Getting a speeding ticket can be stressful. But before you pay the fine, it’s smart to talk with an experienced speeding ticket lawyer. At Bigger & Harman, we help drivers across Kern County, CA, protect their driving records and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Whether you were ticketed on the Lamont side of Interstate 5 (I-5) through the Grapevine and the Tejon Pass, on State Route 99 (SR-99) through Bakersfield, or while traveling SR-58, SR-14, or I-395, knowing your options could save you time, money, and stress.

Why You Shouldn’t Pay the Fine Before Consulting a Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Paying a fine equals pleading guilty—even when you intend to attend Traffic Violator School, make sure you’re eligible to avoid painting yourself into a corner.

That conviction adds DMV NOTS points to your record, which can raise insurance rates and threaten your license. A speeding ticket lawyer can review your case before you make that costly mistake.

Even a single-point violation can affect your insurance for 36 to 39 months. For repeat offenders, it could lead to suspension.

Why Hiring a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Could Save You Money

At first glance, paying the fine may seem easier. But the real expense comes later.

Auto Insurance premiums can rise up to 30% for three years after a conviction. The average Bakersfield driver pays around $2,925 annually for full coverage. Therefore, a 30% increase is $877.50 per year for up to three years.

Some would say, I don’t have full coverage, but if you have a car payment, most lienholders require full coverage. This is the average; actual costs will vary.

“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.

Hiring a speeding ticket lawyer often prevents those unapparent expenses. Even if the attorney’s fee seems close to the fine, the long-term savings can be much greater.

TVS Eligibility in California

Traffic Violator School (TVS) allows some drivers to mask one-point violations from public view.

To qualify, drivers must:

• Hold a valid California license
• Have a one-point violation
• Not have attended TVS in the last 18 months

Drivers are ineligible if:

• They were driving a commercial vehicle
• They have a mandatory court appearance for speeding over 100 mph, a misdemeanor, or a felony.

There are other stipulations and inside tips. Therefore, before pleading guilty and paying the Kern County administrative fee, consult a traffic attorney to confirm if TVS is the right option.

To clarify:

Traffic Violator School (TVS) can mask a one-point infraction from public view. The County Court Clerk can approve TVS for speeding below 25 mph over. For higher speeds, the judge must approve TVS attendance. Don’t assume eligibility — consult a speeding ticket lawyer before paying the fine or enrolling. Likewise, the driver must complete the course before the court-ordered date, or your conviction becomes public record.

What a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Can Do for You

Our attorneys understand local traffic enforcement and court procedures. We handle many traffic ticket cases at the Bakersfield, Delano, Lamont, Mojave, Ridgecrest, and Shafter Courthouses in Kern County, on a nearly weekly basis.

We know how to challenge radar calibration, pacing methods, and officer testimony. Judges may trust veteran officers’ estimates but reject rookie assumptions. We know how to raise reasonable doubt—the legal standard in all US Courts, even traffic court, and it could be the key to avoiding a conviction.

Our speeding ticket attorneys can:

1. Request dismissal when it is warranted.
2. Negotiate for a no-point or reduced charge.
3. Represent you in court so you don’t have to appear.
4. When all else fails, request approval for TVS attendance to keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing.

Contact Bigger & Harman, the Kern County Speeding Ticket Lawyers

If you’re caught speeding in Kern County, talk to Bigger & Harman first—call us (661) 349-9300—Marque 859-1177 para Español.

Although our main office is in Bakersfield, we regularly defend drivers with speeding tickets in Delano, Shafter, Ridgecrest, Lamont, and Mojave Courthouses in Kern County, CA.

Check Yelp, with more than 250 mostly-favorable reviews, you’ll understand why so many put their faith in us to resolve their speeding tickets.

Use our available contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com and schedule an initial consultation to learn the facts.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section

Q: Why should I hire a speeding ticket lawyer?

A: To be completely honest, you might not always need to hire a speeding ticket lawyer. However, a lawyer can let you know when TVS is right for you. Also, they can often request a reduced charge or penalties, and even request that the judge grant a dismissal if the officers case is flawed. These measures can protect your record, stabilize your insurance premiums, and appear in court for you.

Q: How much is the fine for a speeding ticket in California?

A: California uses a tiered approach to speeding ticket fines based on how fast over the speed limit you were accused of going. Fines increase based on speed: 1–15 mph over is around $238, with one NOTS point; 16–24 mph over is about $365, with one NOTS point; 25 or more mph over is roughly $490, with one NOTS point, and you must get a traffic court judge's approval for TVS; speeding 100+ mph ranges between $859 and $2,137, with two NOTS points, and no TVS eligibility.

References:

CA VC Sections 22348, 22349, 22350, 22356, & [22348 - 22366] Speed Laws.

The CA Driver Handbook Englishy Español.

The CA DMV Traffic Violator Course Webpage.

The California Department of Justice.

The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.