"Is hiring a speeding ticket lawyer truly a smart financial choice?" is a question we are frequently asked.
While the upfront cost for experienced speeding ticket attorneys may seem high, the fine is often minor compared to the auto insurance premium hike.
The fine for speeding might only be one-fourth of the total expense after the DMV assesses NOTS points.
The Real Price of a Speeding Ticket
Paying the fine is a guilty plea. This action puts DMV NOTS points on your record for three years. The insurance increase is the real burden.
The average driver with full coverage pays $2,733 annually in South Lake Tahoe. After a paid speeding ticket fine, they typically pay 30 to 32% more.
Imagine paying nearly $820 more annually for your already expensive coverage. If you have a teenager on your policy, you could be paying 130% more than the average California driver.
“Parents adding a teen driver to their policy can expect to pay 130 percent more than the California average cost of full coverage.”—Bankrate.com.
Now, add a 30% increase to the approximate $6258.90 annual full coverage you’re paying this year if convicted of even a minor speeding ticket.
You might believe you don’t need full coverage, but lien holders often require full coverage on their new cars.
🏔️ Avoiding Trouble on U.S. Route 50
El Dorado County is heavily policed, especially when you consider the speed limit on the California side of U.S. Route 50 is between 35 and 55 mph (approved by CALTRANS) and the speed limit on the Nevada side is 75.
The city of South Lake Tahoe extends along I-50, on the California side is also known as Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Speeding tickets often happen in these reduced zones, during construction, or due to unsafe speed.
Remember, fines in construction zones are doubled in California.
Why Ignoring a Speeding Ticket Is a Big Mistake
If you fail to act, the penalties quickly multiply.
Courts can issue a bench warrant if you fail to resolve your ticket, fail to appear, or fail to pay (FTA/FTP). Your license may be suspended. Extra fines and fees can be added.
If you missed a court date, do not panic... But do not drive either. We have helped many drivers in El Dorado County clear their FTA/FTP and get cases back on the calendar. Speak with a traffic lawyer before driving again.
Can Speeding Ticket Attorneys Make a Difference?
Yes, absolutely. Hiring a speeding ticket lawyer is a wise investment.
We have seen cases dismissed because RADAR/LIDAR calibration was faulty or outdated. An officer's testimony might have gaps. Those errors often lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
A lawyer can appear in court for you. This saves you from traveling back to the South Lake Tahoe Courthouse. It also eliminates the expense of missing work. Most of our clients never step inside the courtroom.
Effective Defense Strategies
Every case is unique, but we use proven strategies when they apply to your situation:
- Signs were unclear or not posted properly.
- Traffic, road, or weather conditions made your speed safe.
- RADAR/LIDAR equipment was not properly maintained.
- The officer’s visual speed estimate was unreliable, or there were inconsistencies in their statement.
Our speeding ticket attorneys are familiar with the local judges. This experience helps us tailor your personal defense.
Hiring a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Is Easy with Bigger & Harman
"Is it worth it to fight speeding tickets?"
The answer is almost always yes. However, there are times when accepting Traffic Violator School makes sense if you are eligible. You should discuss this option during an initial free consultation with us.
Avoiding DMV points and high insurance rates is worth the effort. We often save our clients around $1,500over those who simply paid the fine.
You also avoid time away from work since we appear in traffic court for you. That peace of mind is why drivers in El Dorado County call us first.
If you were ticketed for speeding, don't rush to pay the fine. Speak with one of our speeding ticket attorneys first. We understand the El Dorado County courts and the U.S. Route 50 ticket cases.
Call Bigger & Harman, the speeding ticket attorneys, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 859-1177, to set up an initial consultation to learn your options.
We regularly defend clients in South Lake Tahoe Courthouse. Use our secure contact form online or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is the most significant cost of paying a fine for a speeding ticket?
A: The highest cost is the three years of increased insurance premiums; even a minor speeding ticket can add$2,500 over that duration.
Q: What is the Basic Speed Law in California (VC 22350)?
A: This law means you can get a speeding ticket for unsafe speed due to road or weather conditions. This may be true even if you were driving below the posted limit.
Q: Does hiring a speeding ticket lawyer mean I never go to traffic court?
A: In most cases, unless there is a compelling reason for your attendance, we can appear on your behalf. This saves you the time and expense of attending court dates yourself.
References:
CA VC Sections 22348, 22349, 22350, 22356, & [22348 - 22366] Speed Laws.
The CA DMV Traffic Violator Course Webpage.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.