How Fast Over the Speed Limit Is Considered Speeding?
Drivers in Texas are required to operate their vehicles at a speed that is safe and reasonable. Failure to obey this regulation could result in a speeding ticket. However, many drivers in Texas aren’t sure exactly how the state defines “speeding.”
You can use this article to learn how fast over the speed limit is considered speeding in Texas. Focus on Texas’s basic speeding law and prima facie speed limits right here. You will also be able to find out how a Dallas car accident lawyer could help you handle a speeding ticket.
Basic Maximum Speed Requirement in Texas
Texas uses two major rules to regulate the speed of drivers. The first of these regulations is found in the Texas Transportation Code § 545.351. This portion of the transportation code states that drivers must always operate their vehicles at a speed that is prudent and reasonable.
According to this law, drivers may need to operate their vehicles below the posted speed limit in some situations. For example, a driver may not be able to safely operate a vehicle at 60 mph on a highway in the middle of the night and during a thunderstorm. In this situation, you could be ticketed for speeding even if you are driving under the speed limit.
However, this law also means that you may be able to exceed the speed limit by a few miles per hour, in some circumstances.
Exceeding the Speed Limit Under Prima Facie Laws
Many states around the country have “absolute” speed limits. An absolute speed limit means that you may receive a speeding ticket if you exceed the posted speed limit by even one mile per hour. Texas, however, has prima facie laws for speeding.
Prima facie laws mean that the state uses posted speed limits. However, drivers may be able to exceed the posted speed limit by a few miles per hour if conditions are good. For example, on a sunny day with no other traffic around, you could be able to safely operate a vehicle above the speed limit.
However, this does not mean you will avoid being pulled over if you exceed the posted speed limit. You may be stopped and given a ticket. It only means that, if you are ticketed, you have the chance to take your ticket to court and to demonstrate that you were operating your vehicle in a safe way. If that is true, your ticket could be dismissed.
Review Texas’ Prima Facie Speed Limits
The state of Texas does not use one speed limit for all roads throughout the state. Instead, you may find different prima facie speed limits based on where you are driving. The following areas may have different speed limits:
- Urban district alleys, beaches, or country roads may have a speed limit of 15 mph.
- Urban district streets may have a speed limit of 30 mph.
- Unnumbered highways may have a speed limit of 60 mph.
- Numbered highways may have a speed limit of 70 mph.
Drivers who obey these posted speed limits are unlikely to be ticketed for a speeding violation. However, if conditions are poor you could receive a speeding ticket even if your speed is below the posted limit.
Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Texas
A speeding ticket can have a number of serious repercussions for drivers in Texas. For example, if you do not dispute a speeding ticket, you may have two points added to your driver’s license. If you accrue enough points in a short period of time, you may have your license suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
You may also be fined for several hundred dollars. Additionally, you may face court fees after being ticketed for speeding.
A Dallas car accident lawyer may be able to help you handle a speeding ticket in some cases. Your lawyer could be able to show that you were operating your vehicle at a reasonable rate of speed, even if you were driving a few miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
Learn More About Speed Limits in Texas
How fast over the speed limit is considered speeding in Texas? Technically, any vehicle operating over the speed limit could be speeding. However, Texas’s prima facie speed limits mean you may be able to argue in court that you were operating your vehicle at a safe speed. Find out more about your options in this situation by reaching out to a Dallas car accident lawyer.
Call (469) 998-4069 or complete our online contact form to find out more.
