Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations for which drivers receive tickets. Many have gotten a speeding ticket for going a few miles per hour over the limit. Some may have received a ticket for traveling ten or more miles per hour over the limit. At times, when traveling at this speed, you may not even realize it until it’s too late — when a cop starts flashing their lights behind you.
Minor speeding offenses are usually simple to defend with the help of an attorney. The court does not typically require you to make a physical appearance, meaning your lawyer can appear on your behalf. If you’re instructed to take a driving course, completing the course usually leads to the dismissal of any points against your driver’s license. Additionally, you can choose to pay the fine with a check; however, paying traffic tickets does not make your license points disappear.
A charge of speeding at or more than 50 miles per hour over the limit is a completely different scenario. If an officer catches you traveling 90 MPH in a 40 MPH zone, it’s difficult to assert that you didn’t realize your speed. A high-speed traffic charge requires the help of an attorney to gather evidence and develop a well-organized defense. A traffic lawyer with experience defending high-speed moving violations is crucial to securing your future.
How Serious is Reckless Driving 50 MPH or More Over the Limit in Florida?
Driving 50 or more miles per hour over the limit is described in Florida statute §316.1926. Florida’s speeding laws set a structured legal framework that determines penalties based on the severity of the offense, incorporating aspects of reckless driving and giving legal authorities considerable discretion in prosecuting offenders. If you received a citation for driving 50 MPH over the limit, the infraction is a non-criminal offense with harsh penalties. If you’re convicted, you could incur up to four points against your driver’s license and a fine of $1,000. You could also lose your license through a license suspension. A court appearance is necessary for this offense, so if you don’t show up, the court can issue an administrative license suspension.
Your Second and Third Conviction of Driving 50 MPH Over the Speed Limit
If you’re convicted of driving at 50 or more miles per hour over the speed limit a second time, your second offense may lead to:
- A $2,500 fine
- A one-year license revocation, the surrender of your license, and registration
- Points against your license
Receiving multiple speeding tickets can lead to automatic license suspension, as accumulating points from repeated offenses has severe consequences under Florida’s speeding laws.
A third conviction of driving at 50 miles per hour over the speed limit is a third-degree felony offense. You may face:
- A $5,000 fine
- License revocation for ten years
- Points against your license
- A criminal record
Enhanced penalties for going 50+ miles per hour over the limit in a school or work zone may be possible, such as:
- Doubling the fine
- Mandatory traffic school
- Points against your license despite completion of traffic school
Speeding at such a pace is often associated with crimes like reckless driving, racing on the highway, or even fleeing police. If you’re charged with this offense, it may be in combination with other serious charges.
Overview of Florida Speeding Laws
Speeding is a common traffic violation that leads to various penalties, from fines to license suspension, depending on the offense. A single speeding ticket typically does not lead to a driver’s license suspension, but a speeding ticket combined with other violations can result in such a suspension, emphasizing the cumulative effect of excessive speeding on a driver’s record and the penalties that may follow. Speeding laws are designed to ensure the safety of all road users, and the state enforces strict penalties for violations.
Basic Speeding Law
Basic law prohibits driving at a speed greater than what is reasonable and prudent under the conditions with regard to potential hazards. This means drivers must adjust their speed based on weather, road conditions, traffic, and other factors, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Absolute Speed Limits
Florida also has absolute speed limits, which are straightforward: if the speed limit is posted at 40 MPH, driving even one mile over this limit can technically result in a speeding ticket.
Common absolute limits include:
- 30 mph in business or residential districts.
- 55 mph on most highways.
- 70 mph on designated rural interstates.
Penalties for Speeding
Penalties for speeding can vary, and receiving speeding tickets can have serious legal consequences and significantly impact your insurance rates:
- For minor offenses, such as driving less than 15 mph over the speed limit, penalties typically include a fine and potential points on your driving record.
- Fines increase with the amount by which the driver exceeds the speed limit, and accumulating points leads to higher insurance premiums and license suspension.
You can be arrested for speeding if you are driving at a speed that is considered reckless or dangerous. This can include driving at speeds of 50 mph or over the posted speed limit or driving in a way that shows a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
If you are arrested for speeding, you will be taken into custody and may face charges of reckless driving or other traffic offenses. You may also face fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
It’s worth noting that the decision to arrest someone for speeding is typically made by the officer who pulls you over. If the officer believes you are driving in a way that is reckless or dangerous, they may choose to arrest you rather than issuing a citation.
Excessive Speeding
Driving at speeds excessively over the limit, especially 50 mph or more, is treated with much greater severity. Offenders can face potential jail time of up to five years for severe violations, particularly if the speeding involves reckless driving or poses a significant danger to public safety. This type of speeding is not only subject to higher fines and more points on the driver’s license but may also warrant a mandatory court appearance. In such cases, the offense can escalate to a criminal charge, particularly if it involves reckless driving behaviors or poses a significant danger to public safety.
Motorists should adhere to speed limits, recognizing that penalties can escalate quickly with the degree of the violation. For those facing charges for significant speeding violations, seeking qualified legal help is essential to navigating the potential consequences.
Reckless Driving Charges
A reckless driving charge is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. Florida law defines reckless driving as “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This means if you are driving in a way that shows a blatant disregard for the safety of others, you can be charged with reckless driving.
Reckless driving charges can result from a variety of behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to obey traffic signals. If you are charged with reckless driving, you may face fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Reckless driving is considered a criminal offense and can result in a first-degree misdemeanor charge. This means you can face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you will also have to deal with the consequences of a criminal record, which can impact your ability to find employment, housing, and other opportunities.
License Suspension and Revocation
If you are convicted of speeding, you may face license suspension or revocation. The length of the suspension or revocation will depend on the severity of the offense and your driving record.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) uses a point system to track driving offenses. If you accumulate 12 points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 points within an 18-month period, your license will be suspended for 90 days. If you accumulate 24 points within a 36-month period, your license will be suspended for one year.
If you are convicted of a felony traffic violation, such as speeding 50 mph over the limit, your license will be revoked for a period of time. The length of the revocation will depend on the severity of the offense and your driving record.
Insurance Consequences
If you are convicted of speeding, you may face increased insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding violations as a sign of risky behavior and may increase your premiums as a result.
The increase will depend on the severity of the offense and your driving record. If you have a clean driving record, you may not see a significant increase in your premiums. However, if you have a history of speeding violations, you may see a substantial increase in your premiums.
In addition to increased premiums, a speeding conviction can also impact your ability to find affordable insurance. Some insurance companies may not offer coverage to drivers with a history of speeding violations or may offer coverage at a much higher rate.
Fighting a Citation for Driving at 50 MPH Above the Limit in West Palm Beach
It’s important to protect your driver’s license in West Palm Beach. An allegation of speeding excessively, such as at 50 or more miles per hour over the limit, can lead to a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. That’s why it’s of great importance, for even one ticket, to seek the help of a lawyer to keep points away. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel has extensive experience defending criminal traffic charges. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skills developed over the span of his career.
Throughout his over 30-year career, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has walked clients through the intricate processes necessary to navigate the criminal justice system. Start with a free consultation today by calling (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.