Speeding: Know The Risks And Consequences (2025)

What Is Considered Speeding on U.S. Roads?

In the United States, “speeding” can mean either (1) driving over the posted speed limit or (2) driving too fast for current road conditions. For example, even if the posted speed limit is 60, you might still receive a ticket for driving 55 mph on an iced-over road.

How Speed Limits Are Set and Enforced by States

States generally choose between three enforcement models when dealing with speeding:

Absolute Speed Limits

These laws are fairly straightforward. Technically, you violate the law if you go even one mile per hour over the limit.

Basic Speed Limits

This model means you can be charged with speeding if an officer thinks you were driving too fast for the current road conditions.

Presumed Speed-Limit Violations

States using this model allow drivers to exceed the speed limit (within reason) as long as they are driving safely.

The Dangers and Public Safety Risks of Speeding

Drivers who speed endanger themselves and everyone else on the road. In 2023, speeding was a factor in 29% of traffic fatalities. Speeding contributes to accident severity for two main reasons:

• It gives a driver less time to react
• Speed creates a greater force of impact

For example, imagine you’re driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit when you come to an unmarked intersection and see a vehicle crossing the road. You cause a t bone accident because you’re unable to stop in time. Had you obeyed the speed limit, you likely could have avoided a crash.

Why People Speed and What Influences Behavior

There are many reasons people speed. These are some of the most common:

• They’re running late
• They’re frustrated with traffic and trying to get through it quickly
• They have a sense of anonymity because they’re encased in a vehicle
• They don’t respect the law or consider the safety of others

Being aware of these tendencies can also help you avoid speeding yourself.

Consequences of Getting Caught Speeding

In most cases, getting caught speeding doesn’t have the same consequences as a DUI or other more serious offenses. However, that doesn’t mean it's without major consequences. These are some common penalties:

Fines

Fines are one of the most likely consequences of a speeding ticket. The amount of the fine itself can vary dramatically. In some areas, you may be charged around $50. In other areas, speeding tickets with aggravating factors (like speeding in a work zone or school zone) can be $1,000 or more.

Increased Insurance Premiums

For many drivers, the increase in insurance cost is one of the most significant consequences of speeding. Each insurer has its own way of calculating the increase, but in general, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase by about 25% after getting caught speeding.

You may wonder — how long does a speeding ticket stay on your record? That depends on your jurisdiction, but in most states, a ticket will remain on your driving record for three to five years. Likewise, many insurance companies will look back three to five years when determining your premium.

Jail Time

You’re highly unlikely to go to jail for an ordinary speeding ticket. However, in many jurisdictions, driving too far over the speed limit will result in a charge of reckless driving, which can sometimes lead to jail time.

License Suspension

You probably won’t have your license suspended just for getting a speeding ticket. However, many states use a point system that assigns a certain number of points per traffic violation. Once you accumulate too many points, your license will be suspended.

Speeding — especially excessive speeding — will often lead to a significant number of points being added to your driving record. If you already have several points, you may be at risk of suspension.

How to Respond to Speeding and Aggressive Drivers

Speeding drivers endanger themselves and others. If you encounter someone who is speeding, you should take the following actions to protect yourself:

• If someone behind you in the left lane wants to pass, move over to let them do so
• Speeding drivers can lose control more easily, so give them plenty of space
• If someone seems to be tailgating you or driving aggressively, do your best to steer away from them

If a speeding and aggressive driver escalates to harassing you, following you or trying to run you off the road, you should dial 911.

What to Do if You Receive a Speeding Ticket

If you receive a speeding ticket, the first thing you should do is review it for accuracy. You then must decide whether to:

• Pay the ticket
• Contest it
• Try to negotiate a reduced penalty

If you choose one of the latter two options, working with a lawyer may be helpful. Before you decide, weigh your options carefully. For instance, if you were clearly guilty, the fine is only $50, and you have no points on your license, paying it may be best.

On the other hand, if you received a $1,000 ticket but you don’t think the officer accurately clocked your speed, contesting it may be the better option.

Have You Gotten a Speeding Ticket?

While simply paying a speeding ticket is always an option, doing so means you’ll be subject to penalties and will lose your right to challenge the ticket.

If you want to challenge a speeding ticket or are just thinking about doing so, the best thing you can do for yourself is to hire an experienced traffic attorney.

A strong speeding ticket defense depends on a skilled lawyer. Not sure how to find an attorney? ConsumerShield can help. We match consumers like you with pre-vetted lawyers in your area. Fill out our contact form below to get started with a free case review!