Don’t Let This Be Your Story
In case your unfamiliar with the Kirkwood area of South Lake Tahoe, it is consider one of the premier skiing locales for expert and extreme skiers.
It’s also considered one of the least-cluttered areas around Lake Tahoe on the California side. So, it a haven for those in search of expert-level slopes. Of course, there are beginner slopes, as well, but those are less crowded than Lake Tahoe, too.
So, anyway, we had our reservations and had been waiting months for this extreme weekend getaway to Kirkwood Mountain Resort. The vacation of a lifetime that didn’t happen. Maybe next year.
Have you ever planned a dream vacation, only to have it derailed by a speeding ticket? This could easily be your story. Imagine the excitement of a weekend ski trip with friends in South Lake Tahoe, CA, grinding to a halt because of a reckless decision behind the wheel.
This blog post explores a fictional scenario where a driver's speeding ticket throws a wrench into a planned ski trip. We'll examine the hidden costs associated with a speeding 100+ mph violation, including potential court appearances in El Dorado County, doubled or tripled auto insurance premiums, and other long-term financial repercussions of a conviction.
The High Cost of Speeding 100+ MPH
Many drivers mistakenly believe that hiring an attorney for a speeding ticket is an unnecessary expense. Misleading online information might suggest a speeding 100+ mph ticket only carries a “base fine” of $300 to $500.
While CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348, Speed Laws does state a maximum fine of $500 for a first offense, this statute dates back to 1959.
The reality is far more complex. The CA State Assembly has since added various penalties, surcharges, and assessments that can multiply the initial fine by nearly five times.
Beyond the Fine: The True Cost of Speeding 100+ MPH
The initial fine is just a fraction of the total cost associated with a speeding 100+ mph conviction.
The DMV will assess two Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points to your driving record. This can result in a doubling or tripling of your auto insurance premiums for a staggering seven years.
A Missed Ski Trip & Looming Court Date
In our fictional scenario, a group of friends planned a ski trip to South Lake Tahoe for months. Cabin rentals, ski reservations – everything was in place for a perfect weekend getaway.
Cruising down US 50, exceeding the speed limit by a significant margin, a speeding ticket shattered their plans.
Pulled over by a law enforcement officer (LEO), the driver received a citation for exceeding 100 mph.
The officer informed them of the potential need to appear in court at the South Lake Tahoe Courthouse in El Dorado County. Missing the court date would lead to a Failure to Appear (FTA) violation.
The officer also warned of a possible 30-day driving privilege suspension by the judge on the spot, emphasizing the importance of having another driver present in court.
Recognizing the complexity of the situation, the LEO suggested consulting a traffic attorney to understand the driver's rights and potential consequences. Certain legal questions fell outside the officer's purview.
The Financial Burden: Court Costs, Fines, and Insurance Hikes
The financial consequences of a speeding 100+ mph violation extend far beyond the missed ski trip. A conviction can result in a fine ranging from $859 to $2,137. Additionally, the DMV-assessed NOTS points will significantly impact your insurance rates for seven years.
The Long-Term Impact of a Speeding 100+ MPH Conviction
A speeding 100+ mph conviction is a major infraction that remains on your driving record for seven years.
In addition to the immediate fine and increased insurance premiums, the two NOTS points put you halfway to a potential six-month license suspension and a concurrent 12-month probation.
Back home in Placerville, facing a stern lecture from his father, the driver was advised to contact Bigger & Harman, APC. Their reputation for successfully resolving speeding 100+ mph tickets across California was well-known.
In fact, they even wrote an informative eBook on the subject.
Ask Bigger & Harman About Speeding 100+ MPH in South Lake Tahoe, CA
When faced with a speeding 100+ mph ticket in South Lake Tahoe Courthouse in El Dorado County, CA, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300.
Or, use the handy contact form to schedule a free consultation or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CA VC Section 22348, Speed Laws.