge can lead to making some illegal driving moves.
While getting reckless on the open highway feels good, it can also have some painful consequences.
If you’re caught driving well over the speed limit both your driving record and your checkbook will take a hit.
The consequences of speeding down the open highway vary. How much you were speeding directly impacts how much you’re fined.
Base fines for speeding tickets are:
- If you’re only 15 miles (or less) over the speed limit, you’re looking at a $35 ticket.
- If you’re going 16 to 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, the ticket jumps to $70.
- If you’re stopped while going 26 miles per hour over the speed limit (but still less than 100 mph) you’re looking at a $100 ticket.
In California, the maximum fines for speeding tickets are as follows:
- $238 for driving at a speed of up to 15 mph over the maximum speed limit.
- $367 for driving 16 – 25 mph over the maximum speed limit.
- $490 for driving more than 26 mph over the speed limit.
- $900 for driving faster than 100 mph.
If you are in a construction zone, maximum speeding fines increase to:
- $367 for driving at a speed of up to 15 mph over the maximum speed limit.
- $525 for driving 16 – 25 mph over the maximum speed limit.
- $648 for driving more than 26 mph over the speed limit.
These fines might seem painful, but they’re nothing compared to what you’ll face if you’re driving over 100 miles per hour. When the speedometer passes 100, the consequences get more severe, especially if it isn’t the first time you’ve been caught going that fast.
- First Offense: $500 fine and a 30-day license suspension.
- Second Offense in a three year period: $750 fine and a six-month license suspension.
- Third Offense in five years: $1000 fine and a one-year license suspension.
The speeding ticket may only be part of your worries. In many cases, excessive speeds also create just the right circumstances for the officer to also charge you with reckless driving. The first time you’re convicted of reckless driving, you could spend 5-90 days in a county jail and be charged a fine that ranges from $145 to $1,000.
In addition to the fines connected to your speeding tickets, you will also experience a notable increase in your monthly insurance premiums. As tempting as speeding down that stretch of open California highway might be, it’s important to remember that you can’t predict where a patrol officer might be hiding. In the long run, it’s better to ease off the gas and obey all posted speed limits.