There is speeding, and then there’s speeding. Driving just over the speed limit might be an honest mistake, but it’s fair to say that if someone is driving at 150 miles per hour down a highway, they fully intend to do so. But does North Carolina even distinguish between a few miles over the speed limit and a few dozen miles over the speed limit? Does the Tar Heel State have so-called “super speeder” laws like other jurisdictions? These are important questions, especially if you are facing a serious speeding offense in North Carolina.
Basic Speeding Laws in North Carolina
The most basic speeding law is simple: If you exceed the posted speed limit, you are speeding. Note the official definition of a “safe speed” depends on the conditions. In other words, you might face a speeding ticket if you drive in the snow at the same speed you would’ve chosen on a sunny, clear day. Most speed limits are as follows:
25 miles per hour in city limits
55 miles per hour outside city limits
70 miles per hour on highways
Excessive Speeding Laws in North Carolina
According to various reports, North Carolina has the strictest speeding laws of all Southeast states. Although the Tar Heel State uses the same basic points system compared to other states, you can face a range of additional consequences for speeding well above the limit.
One of the most serious speeding offenses in North Carolina is reaching a speed of 15 miles per hour over the posted limit. This law specifically applies to 55-mile-per-hour zones. It also applies to all areas if you reach a speed of over 80 miles per hour. When North Carolina says “all areas,” they really mean all areas. Even if you are caught going 15 miles per hour over the limit in a 55-mile-per-hour zone in a completely different state, this information may be shared with North Carolina traffic authorities – and it may count toward your record.
Consequences of Excessive Speeding
If you speed excessively in North Carolina, you could face a range of different consequences. The most obvious of which is more points on your license. Rack up enough points, and your license could be suspended. In some cases, excessive speeding can even be prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Your consequences depend entirely on the circumstances of the incident, and you might face additional offenses such as reckless driving if your behavior behind the wheel was particularly questionable.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Speeding Ticket Attorney in North Carolina?
If you have been searching for an experienced speeding ticket lawyer in North Carolina, look no further than Coastal South Law. We know that a speeding ticket can be a real headache – especially if you are facing misdemeanor charges for so-called “excessive speeding.” With the right defense strategy, you can mitigate any potential consequences you might be facing. Book your consultation today to determine the most appropriate course of legal action.