Those flickering lights in your rearview mirror remind you that you haven’t checked your speed recently. You might not be sure what the posted limit is on the Georgia street or road on which you’re traveling. Speeding tickets are common in cities like Atlanta, where changing speed limits can catch drivers off guard. We all find ourselves driving down the highway and sometimes miss the change in the speed limit on an unfamiliar road.
Your violation will likely cost you money and points on your driving record. It might even affect your auto insurance rates. In Georgia, receiving a speeding ticket can result in fines up to $1,000, points on your license, and insurance hikes.
Let’s assume you’re facing a run-of-the-mill speeding ticket without reckless driving or accidents. And there are no drug or alcohol charges involved. Just excessive speed.
Here’s your speeding ticket timeline: what you’ll do to handle your ticket, the likely penalties according to Georgia laws, and how long the speeding ticket will stay on your record.
Introduction to GA Traffic Tickets
Receiving a traffic citation in Georgia can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what steps to take next. A traffic citation is issued by local law enforcement officers when you’re found in violation of traffic laws, whether it’s for speeding, running a red light, or another offense. Each citation comes with important information, including your citation number, the court date, and specific details about the violation.
It’s crucial to review your ticket carefully and take action by the date listed. You typically have the option to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. You must pay the full amount of the fine to the correct court to resolve a traffic citation. Ignoring a traffic ticket or failing to address it by the deadline can result in serious consequences, such as:
- A bench warrant for your arrest
- Additional fines
- Suspension of your license by the Georgia Department of Driver Services
- Accumulating too many points on your driving record, which could lead to license suspension or revocation
To avoid these outcomes, make sure to address your ticket promptly, if that means paying the fine, appearing in court, or seeking more information about your case. Staying proactive helps protect your driving record and keeps you on the road.
Understanding GA Traffic Violations
Traffic violations in Georgia cover a wide range of offenses, from minor infractions like speeding to more serious charges such as reckless driving. Each type of violation carries its own set of penalties, including fines and points that are added to your driving record. The details of your traffic citation, such as the citation number and court date, are essential for understanding your specific case.
If you’re unsure about the nature of your violation or the penalties involved, you can:
- Contact the court listed on your ticket, whether it be a municipal court or state court
- Visit the court’s official site for additional information and payment options
- Consult the Georgia Department of Driver Services for details about traffic offenses, penalties, and how violations can affect your driving record
- Reach out to a legal professional for guidance if needed
It’s important to know exactly what you’ve been charged with and what steps you need to take next. Taking the time to understand your traffic violation can help you make informed decisions and avoid further penalties. You can dispute a citation by appearing in court and entering a ‘not guilty’ plea. Note that you must appear in court personally to dispute a citation in Georgia.
What Will My Georgia Speeding Violation Cost Me?
Speeding tickets in Georgia are classified as misdemeanors in all instances. The charge will likely cost you two ways: in your pocketbook and negative points on your driving record.
Here’s what to expect regarding fines and points:
- Financial penalty range: $25 to $1,000, varying by county and severity
- Base fines often capped at $1,000 plus court costs
- Fines for 15-18 mph over the limit capped at $125
- Higher fines if speeding occurs in highway work zones, school zones, or other special areas
- Points added to your record range from 2 to 6 depending on the severity of the violation
- Accumulating 15 points within 24 months results in license suspension or revocation
- Points are added by the Georgia Department of Driver Services after conviction and payment
- Increased insurance rates due to points on your record; accumulating points leads to higher car insurance premiums
Additional penalties:
- Super Speeder designation for speeding more than 75 mph on two-lane roads or 85 mph on highways
- An extra $200 fine for Super Speeder tickets, which can lead to license suspension if not paid
- An additional $50 fee to reinstate a suspended license due to Super Speeder status
After you pay the fine, the court will forward notice of the conviction to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, and your case will be closed.
The good news is points stay on your record for a limited time, so careful driving will help improve your record over time.
What’s My Speeding Ticket Response Timeline and Process?
The average Georgia speeding ticket is straightforward to handle. To respond, you should:
- Locate your citation number, court case number, or driver’s license number as shown on your defendant’s letter or citation
- Decide whether to accept the violation and pay the fine or contest the ticket in court
- Pay the full fine amount to the correct court via:
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- Online payment (paid online through the court’s site)
- Phone
- Mail (including money order)
- In person at the court’s office
- Understand that paying the fine is considered pleading guilty and is in lieu of a court appearance if no mandatory court appearance is required
- Make sure payment is received by 5 p.m. on your scheduled court date to avoid an additional $100 penalty
- Contact the police officer, court office, or check the court’s site if you have questions about payment or court appearance requirements
- Appear in court personally if you wish to contest the ticket and plead not guilty
- Georgia law also allows a “Nolo Contendere” plea once every five years, which can help avoid points being added to your driving record
- If convicted, expect points to be added to your driving record and notice sent to your insurer
- After payment and resolution, the court forwards the conviction notice to the Georgia Department of Driver Services and closes your case
High-speed speeding tickets typically require a mandatory court appearance before a judge, so be aware of your court date and appear as scheduled.
What if I Don’t Pay My Ticket or Go to Court?
Failure to respond to a speeding ticket in Georgia can lead to serious consequences, including:
- A warrant issued for your arrest
- Suspension of your driving license by the Georgia Department of Driver Services
- Additional fines and court costs on top of the original ticket
- Possible jail time depending on circumstances
- Notice of conviction or enforcement action sent to the Georgia Department of Driver Services
- Increased auto insurance rates (potentially 20% or more)
Ignoring a ticket can escalate the situation significantly, so address your speeding ticket promptly to avoid these penalties.
