5 States with Tough Highway Patrol and Pricey Tickets
Written by
Sean Fisher, AI Editor
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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If you’re planning a road trip or just navigating daily commutes, be aware that some states are particularly stringent about enforcing speed limits. These states have tough highway patrols and are known for issuing pricey tickets hurting your wallet, making them places where you’ll want to be extra vigilant about obeying traffic laws. Here’s a closer look at five states where speeding could cost you more than just a few minutes off your travel time.
Virginia
Virginia is notorious for its strict enforcement of speed limits. Speeding is considered reckless driving if you exceed the speed limit by 20 mph or if you’re going over 80 mph, regardless of the posted limit. Such offenses can result in significant fines, points on your driving record, and even a criminal misdemeanor charge. Virginia’s approach to traffic enforcement is designed to discourage speeding and promote road safety, reflecting their commitment to reducing traffic accidents.
Amount of Speeding Tickets: 6.6%
Average Rate of Speeding Ticket: $238
Ohio
Ohio matches a rigorous approach to speed enforcement with substantial penalties for offenders. Here, speeding can lead to hefty fines and, in cases of excessive speeding, possible jail time. Ohio uses speed cameras and a data-driven approach to patrol highways, making it a state where speeders need to think twice. The state’s traffic enforcement policies are geared towards reducing the high number of speed-related crashes and fatalities.
Amount of Speeding Tickets: 7.8%
Average Rate of Speeding Ticket: $233
North Carolina
In North Carolina, speed limit enforcement is a critical task for highway patrols. The state has implemented various measures, including the use of speed cameras in some areas, to manage speeding and enhance road safety. North Carolina’s penalties for speeding can include fines and driving record points, which emphasize the state’s no-nonsense approach to keeping road speeds under control.
In the United States, while no state mandates jail time specifically for speeding, exceeding certain speed limits can escalate a speeding ticket to a reckless driving charge. In North Carolina, driving 15 mph or more above the speed limit automatically qualifies the offense as reckless driving, which carries potentially more severe penalties including the possibility of jail time.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin highway patrol is active in curbing high-speed driving, especially in areas prone to accidents and high traffic. The state’s efforts to manage speed include year-round enforcement and special initiatives during holidays and major events, when traffic volumes increase. Penalties for speeding in Wisconsin are designed to be punitive enough to deter repeat offenses, with fines varying significantly based on how much over the speed limit you were driving.
Amount of Speeding Tickets: 7.8%
Average Rate of Speeding Ticket: $221
Iowa
Despite its lower population density and expansive rural areas, Iowa maintains a stringent stance on speeding. The state’s maximum speed limits are enforced to prevent the high rates of speed-related accidents often seen on rural roads. Iowa’s penalties for speeding include fines and the potential for jail time in extreme cases, reflecting a serious commitment to traffic law enforcement.
Amount of Speeding Tickets: 7.1%
Average Rate of Speeding Ticket: $231
Conclusion
Speeding can lead to severe penalties, not just in terms of fines but also in impacting your driving record and potential criminal charges. States like Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Iowa are particularly vigilant about enforcing speed limits as part of broader efforts to ensure road safety. Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, adhering to speed limits in these states is crucial for avoiding costly tickets and contributing to safer highways. Remember, keeping within speed limits is not just about avoiding fines–it’s about ensuring safety for all road users.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
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