Although many websites tell you the fine for 100+ mph speeding is $500, that is only the base fine. The state and county will add ten surcharges and fees, making your fine $900 to $2,500, depending on the county where you were ticketed and the traffic court judge’s assessment.
However, the auto insurance premium increase if convicted is the budget-breaker.
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22348, Speed Laws, states, “Upon a first conviction of a violation of this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).” Second and subsequent convictions within seven years are much higher.
Many law enforcement officers (LEOs) will “pile on” or stack charges beyond that of 100+ mph speeding.
The LEO could add:
- Reckless driving because some believe speeding over 100 mph is reckless.
- They could believe you were participating in a speed contest.
Although nothing in the CA traffic code relates speeding with the misdemeanor crimes of reckless driving and speed contests, many LEOs believe they are related. Moreover, if you are rude or try to argue the ticket on the side of the freeway, it just adds fuel to their fire. The wise course of action is to sign your ticket, hire a traffic attorney and let them challenge the charge or charges in traffic court.
You must consult and hire a court-experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney to dispute these charges. If you think you cannot afford an attorney, think about how expensive it will be without one.
What Are the Consequences of a 100+ MPH Speeding Ticket Conviction
However, the fine is only the beginning. The first inconvenience and expense is the county will retain jurisdiction. Therefore, you must return to traffic court there for your mandatory court appearance. Unless you hire an attorney to represent you, you might have to go back twice, once for the arraignment and a trial date to challenge the ticket. Typically, the judge will set different date for trial.
If you’re convicted of 100+ mph speeding, the DMV will assess two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points. That puts you only two points away from a suspension of driving privileges by the DMV.
However, the judge has the discretion to suspend your license automatically, and most do, particularly when a driver comes into court without representation. That oftentimes sends a message to the judge that you do not appreciate the seriousness of the charge of 100+ mph speeding.
Plus, those NOTS points will become a part of your driving record, and when your auto insurance comes up for renewal, your insurance provider will drop you or double or triple your premium. For those living in Fresno County, CA, you are likely paying a much lower rate than those in LA and San Francisco. However, it’s still much too high.
According to Bankrate, the average full-coverage annual premium for a Fresno County driver is $2,006 or about $167 monthly. Imagine paying $334 or $501 per month out of your already stretched budget. That’s $4,104 or $6,156 annually. Imagine what it would be with a teen on your policy or if the LEO adds one of those misdemeanor charges, such as reckless driving, participating in a speed contest, or an exhibition of speed.
The penalties for 100+ mph speeding are already bad enough; consult a traffic lawyer at once.
Read our blog, Traffic Lawyer Fee vs a 100+ MPH Speeding Ticket Cost, to make the comparison.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, to Dispute a 100+ MPH Speeding Ticket
Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300, or use the handy online contact form to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
We regularly assist Fresno County drivers and others around Central Valley with 100+ mph speeding tickets. In fact, we’ve written a flip book explaining the 4 Unknown Consequences of Driving Over 100 MPH. You can download it for free.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2021 CA Driver Handbook English y Español
CVC Section 22348, Speed Laws.
The Bankrate article, Best cheap car insurance in Fresno for 2022.