A 100-mph speeding ticket tied to the California “FAST” program can now threaten a driver with suspension or revocation before a courtroom appearance even happens or guilt is established.
Many speed measurement devices are not infallible. Without calibration or proper training, a RADAR or LIDAR device could be inaccurate.
For drivers traveling through Merced County, along I-5, SR-99, or Highway 152, these cases have become far more serious than many people realize.
What Changed After December 22, 2025?
For decades, drivers accused of excessive speeding generally had the chance to appear in court before facing a suspension or revocation. That process changed when the California DMV and CHP introduced the FAST pilot program.
FAST stands for “Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets.” Under this system, CHP officers can forward a 100-mph speeding ticket directly to the DMV Driver Safety Office (DSO) for immediate review.
In some situations, the DMV may schedule a hearing and take administrative action before the driver ever appears before a judge and without input from the driver or their attorney, if the driver misses the notice to appear.
That means a driver traveling through Merced County on I-5, SR-99, or Highway 152 could suddenly receive notice that driving privileges are already under review.
FAST Hearings Can Move Quickly
One major concern involves timing. Many drivers do not realize how quickly the DMV process now moves under FAST.
The DMV may set a hearing date without coordinating with the driver first. If mailing information is outdated, important notices could arrive late or not at all.
We have spoken with drivers from Los Banos and Merced who were shocked to learn their license was suspended after receiving a 100-mph speeding ticket.
California officials introduced FAST, hoping to reduce deadly crashes caused by extreme speeding. Heavy enforcement continues on I-5, SR-99, and Highway 152 throughout Merced County.
Whereas we understand the State’s concern for safety, we always understand a driver’s right to due process.
There are situations where radar equipment, pacing methods, or emergency circumstances deserve closer review before someone loses their driving privileges.
Financial Consequences of a 100 MPH Citation
The cost of a 100-mph speeding ticket reaches far beyond the amount cited in CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22348, Speed Laws.
That section of the code, written in 1959, sets the base fine “not to exceed $500.” However, added state and local assessments and county penalties can push the total much higher. In many cases, drivers end up paying between $859 and $2,137.
Other consequences may include:
- Two DMV NOTS points on their driving record.
- Often doubled or tripled insurance premiums
- A possible license suspension… The judge already has discretion to suspend a driver’s license for up to 30 days if convicted.
- Long-term effects lasting up to seven years.
For commercial drivers or commuters traveling daily between Los Banos and Merced, losing driving privileges can create immediate employment problems.
Important Steps Drivers Should Take Immediately
Time matters after receiving a traffic ticket for excessive speed.
We usually encourage drivers to act quickly by taking several important steps:
- Verify the mailing address listed with the DMV at my.dmv.ca.gov. Phone 1-800-777-0133 for assistance if the changes do not take effect.
- Watch daily for DMV hearing notices.
- Speak with a traffic attorney familiar with 100-mph speeding tickets and FAST cases. At Bigger & Harman, we often handle the DMV hearing and the mandatory court appearance for one flat fee without your attendance.
- Do not ignore court notices or DMV correspondence.
The sooner a driver responds, the better the opportunity to protect driving privileges and challenge mistakes connected to the stop or speed measurement.
Why Drivers Should Speak with a Speeding Ticket Lawyer
Many drivers feel overwhelmed after learning the DMV can act before a court hearing even occurs. Although many consider self-representation, it can lead to a financial disaster with a conviction.
After a 100-mph speeding ticket conviction, the driver’s already too-expensive insurance premiums skyrocket.
Our office understands how stressful these situations become, especially for drivers stopped on SR-99, I-5, or Highway 152 in Merced County.
Legal professionals throughout California have questioned whether FAST creates a form of administrative punishment before guilt has been established in court.
As one concern often raised by defense attorneys explains, “Without legal representation, your Constitutional rights and due process could be violated.”
We believe every driver deserves the opportunity to fully present the facts before losing driving privileges.
Traffic Attorneys Who Can Help with 100 MPH Speeding Tickets & FAST Hearings in Merced County
Drivers facing a 100-mph speeding ticket in Los Banos or Merced Courthouse should strongly consider speaking with a speeding ticket lawyer as soon as possible.
FAST hearings move quickly, and waiting too long could limit your available options.
At Bigger & Harman, we help drivers throughout Merced County handle traffic ticket matters involving FAST referrals, DMV hearings, and mandatory court appearances.
Our traffic attorneys represent drivers in Merced and Los Banos courts using flat-fee representation, regardless of the number of appearances required.
Drivers can call us at (661) 349-9300 or 859-1177 para Español.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Use our convenient and secure online contact form to arrange a complimentary consultation.
Click here to download a free copy of our eBook, 4 Unknown Consequences of Driving Over 100 MPH.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Will I lose my license before going to court for a 100 mph speeding ticket?
A: It’s possible. Under the FAST pilot program, law enforcement will send your 100 mph speeding ticket to the DMV for review. It’s possible that they could act to suspend or revoke your driving privileges even before the court date.
Q: Will I have to go to court for a 100-mph speeding ticket in Merced County?
A: Not necessarily, there is a mandatory court appearance in Merced or Los Banos Courthouse for the driver or their attorney. At Bigger & Harman, we represent the driver without their appearance unless there is a compelling reason to have them there.
Q: How much is a ticket for speeding over 100 mph in California?
A: The total cost often ranges between $859 and $2,137 after state and county penalties, assessments, and surcharges are added to the base fine. However, the massive increase in the cost of auto insurance after a conviction could cost tens of thousands of dollars over the seven years the record could remain on the driver’s record.
References:
The FAST pilot program Press Release, 22 December 2025.
CA VC Section 22348, Speed Laws.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2026.