Exceeding Maximum Speed in Philadelphia

People drive over the speed limit for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you were running late to work or wanted to cut down the time it would take to get to your destination on a long trip. You may have been speeding without realizing it and were startled to see the red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror.

Whatever your reason is for being cited with a speeding ticket, you are merely one of an abundance of people who have been in this predicament. In fact, speeding tickets are cited more than any other moving violation listed in Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code.

Although most motorists don't see a speeding citation as a big deal, being ticketed for excessive speeding or receiving subsequent speeding citations could lead to dire consequences. Rising insurance premiums, costly fines and the suspension or revocation of your license are some of the penalties that could potentially be imposed. However, with the assistance of an attorney, you will be able to weigh your options and respond to citations in a fashion that will minimize or completely prevent these repercussions.

Exceeding Maximum Speed in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, motorists are prohibited from driving over the posted speed limit. It's important to note that even though speed limit signage may not be present in some areas, drivers are expected to be aware of and abide by the following guidelines:

  • 55 miles per hour on highways and expressways
  • 25 miles per hour on residential streets
  • 35 miles per hour on non-residential streets

State law enforcement allows motorists to drive a maximum speed of 5 miles over the speed limit in most circumstances. But driving 6 or more miles over the speed limit warrants an “exceeding maximum speed” citation 75 Pa. Cons. Stat § 3362. This rule is not applicable in an active work or school zone, as a driver may be cited if they are caught going 1 mile over the posted speed limit in these areas.

Pennsylvania's Point System

The state's Department of Transportation, also known as PennDOT, documents and maintains the driving records of licensed motorists in the state. When a driver is cited with a ticket and pleads guilty (pays the fine), he or she receives a series of “points” on their driving record. Once a driver reaches the six-point mark, administrative corrective action will be taken.

Penalties

A citation for exceeding maximum speed typically results in a fine and points marked on a motorist's driving record. The number of points added depends solely on the nature of the offense. In Pennsylvania, the miles over the speed limit that a driver is caught executing dictates the number of points on their record:

  • 6 to 10 miles per hour over speed limit = 2 points
  • 11 to 15 miles per hour over speed limit = 3 points
  • 16 to 25 miles per hour over speed limit = 4 points
  • 26 or more miles per hour over speed limit = 5 points

Philadelphia Traffic Attorney

It's important that you handle speeding tickets appropriately to avoid stiff penalties. With the help of an attorney, you can do that effectively. Contact LLF's skilled traffic Criminal Law Team today for assistance.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu