Georgia may be one of the worst states for getting a speeding ticket. Drivers know Georgia for its speed traps in rural areas as well as in the cities. If you speed in Georgia, you could be facing a costly ticket and your insurance rates can see a hike after just one ticket. That is why proactive people seek legal advice when they receive Georgia speeding tickets.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket in Georgia Cost?
Speeding ticket fines vary based on the location and the exact violation. The amount you will pay is based on how far above the posted speed limit you were driving. Most speeding tickets will likely cost between $150 and $350.
Unfortunately, the fine for the speeding ticket likely is not the only fee that you will have to pay. If you opt to contest your ticket in court, you will have additional court costs to take care of. When speeding in a school zone or construction zone, you will have to pay additional fees for that. If you were speeding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and get a DUI, you will have additional surcharge fees ranging from $300 to $5,000 based on your blood alcohol level and whether you have any prior offenses.
Georgia also has extra costs called “Super Speeder” fines if drivers are caught going over certain speeds. On a two-lane road, you exceed 74 mph, and on a state highway, you cannot exceed 85 mph. If you go over these limits, you will have an additional $200 fee in addition to your speeding ticket. If you fail to pay the Super Speeder fine within a 120-day time period, DDS will suspend your license, and you will owe the fine plus a $50 reinstatement fee to get it back.
Georgia Speeding Tickets and Insurance
If costly fines and fees are not enough, Georgia also has a point system that affects your driver’s license. Georgia speeding tickets range from two to six points depending on how much you exceeded the speed limit. When you accumulate 15 points within two years, DDS will suspend your license. If you are under 21 years old, DDS will suspend your license for any violation worth four or more points. If you are under 18, DDS will suspend your license if you acquire just four points in a 12-month period.
Legal Options for a Speeding Ticket
There are several options that may be available to you if you receive Georgia speeding tickets. You may want to consider contesting your ticket in court. You may also be able to have your ticket reduced to a non-reporting violation. This will still require you to pay a fee, but there will not be anything on your driving history. You can also plead nolo contendere, or no contest, if you are at least 21. This allows you to admit guilt but not get points on your driver’s license. Nolo pleas still appear on your driving history, however.
Not all of these options are available to everyone, and each individual circumstance is different. That is why it is important to seek the advice of an attorney. The attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law can review your situation and help you determine what legal option would result in the best outcome for your particular situation. Contact them today to schedule a consultation.
