Did you know that today, in 1995 President Bill Clinton ended the federal 55 MPH maximum speed limit? In doing away with a federally-imposed maximum speed limit, states were free to set their speed limits as they see fit. Texas took advantage of this change and has since had the highest speed limit in the nation at 85MPH. Although Florida drivers are not allowed to drive that fast on any highway in the state, if you choose to put the pedal to the metal in Florida then be prepared to pay.
In a recent study of national traffic data examined by Carinsruancequotes.com, the results show that speeding drivers are more likely to be ticketed in Florida than any other state in the nation. That’s right, you speed on the streets and highways in Florida, your chances are much higher than if you speed in another state. One city that you should be especially weary of is Waldo, Florida. Waldo made the list for one of the worst cities for speed traps.
The Bradenton Herald reports that Florida police issued 17,995 non-non criminal traffic citations for speeding above the posted limit last year alone. Bringing that number well past 20,000 were the additional 6,132 citations that were issued for driving too fast for the conditions.
So what does all this mean for you as a Florida driver? Be careful! Florida did not make it to the top of the list because the state has more drivers speeding than any other state. Florida made it to the top of the list because our police are always on the lookout for any violation of the speed limit. The fact that one of our cities is a notorious speed trap proves that point.
In Florida, there are two basic types of speed tickets you can receive:
- Violation of a traffic control device: These types of tickets are issued for violating the speed limit sign. Although they are always accompanied by points and fines, they are much lower than those tickets issued for unlawful speeding.
- Unlawful speed: Higher in points and fines, the penalties attached to an unlawful speeding depend on the difference between your speed and the posted limit.
Florida police determine speeding via various methods, some more reliable than others. Pacing, aircraft and radar/laser are all method the police commonly use to determine if the driver was speeding and by how much. There are, of course, viable defenses to speeding ticket and something to be discussed with your attorney before going before a judge. In the meantime, whenever you get pulled over, make sure you are polite to the police officer and give over the necessary information. Arguments should be saved for the judge, not the officer on the side of the road.
If you are one of the many Florida residents that have been pulled over and issued a speeding ticket, get in touch with the attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel today. We are familiar with the rules and regulations of the road and are happy to give you a free consultation on your case.
