Has anyone ever told you that it’s okay to go over the speed limit in certain situations? If so, this person might be mistaken, just like many other drivers in Georgia. And it’s bad advice like this that leads to hundreds of speeding-related accidents in our state.
If you were hurt in one of these speeding accidents, contact MG Law. We are a leading auto accident law firm in Georgia and can help you get justice for your injuries.
Give us a call at (770) 988-5252 or send an online message today for a free consultation.
Can You Exceed the Speed Limit When Passing?
Many drivers temporarily exceed the speed limit to get past someone. Although this may help keep traffic moving, it is illegal. As a general rule, Georgia law forbids you from speeding under nearly any circumstance, meaning going just one mile per hour above the limit can be grounds for a ticket.
Can You Exceed the Speed Limit to Stay with the Flow of Traffic?
Another common belief is that you can speed if everyone else is speeding. At first glance, this appears to make sense. If everyone is going 10 MPH over the limit, you could hold up traffic by driving slower than everyone else. However, keeping up with the flow of traffic is not a valid reason to speed. Remember that Georgia has an “absolute speed limit” law. Instead of encouraging drivers to keep up with the flow, the law encourages them to be safer by observing the posted limit.
Can You Exceed the Speed Limit When Passing During an Emergency?
In nearly all cases, the answer is no. You can never speed to pass anyone, even if there is an emergency. Speeding increases the risk of causing an accident, so it’s best to respect the speed limit or call 911 during an emergency.
Can You Go 10 Over the Speed Limit in Georgia?
Many people believe there is an unofficial rule that you can drive 10 MPH above the posted speed limit. However, this is not true. Thinking “everyone else is doing it” justifies exceeding the speed limit in Georgia is a risky gamble. While some drivers seem to cruise 10 MPH above the posted limit, Georgia law remains clear that all forms of speeding are illegal.
What Are the Typical Speed Limits in Georgia?
Knowing what speed to drive can be difficult, especially if you don’t see speed limit signs. Fortunately, Georgia has standard speed limits for various types of roads.
Read over this list to refresh your memory on Georgia’s speed limits:
- Urban/residential areas—30 MPH
- Unpaved roads—35 MPH
- Divided highways—65-70 MPH (depending on location)
- School zones—20 MPH
- Other roadways—55 MPH
Remember, local variations exist. Speed limits can change due to active work zones and other temporary conditions. Be mindful of posted speed limits, as counties and cities can have different regulations.
What Are the Fines for Speeding?
Georgia sets maximum fines depending on how fast you are speeding.
Here are the fines you could pay based on how much you exceed the speed limit:
- 5 MPH or less—$0,
- 6 to 9 MPH—$25,
- 10 to 14 MPH—$100,
- 15 to 18 MPH—$125,
- 19 to 23 MPH—$150, and
- 24 to 33 MPH—$500.
Don’t count on leniency for minor infractions. Officers may do you a favor and bump down your fine, but they can certainly fine you if you speed by just 6 MPH.
Keep in mind that there are also consequences beyond fines.
For example, you risk receiving a super speeder ticket if you exceed 85 MPH. These tickets can lead to an additional $200 fee, court-mandated driving courses, and possible license suspension.
Likewise, you may receive points on your license. This happens when you speed 15 MPH or more above the limit. add points, Points can impact insurance rates and lead to license suspension.
So When Is It Legal to Exceed the Speed Limit?
At this point, we hope we’ve made it clear that you can never legally drive over the speed limit. The police can pull you over for speeding no matter the circumstances.
Also, remember that the speed limit is set for ideal conditions. Adjust your speed accordingly based on weather, traffic, and road conditions. If you do slow down, make sure that you still drive at the posted minimum speed on GA interstates.
MG Law Gets Justice for Speeding Victims
Unfortunately, speeding accidents are getting worse. Over the last 10 years, deaths caused by speeding have doubled, with nearly 400 people passing away in 2021 alone.
If you were the victim of a speeding accident, MG Law can help you hold the other driver accountable.
Our firm can seek compensation for your injuries and may be able to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses—cover the costs of surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and more;
- Property damage—compensation to repair or replace your car or any other damaged personal items;
- Lost income—reimbursement for any lost earnings if you miss work due to the crash; and
- Pain and suffering—addresses the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident.
Our team excels at identifying and proving damages. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re ready to help you next.
Speak with a Georgia Auto Accident Lawyer
Reach out to MG Law to protect your rights after a speeding accident. Our award-winning lawyers have decades of experience and know how to get favorable results for our clients. We are compassionate and committed to getting you the best outcome possible.
Contact us online or call (770) 988-5252 today to schedule a free consultation.
Amer Ahmad is a trial lawyer at MG Law. He represents seriously injured clients who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Amer’s practice includes representing families in wrongful death cases and individuals seriously injured by motor vehicle accidents, negligently maintained premises, and defective products. As a former insurance attorney who knows the insurance companies’ playbook, he helps MG Law clients even the playing field and avoid insurance tricks. Due to his experience and results, Amer has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine from 2019 until 2024. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars.