Exceeding Max Speed by 31 MPH or More

The Risks of Excessive Speeding

Driving faster than the speed limit can happen for various reasons. Maybe you were caught off guard by your speed or were rushing to meet an important deadline. Suddenly, flashing lights are in your rearview mirror, and you’re being pulled over for exceeding the legal speed by 31 MPH or more.

Speeding tickets are more than just an inconvenience; they come with significant penalties that can affect your life. These include increased insurance rates, hefty fines, points on your record, and the risk of losing your driver’s license. However, the situation doesn’t have to be entirely out of your control. The Logue Law Group is here to assist. Our highly experienced Erie criminal lawyers specialize in minimizing the impact of speeding offenses and, in many cases, helping clients avoid these penalties altogether. Trust Logue Law Group, a leading authority in traffic and criminal defense in Erie County.

Rules for Speeding in Erie

Driving over the posted speed limit is strictly prohibited in Erie County and across Pennsylvania. If you’re driving on a road with no posted speed limit signs, here’s what you should adhere to:

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

To be cited for speeding, you generally need to exceed the speed limit by at least 6 MPH. However, in school zones, even driving 1 MPH over the posted limit could result in a ticket.

Exceeding the Speed Limit by 31 MPH or More

When you’re caught driving 31 MPH or more over the speed limit, it’s classified as “excessive speeding.” This offense automatically triggers a mandatory PennDOT hearing. Missing this hearing will result in a 60-day license suspension.

During the PennDOT hearing, the examiner may impose one of two penalties:

• A 15-day license suspension
• A mandatory driving road test

Additionally, five points will be added to your driving record. The good news is that our skilled Erie DUI attorney at Logue Law Group is well-prepared to help you manage this process and minimize potential consequences.

Tools Used by Police to Measure Speed

Law enforcement employs several technologies and methods to measure vehicle speed. Understanding these can be helpful if you’re facing a speeding charge:

• Pacing: The police officer follows your vehicle and matches their speedometer with your vehicle’s speed. They must tail you for at least 3/8 of a mile before taking any action.
• Manual Speed Traps: Sometimes, police use airplanes to measure the distance your vehicle covers. Data from the measurements is then shared with officers to issue tickets.
  • A common tool for speed traps is VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder), but it’s considered unreliable for distances less than 500 feet. It’s important to note that in areas with a 55 MPH limit or lower, you’re generally only cited if you’re exceeding the speed limit by 10 MPH or more with VASCAR readings.
• Radar Guns: Radar guns are a widely used method to identify speeding vehicles, but in Pennsylvania, only state troopers are authorized to operate them.
• Automatic Speed Traps: Advanced technology using transmitters is deployed to gauge the speed of vehicles. The data generated is sent to a computer within a patrol car, enhancing accuracy and reducing human error.

Steps to Follow If Pulled Over by Police

If you’re stopped for speeding, remaining calm and cooperative is crucial. Here are a few tips to handle the situation responsibly:

• Stay respectful and polite at all times.
• Avoid arguing or getting angry.
• Turn off your ignition, but stay seated in your vehicle.

How Logue Law Group Can Help

Getting a ticket for excessive speeding (31 MPH or more) doesn’t have to mean accepting severe penalties. A dedicated lawyer from Logue Law Group can work to challenge the evidence and build the best defense strategy for your case.

Logue Law Group’s team of experienced attorneys, including our accomplished Erie criminal lawyers, have a solid track record of successfully defending clients in Erie County. Don’t face this legal battle alone. Contact Logue Law Group today 844.PITT.DUI to take the first step toward an effective resolution.

For assistance with traffic tickets, speeding violations, or other legal matters in Erie County, get in touch now. A free consultation is just a phone call away!