Citation Guide
Speeding tickets are the most common traffic citation in the US — and one of the most contestable.
Contest My Speeding Ticket — $4.99Speeding tickets account for a significant share of the roughly 41 million traffic citations issued in the US each year. Fines vary widely — from around $50 for minor infractions in rural areas to $500 or more in construction zones or school zones. Beyond the fine itself, a speeding conviction typically adds points to your driving record, which can increase your insurance premiums by 20-30% for three to five years.
But speeding tickets are far from airtight. Radar and lidar equipment must be properly calibrated and operated according to manufacturer specifications. Officers must follow specific procedures when using speed detection devices.
1-10 mph over the limit typically results in a fine of $50-$150 and 1-2 points. 11-20 mph over usually carries fines of $150-$300 and 2-4 points. 21-30 mph over can mean $300-$500 and 4-6 points. Exceeding the limit by 30+ mph is often classified as reckless driving, carrying potential criminal penalties. Insurance impact is significant: a single speeding conviction can raise premiums by $300-$500 per year for three to five years.
Equipment calibration challenges — radar and lidar devices require regular calibration. Officers must produce calibration records. Operator certification — most states require current certification for the specific device used. Environmental interference — radar can produce false readings from power lines, large vehicles, or multi-target environments. Speed survey challenges — posted speed limits must be supported by current engineering surveys. Pacing errors — if the officer estimated speed by pacing, their speedometer must be calibrated.
You generally have 15-30 days to respond. Options include written contest by mail, online contest through court websites, or requesting an in-person hearing before a judge. Some states offer traffic school as an alternative that may dismiss the ticket or prevent points on your record.
How much does a speeding ticket cost?
Fines range from $50 to $500+ depending on your state and how far over the limit you were. Including insurance increases, the true cost can reach several thousand dollars.
Will a speeding ticket affect my insurance?
Yes. A speeding conviction typically raises premiums by 20-30% for three to five years.
Can I fight a speeding ticket without a lawyer?
Yes. Many people successfully contest speeding tickets by challenging radar calibration, officer certification, or procedural errors.
Our AI analyzes your citation and generates a professional contest letter in under 2 minutes.
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