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Did the Pandemic Spark a Rise in Michigan Speeding Tickets?
With schools closed and a large number of people still working remotely, Michigan roads have been less crowded than usual. While there have been fewer accidents as a result of the decreased traffic, many motorists are driving at excessive – and dangerous – speeds. Dangerous as in 100 mph and faster. One driver was traveling at 180 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-75 before being apprehended by Michigan State Police. In addition, several other motorists have received speeding tickets for driving over 100 mph on Michigan highways. Below is an overview of what you should know about Michigan speeding ticket statistics and laws.
Why is speeding so dangerous?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), speeding causes approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities. Drivers who speed are more likely to have accidents because they have less time to react. And, high-speed crashes often result in serious injuries or death because the impact is greater.
In addition, many drivers exceed posted speed limits by at least 5%, especially on freeways. Therefore, those driving in a 75 mph zone will probably drive 80 mph or faster.
What’s more, drivers are increasingly distracted by cell phones and other electronic devices and diversions. Researchers report the average brain takes 27 seconds to return to its original task after an interruption. Therefore, if a driver is speeding in addition to being distracted, there is greater risk of a deadly crash.
What are the consequences of getting a speeding ticket?
Receiving a speeding ticket can result in a variety of consequences, all of them negative. You will almost certainly have to pay a hefty fine. And, depending on the circumstances, points may be posted to your driving record. Your auto insurance rates may also increase.
If you were involved in an accident as a result of speeding, the consequences may be more severe. This is especially true if someone was injured in the crash.
Will I get points on my driving record if I get a speeding ticket?
Whether you receive points for speeding depends on the situation. If you were responsible for causing an accident while speeding, you will likely get points on your record.
Here are the basic guidelines for allocating points for speeding tickets in Michigan.
1-5 mph over speed limit 1 point
5-10 mph over speed limit 2 points
11-15 mph over speed limit 3 points
16 mph or more over speed limit 4 points
However, offenses such as reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol content level of 0.08 or greater) carry a penalty of 6 points. Therefore, if an officer tickets you for reckless driving, you could receive 6 points regardless of your speed.
Generally, points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of conviction. Nevertheless, the Secretary of State may suspend or revoke your license for certain traffic violations or unsafe driving behavior.
Will a Michigan speeding ticket cause my insurance rates to go up?
While each insurance company and every situation are different, your rates are likely to increase after receiving a speeding ticket. Additionally, if you caused an accident as a result of speeding, your rates could rise significantly.
How much is the fine for a Michigan speeding ticket?
Fines for speeding in Michigan vary depending on where you were stopped and how fast you were driving. Speeding in a school or construction zone may carry more fines than speeding on a regular roadway.
In general, you will pay anywhere from $115 to as high as $250 for a speeding ticket. If you caused an accident or damaged someone else’s property, you could be charged with a more serious offense such as reckless driving.
How do I pay for a Michigan speeding ticket?
Payment information is provided on the ticket and on the website of the court indicated on the ticket. Most courts allow online or mail-in payments for civil offenses such as speeding tickets.
Basically, you have four options when you receive a speeding ticket.
- You can admit responsibility for the violation and pay the amount indicated.
- You can admit responsibility for the violation with an explanation and pay the amount indicated.
- You can deny responsibility and ask the court for an informal hearing with a magistrate. You are not allowed to bring an attorney to an informal hearing.
- You can deny responsibility and request a formal hearing before a judge. You may hire an attorney to represent you at a formal hearing.
Many people choose to contest their tickets with the court, which often results in a reduced charge or fewer points. The instructions for contesting a ticket are usually included on the ticket or the court website. However, during the pandemic, it’s best to call the court since the usual procedures may be different.
Michigan car accident law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety and comfort of your home.
Sources:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9615_79223-409715–,00.html
https://www.iihs.org/api/datastoredocument/status-report/pdf/52/7
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8665_9066-23757–,00.html
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