Exceeding Max Speed by 31 or More MPH

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

Speeding tickets are an all too common headache in Pittsburgh, with potential consequences that extend far beyond fines and points on your license. Increased insurance premiums and the risk of losing your driver’s license loom large. That’s where Logue Law Group steps in to help. Our renowned team of Pittsburgh Speeding Ticket Lawyers is here to minimize your troubles and, possibly, help you eliminate them entirely. Trust Logue Law, the most experienced and skilled Criminal Lawyers in Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities.

Facts About Speeding

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is strictly prohibited in Pittsburgh. If you find yourself on an expressway or street without a speed limit sign, adhere to the following 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 a school zone. In that case, even driving just 1 MPH over the posted speed can result in a ticket.

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 inevitable. Failure to attend will automatically result in a 60-day license suspension.

During the PennDOT hearing, the examiner may impose either a 15-day license suspension or a driving road test. Moreover, five points will be added to your driving record. However, having our skilled Pittsburgh DUI attorney by your side can help you navigate through this process and minimize the 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 speedometer. They must trail you for at least 3/8 of a mile before 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. 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 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, measured using a VASCAR device.

• Radar guns are another commonly used method for measuring speed. Only state troopers are authorized to use radar guns to catch speeding vehicles.

• 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 readings are then sent to a computer in the police 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, our Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer can assist you. Our dedicated legal team will work with you to challenge the evidence and determine the best defense strategy. Contact our experienced Traffic Ticket Lawyer today.