To keep their driving privileges after receiving a speeding over 100 mph ticket in California, drivers must be more proactive.
Under the State’s newer FAST hearing pilot program, drivers with excessive speeding tickets now face possible license suspension or revocation before a judge ever hears their case.
For drivers traveling through Kern County on I-5 or SR-99, especially near Bakersfield, Mojave, and the Grapevine corridor, enforcement for excessive speeding has become increasingly aggressive.
What Is the DMV FAST Hearing Pilot Program?
California introduced the FAST hearing pilot program on 22 December 2025. FAST stands for “Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets.”
Under this system, CHP officers may immediately refer a 100+ mph citation to the DMV Driver Safety Office (DSO) for review.
In many cases, the DMV schedules a hearing before the driver ever appears before a judge in Kern County traffic court.
Drivers traveling on I-5 through the Grapevine or SR-99 near Bakersfield often do not realize how quickly the DMV sets the hearing dates without their input.
If the DMV mailing information is outdated, important deadlines could easily be missed.
Why CHP Closely Monitors I-5 and SR-99 in Kern County
Law enforcement officers in Los Angeles and San Francisco Counties may issue the most speeding tickets in California, but Kern County police officers issue thousands of over 100 MPH tickets a year.
Highways in rural areas, like Mojave, attract excessive speeding because many drivers believe these areas are not heavily monitored and traffic conditions are more attractive for speeding.
Heavy traffic, long rural stretches, and drivers traveling between Northern and Southern California contribute to high-speed enforcement activity.
Weekend tourists traveling through Kern County to Eastern California resort areas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, like Mammoth Lakes and Casa Diablo Hot Springs, are unfamiliar with the area and underestimate how aggressively local and CHP officers patrol these highways.
Whereas California officials argue the FAST hearing process improves public safety, drivers still deserve the opportunity to challenge questionable speed readings or unusual circumstances.
Financial Penalties for a Speeding Over 100 MPH Conviction
The consequences tied to speeding over 100 mph often extend well beyond the initial fine listed in CA Vehicle Code Section 22348(b).
Although the statute lists a “base fine” not to exceed $500, additional state and county penalties can dramatically increase the amount owed. Many drivers ultimately pay between $859 and $2,137 after state and local assessments and surcharges are added.
Additional consequences may include:
- Two DMV NOTS points
- Increased insurance premiums (Often double or triple those of drivers with a clean record)
- A possible 30-day license suspension from the court
- Long-term insurance impacts lasting up to seven years
- Mandatory court appearances in Kern County
For many drivers, insurance increases become far more expensive than the original traffic ticket itself.
Important Steps Drivers Should Take Immediately
Time matters after receiving a citation for excessive speeding. The FAST hearing process can move surprisingly fast.
We typically encourage drivers to take several immediate steps after a 100+ mph citation:
- Confirm that the mailing address on record with the DMV is accurate by checking my.dmv.ca.gov. If updates are needed or do not process correctly, the driver can also contact the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 for assistance.
- Watch carefully for FAST hearing notices from the DMV.
- Avoid ignoring any court or DMV correspondence. It is crucial you do not miss this hearing. Your license could be suspended or revoked without your input.
- Speak with a traffic lawyer familiar with Kern County excessive speeding cases. Bigger & Harman can appear for the driver in both court and DMV proceedings under a flat-fee arrangement.
Many drivers do not realize that radar, pacing methods, or LIDAR equipment are not infallible. Improper calibration or officer training issues may affect the accuracy of a speed reading.
We often subpoena and examine these before the DSO hearing and trial to ensure the driver is afforded due process.
Why Drivers Should Speak with a Traffic Lawyer
Many people assume a traffic ticket for excessive speeding is simply a matter of paying a fine. Unfortunately, speeding over 100 mph cases are far more serious and financially taxing.
A conviction can create long-lasting financial problems through insurance increases, DMV points, and possible license suspension. Drivers traveling through Bakersfield, Shafter, Lamont, or along I-5 near the Grapevine often underestimate the seriousness of these allegations.
Since the inception of the FAST Pilot Program, many defense attorneys have noted, “Without legal representation, your Constitutional rights and due process could be violated.”
Every case deserves careful review, especially when the DMV FAST hearing process may move faster than expected.
We Can Help with a Speeding Over 100 MPH Ticket & the FAST Hearing in Kern County, CA
Drivers cited for speeding over 100 mph in Kern County should strongly consider speaking with a traffic lawyer as soon as possible. FAST hearing deadlines may arrive quickly, and waiting too long could limit available legal options.
At Bigger & Harman, APC, we represent drivers facing excessive speeding allegations throughout Kern County, including cases arising from the I-5 near Lamont and SR-99 near Bakersfield.
During the past decade, we have assisted California drivers with more than 30,000 traffic tickets, both commercial and non-commercial drivers.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, about representing you in Bakersfield Courthouse, or one of the others in your area, like Lamont, Shafter, Ridgecrest, Mojave, or Delano. Call us at (661) 349-9300—859-1177 para Español.
You can reach out through our contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Click here to download a free copy of our eBook, 4 Unknown Consequences of Driving Over 100 MPH.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is a FAST hearing after a speeding over 100 mph ticket?
A: A FAST hearing is a DMV administrative review triggered after certain excessive speeding citations. The DMV may suspend or revoke a driver’s license even before the traffic court date occurs.
Q: How much is the fine for speeding over 100 mph in California?
A: Although the traffic code quotes a “base fine” not exceed $500, total costs with assessments and penalties often range from approximately $859 to more than $2,137. CA VC 22348 was originally written and approved in 1959. Since then, the CA Assembly has added ten surcharges to pay for court construction, night court administration, and others.
Q: Can I lose my license for speeding over 100 mph?
A: Yes, currently, the FAST Pilot Program allows the DMV to suspend or revoke drivers’ licenses for speeding over 100 mph. In court, you can also be suspended for 30 days on your first offense. Ask a Kern County traffic attorney for assistance.
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.