When it comes to driving in CA, understanding the ins and outs of speeding tickets, fines, and insurance is crucial.
In this blog post, we'll look at the specifics of speeding tickets and the associated fines, and most importantly, how these violations can impact your insurance rates with a paid fine in the Golden State.
Speeding Tickets and Fines
Receiving a speeding ticket anywhere is a common occurrence.
It is the most common traffic ticket worldwide. It typically happens when you're caught driving above the posted speed limit. However, there are circumstances where you could be driving at or below the speed limit and receive a speeding ticket.
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22350, Speed Laws, warns drivers:
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
You might notice that this section of the CA traffic code does not mention “speed limit.” It is known in CA legal circles as the “basic speed law.”
Therefore, a traffic attorney can persuade a traffic court judge that you were not speeding because your speed was “reasonable or prudent” given the weather, road conditions, traffic and other conditions.
Moreover, many experienced law enforcement officers (LEO) are allowed by traffic court judges to “estimate” a driver’s speed in inclement weather because trying to pace a speeder in diminished conditions might be dangerous.
The fines for these tickets can vary significantly, depending on how much you exceeded the speed limit or safe speed.
The “base fine” for speeding tickets ranges from approximately $35 to over $500. However, since these traffic codes were written, the CA Assembly has added ten surcharges, assessments, and penalties for DNA ID, emergency service, court construction, night court operations, and more.
These assessments can bring your total to between $238 and $2,137. There are four levels of speeding:
- Level 1 is speeding 1-15 mph over the speed limit or safe driving speed. If convicted, your fine is approximately $238 in most counties. The DMV will assess one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point for three years.
- Level 2 speeds of 16 to 24 mph over will trigger a total fine and surcharges of about $360 if convicted. The DMV will assess one NOTS point for three years. For level 1 & 2, you could be eligible to attend traffic violator school (TVS). However, there are several variables and regardless of what your court notice says, you should consult a traffic attorney to ensure you don’t make matters worse by admitting guilt by accepting TVS.
- Level 3 is speeding more than 25 mph over but less than 99 mph. The DMV will assess one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point for three years. TVS is not normally authorized at this level. However, an experienced attorney could get permission from the traffic court judge or negotiate a plea to a lower speed with attendance. If convicted, your fine is approximately $490 in most counties.
- Level 4 is speeding over 100 mph. The DMV will assess two NOTS points for up to seven years. You are not eligible to attend traffic violator school (TVS) unless an attorney can negotiate a lesser speed with the judge. If convicted, your fine is between $900 and $2,137. Plus, the judge could pull your driving privileges for 30 days immediately.
It's essential to promptly pay these fines to avoid further penalties and the potential suspension of your driver's license.
However, it’s worth noting that while speeding ticket fines may appear relatively minor, they can cause financial difficulty once the auto insurance provider takes your “good driver’s discount of 20%” and adds the inherent risk of speeding.
Speeding Tickets, Fines, and Insurance Premiums
One aspect often overlooked when dealing with speeding tickets is their impact on your auto insurance premiums.
When you pay the fine or are convicted after a speeding ticket, it becomes a part of your driving record for three to seven years, which insurance companies use to assess your risk as a driver. Your insurance rates are likely to increase if you are perceived as a higher-risk driver due to traffic violations like speeding.
In CA, insurance providers typically review your driving record when it's time to renew your policy. If they spot speeding tickets on your record, they may classify you as a riskier driver, leading to higher insurance premiums. These increased costs can accumulate over time, significantly affecting your financial budget.
Since the average CA driver pays $2,290 annually for auto insurance, losing your “good driver’s discount” will add approximately $458. And then, depending on your speed, the inherent risk could add 10% or more.
How We Can Help with Speeding Tickets
If you've been issued one or more speeding tickets and are concerned about the associated fines and potential insurance rate hikes, our law firm is here to assist you. We specialize in traffic law and can provide expert legal guidance gathered through experience in traffic courts across Central Valley and CA. We’re here to help you navigate your situation effectively.
Our experienced attorneys can explore various options, such as negotiating to reduce fines, preventing points from being added to your driving record, or even pursuing ticket dismissal under specific circumstances. Our primary goal is to protect your driving record and minimize the impact on your insurance premiums.
Consult with Bigger & Harman
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Or, use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
We’re here to assist in Merced County to resolve their speeding tickets, lower possible fines, and stabilize their insurance premium.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CA VC Section 22350, Speed Laws.