What to Do After Getting a Speeding Ticket in Georgia
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A Georgia speeding ticket and other Georgia traffic tickets can drive up your auto insurance rates, negatively impact your overall driving record, and lead to significant fees and fines. But you can avoid all of this by obeying traffic laws and posted speed limits. However, if you do receive a speeding citation in Georgia, this guide will help you understand what to expect regarding potential fines, license points, the state’s “Super Speeder” designations, the impact on your car insurance rates, and your possible options for reducing and responding to speeding penalties.
What Happens After You Get a Speeding Ticket in Georgia
After you receive a ticket for driving above the posted speed limit in Georgia, you can either pay your traffic ticket or contest it.
You typically have 120 days or until your court date to pay your fine for speeding. How long a speeding ticket stays on your record varies, but it will remain on there for at least a year.
Super Speeder Law Explained
If law enforcement determines that you are Super Speeder — driving 75 miles per hour or faster on a two-lane road or 85 miles per hour or faster on any other road or a highway — you will receive an additional $200 fine.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Cost in Georgia?
The cost of a speeding offense in Georgia varies, but it can be as low as $25 and as high as $500. Again, if you are a Super Speeder, you’ll be fined an additional $200 above and beyond the basic speeding ticket.
You can also face driver’s license suspension and loss of driving privileges, among other notable penalties. Also, you may be required to get SR-22 insurance in Georgia, which is a certificate of financial responsibility noting that you have required minimum insurance coverage for your vehicle in the wake of more serious offenses.
License Points and Consequences
Violating the state of Georgia’s speeding laws can result in points on your license and other consequences.
How Many Points for Common Violations
Here are the points that you can expect to see when you receive a speeding ticket in The Peach State:
- 15 to 18 miles per hour over the speed limit: 2 points
- 19 to 23 miles per hour over the speed limit: 3 points
- 24 to 33 miles per hour over the speed limit: 4 points
- 34+ miles per hour over the speed limit: 6 points
License Suspension Thresholds
If you accumulate 15 or more points within 24 months, your driver’s license may be suspended. If you fail to appear for a mandatory court appearance, you may also have your license suspended. You can also have your driver’s license suspended for infractions such as driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving, among others.
Can You Reduce or Fight a Speeding Ticket?
You can fight a speeding ticket by contesting it in court. You can represent yourself or hire a traffic ticket lawyer to appear in court on your behalf.
The judge may decide to reduce or eliminate your speeding ticket, or you may still be required to pay it in full.
How a Speeding Ticket Affects Your Insurance
Speeding tickets and car insurance rates are often linked. If you break multiple traffic laws or have a history of speeding tickets or reckless driving, you’ll likely see your car insurance premiums rise. Some insurers will give you a break if you take a defensive driving course or bundle multiple policies together.
Speeding Ticket Tips for Georgia Drivers
If you receive a speeding ticket while driving in Georgia, consider the following tips:
- Always review the citation to determine that all of the stated information is correct. If anything is incorrect, make sure it gets updated by the officer who issues the ticket immediately.
- If you choose to contest your speeding ticket, show up at least 15 minutes early to court and bring supporting evidence, such as witness statements, photos, or videos.
- Enroll in a defensive driving course, which may reduce up to seven points every five years.
Of course, your best bet is to obey traffic laws and drive within posted speed limits in Georgia and every other state.
Compare Quotes After a Speeding Ticket in Georgia
After you get a ticket for speeding in Georgia, take a closer look at your auto insurance rates. This is also a good time to compare car insurance quotes to find the most affordable insurance options for your current and future driving needs.
EverQuote offers free custom insurance quotes, which help you compare quotes and options side by side. A quote only takes a few minutes to get and can make a big difference in your bank account. Check out EverQuote today to get started!