The quick answer to Is speeding over 100 mph a misdemeanor in California, is no, it is not. However, some law enforcement officers (LEOs) consider speeding 100+ mph reckless extremely dangerous driving and there are some California judges who agree with that.
Also, some LEOs will add ticket for a speed contest or exhibition of speed if they have reason to believe you were involved in any of those activities.
You need an experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney to represent you at your mandatory court appearance. At Bigger & Harman, we will handle everything for you, and you will not need to attend.
Speeding over 100 mph, although by itself is not a misdemeanor, it is a major infraction of the CA Vehicle Code, with harsh penalties that can impact your driving record and insurance rates.
If you’ve received a ticket for speeding over 100 mph in Merced, CA, understanding your legal options is crucial before your court date.
You can download our e-book, 4 Unknown Consequences of Driving over 100 MPH for free here.
The Consequences & Costs of Speeding Over 100 MPH
A conviction for speeding over 100 mph comes with severe penalties. These include:
Fines Between $859 and $2,137 – The judge will impose a heavy fine if you are found guilty of speeding over 100 mph.
Mandatory Court Appearance – Required in most counties, except for Inyo, Mono, and Fresno.
Two NOTS Points – These can double or triple your insurance premiums for up to seven years.
No Traffic Violator School (TVS) Eligibility – Unless the speed is reduced below 100 mph, you cannot mask the violation with TVS.
Potential 30-Day License Suspension – A judge may suspend your driving privileges at their discretion.
These financial and legal consequences can affect you for years. Subsequent convictions carry even steeper penalties.
Speeding Hotspots in California
Merced County, especially the stretch of SR-99 around Merced, is a common area for speeding over 100 mph citations. Another is I-5 for drivers traveling between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco around Los Banos in Merced County, CA.
Additional Charges with Speeding Over 100 MPH
Some California law enforcement officers may add reckless driving or an exhibition of speed citation when issuing a ticket for speeding over 100 mph.
These are misdemeanor offenses that can result in additional fines, potential jail time or probation, and vehicle impounds that can add another $1,500 to your expenses.
Why You Should Hire Speeding Ticket Lawyers Who Routinely Defend Over 100 MPH Tickets in Merced, CA
If you’ve been cited for speeding over 100 mph, hiring an experienced traffic attorney is essential. A skilled lawyer can:
Build a Strong Defense Strategy – They analyze the details of your case to challenge the citation.
Negotiate Charge Reductions – Getting the speed reduced below 100 mph may allow you to avoid the two points (still one point for exceeding 70) and the 30 day license suspension.
Fight for Lower Fines and Penalties – An experienced attorney can negotiate lighter penalties and present your defense effectively.
Work to Prevent License Suspension – Keeping your driving privileges intact is a top priority.
Represent You in Court – With legal representation, you may not need to appear in court.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I find legal help for speeding over 100 mph?” contact the experienced Central Valley speeding ticket lawyers who routinely defend over 100 mph tickets in Merced, CA.
Don’t risk harsh penalties—hire a knowledgeable traffic attorney today to defend your driving record and future.
Ask Bigger & Harman Is Speeding over 100 MPH a Misdemeanor in California?
When faced with a speeding over 100 mph ticket in Merced Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Use our handy contact form to schedule a free consultation or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CVC Section 22348, Speed Laws.