Every driver in Minnesota is expected to use reasonable and prudent care while operating a motor vehicle. This includes obeying all posted and statutory speed limits. If you are charged with a speeding violation in Minnesota, contacting a Minneapolis traffic violation attorney, like Gerald Miller may be critical to your defense.
There are two types of speed limits: (1) posted and (2) statutory. Typically, speed limits are designated by a traffic sign. However, statutory speed limits may be asserted according to certain statutes, even where there is no traffic sign posted.
If no speed limits are posted the following are the lawful speeds at which to drive:
- 10 mph in alleys;
- 30 mph on streets in urban districts;
- 55 mph on other roads;
- 65 mph on expressways;
- 65 mph on urban interstate highways; and
- 70 mph on rural interstate highways.
Are There Any Defenses to a Speeding Charge?
There are many ways for a person to successfully defend a speeding charge and an experience Minneapolis traffic violation attorney on your team will help your defense. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Proper notice of the speed limit: If the speed limit was not properly posted, a person may be able to beat the speeding charge.
- Improper use of a radar: If the radar device was not properly maintained by the police, the evidence of the radar reading may be inadmissible.
- Radar was out of range: Radars have a maximum range at which the device used by the police is considered functional. If the radar was outside that range then evidence may be inadmissible.
- Dysfunctional radar: If the radar malfunctioned in any way the speeding charge can be dropped.
- Necessity of speed: This defense says that while you admit you were speeding, you has mitigating circumstances that forced to exceed the speed limit for your own safety.
- Improperly issued ticket: If there are inaccuracies or discrepancies in the ticked issued, the charge may be dropped.
What are the Consequences of a Speeding Ticket?
A speeding violation is a petty misdemeanor violation. Fines will vary depending on how over the limit the driver was speeding.
- The basic fine for speeding is $145.
- If a car is going more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit, the fine is $212.
- If a car is speeding in a school or work zone the fine is $212.
A ticket fine that is not paid within 21 days from the date it is issued will be increased by $5. Speeding fines may also be combined with other traffic violations.
What are the Driver’s License Sanctions to a Speeding Ticket?
The penalties for speeding violations increase as more tickets are issued. An individual’s driver’s license will be suspended for:
- 30 days if they are convicted of either four traffic offenses within 12 months or five traffic offenses with 24 months.
- 90 days if they are convicted of either five traffic offenses within a 12 months period or six traffic offenses within a 24 months period.
- 180 days if they are convicted of seven traffic offenses within a 24 month period.
- One year, if they are convicted on eight or more traffic offenses within a 24 month period.
Additionally, driving in excess of 100 miles per hour will lead to a driver’s license revocation of at least 6 months.
Should I Contact a Minnesota Traffic Violation Attorney?
There are a number of ways to defend speeding violations and the burden always lies with the prosecution to prove the defendant broke the law by exceeding the speed limit. Having an experienced Minneapolis traffic violation attorney is therefore essential to successfully defending your case. Gerald Miller PA has over 35 years of experience dealing with speeding violation offenses. Contact us today at 612-341-9080 for a free consultation.
