The primary reason to hire a speeding ticket lawyer is a traffic attorney will help with finding the best possible outcome in resolving a speeding ticket to get a “not guilty” verdict.
A not guilty verdict will avoid a negative mark on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR), negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points that will invariably lead to a lost “good driver’s discount” (that’s a 20% increase), and more increases based on the inherent risk associated with speeding (the insurance companies have a formula that is based on the number of mph you were going over the speed limit or safe driving speed based on the weather or road conditions.
The State of California uses a similar formula to determine the fine for speeding at four levels:
One to 15 mph over the limit is a minor infraction with a fine of $238 and one NOTS point. Traffic Violator School (TVS) is possible under some circumstances, see below.
Sixteen to 25 mph over the limit is a minor infraction with a fine of $360 and one NOTS point. TVS is possible under some circumstances, see below.
Twenty-five mph over the limit up to 100 mph is a minor infraction with a fine of $490 and one NOTS point. TVS is only authorized with a traffic court judge’s permission, ask a traffic attorney.
Speeding over 100 mph is a major infraction with a mandatory court appearance, no TVS, a fine of between $859 and $2,137, and two NOTS points that will remain on the driver MVR for up to seven years.
The average California driver who pays the fine for a speeding ticket will pay the fine and their insurance premiums will increase 30-32 percent for the first two levels if they are not eligible for TVS.
“The average cost of car insurance in California is $2,573 per year for full coverage and $638 per year for minimum coverage.” — Bankrate.com.
Therefore, a 30% increase will mean they’ll pay $772 more in 2025 for full coverage and nearly $200 more for $15,000/30,000/$5,000 minimum coverage, depending on their renewal date. What’s more, this premium increase will continue for the three years the paid fine will remain on their MVR.
A conviction or paid fine for speeding 25+ mph over the limit will likely see an increase of 35 to 40 percent, and a speeding over 100 mph conviction could mean an increase of $2,500 to $5,000 for the next seven years.
Keep in mind that these are average figures, and LA County drivers and policies with a teen driver will pay much more than the average.
“Drivers in Los Angeles, according to our research, pay an average rate for full coverage insurance of $3,508—36 percent more than the state average.”
“California parents adding a 16-year-old driver to their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $6,189 per year.” — Bankrate.com.
A conviction or paid fine for speeding is one of the most significant threats to your family budget. Don’t go it alone—hire a speeding ticket lawyer.
TVS Is Not Always Possible
A driver is not eligible for TVS if:
They did not have a valid CA driver’s license when ticketed (but some judges may allow TVS if they do have a valid license in another state)
They have previously used TVS to keep a traffic ticket conviction confidential within the past 18 months.
They were driving a commercial motor vehicle.
The ticket is for a major infraction, misdemeanor, or felony.
The ticket was alcohol or drug related.
Furthermore, to attend, you must plead guilty, pay the full fine, including penalties, surcharges, and assessments, pay the county admin fees for attendance (typically, $64 in SLO County), the DMV filing fee, the tuition, and complete the course within the court-ordered completion time.
For speeding 25+ mph, the fine and TVS expenses could total nearly $600.
If you do not complete it on time, your guilty plea is enforced, and the conviction becomes a part of your driving record for three years.
Never use TVS for a correctable ticket, and always consult a traffic attorney before pleading guilty and accepting TVS. Many times, accepting TVS could box you into a corner.
Consult with Bigger & Harman When You Need to Hire a Speeding Ticket Lawyer in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County
When you need to hire a speeding ticket lawyer in Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo Courthouse, contact the office of Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Alternatively, use our handy online contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. Send a copy/picture of your citation and a summary of the stop.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.