If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Ohio, you may be tempted to just pay it and forget about it.

  • You may think there’s no point in fighting.
  • You may not know how to fight it.
  • You may not want to take the time off work to go to court.

But you should be aware that even one speeding ticket can have an impact on your insurance rates and your employability. The more speeding tickets you rack up, the more serious the impact on your life.

That’s why you may want to consider retaining an attorney to fight for your rights every time you receive a speeding ticket.

Understanding Ohio Speeding Laws

Section 4511.21 of the Ohio Revised Code sets forth the speed limits in different areas.

For example, the speed limit is 20 mph in school zones during school recess and while children are going to, or leaving from, school.

The speed limit is 25 mph in all other portions of a municipality, except on state routes outside business districts, through highways outside business districts, and in alleyways.

The maximum speed limit in Ohio is 70 mph on rural freeways.

Should I fight my speeding ticket?

This is your decision, of course, but it’s often in your best interest to fight a speeding ticket.

When deciding whether to fight a ticket, you can take into consideration factors like:

  • How many points you already have on your license and how close you are to having your license suspended
  • Whether you can afford to pay increased insurance rates
  • Whether a speeding ticket could cost you a job or employment opportunities

Even if you actually were driving faster than the speed limit, you still may be able to beat a ticket. If you weren’t actually speeding, your case is even stronger and there’s no reason not to fight.

Speeding Ticket Penalties

Penalties for speeding tickets can include:

  • Points on your driving record
  • Fines
  • Suspension of your license
  • Probation
  • Jail time

If you have zero or one prior speeding offenses, you’re facing a maximum fine of $150 for speeding.

If you have two or more priors, then you’re facing up to 30 days in jail in addition to a fine of $250.

With three priors or more, the maximum jail time is 60 days and the maximum fine is $500. However, a first offense can be a level four misdemeanor – the same as for two priors — if you are speeding within a municipality or a school zone.

Computing Points for Speeding

The number of points you will get on your license due to a speeding ticket depends on your speed.

If the speed limit was less than 55 mph, being six to 29 mph over the limit will result in two points.

If the speed limit is 55 mph or more, being 11 to 29 miles over the speed limit will lead to two points on your record.

At any speed limit, being more than 30 mph over the limit will result in four points.

Consequences of Speeding Tickets

In addition to the direct legal consequences (points, fines, etc.), speeding tickets can also lead to indirect adverse consequences.

Many employers will check a job applicant’s driving record before extending a hiring offer – especially if the job requires driving.  Employers don’t want to risk being liable if an employee speeds and causes an accident while on the job.

Speeding tickets will generally make your private vehicle insurance rates go up. Having lots of speeding tickets can make your rates skyrocket, and your usual insurance company may not even want to cover you anymore.

Fighting Your Speeding Ticket

Whether or not you were actually traveling over the speed limit, you may be able to fight the ticket.

To protect your rights, and the rights of other Ohio drivers, speed laws must be enforced fairly. When law enforcement officers failed to follow the proper procedures, your ticket can be thrown out.

A speeding ticket can be challenged for a variety of reasons. These include:

  • The radar gun or other speed-monitoring device may not have been calibrated correctly
  • The officer who gave you a ticket may only have estimated your speed and may not have used the proper method
  • Your ticket may be missing important details, such as the posted speed limit and the speed you were allegedly traveling

You won’t necessarily have to take time off work in order to fight your speeding ticket. Your attorney may be able to appear in court on your behalf.

You can fight a speeding ticket on your own, but you may find the process less stressful — and potentially more successful — if you have an experienced Ohio speeding ticket lawyer on your team.

Yemc Law Offices – A Trusted Resource for Ohio Drivers

For over 20 years Yemc Law Offices have helped Ohio drivers with their Central Ohio traffic

violations. Whether it’s a speeding ticket or a DUI charge, we help you understand the charge and advise you on the best way to resolve it. We help you keep your license.

Contact Us Today

We understand the needs of Ohio drivers. We know your livelihood may depend on your ability to drive. Whether you’ve been charged with a DUI, reckless operation, or another traffic violation, we can help. Contact us today and we’ll give you a free case evaluation.