Is there any situation in which it might be acceptable to break the speed limit in North Carolina? What if you are rushing to the hospital? What if you are escaping from someone who is trying to kill you? What if you left your gas stove on by accident, and you’re desperately trying to get home before an accident happens? These are common questions, especially for those who already face tickets or criminal charges for speeding in North Carolina.
Breaking the Speed Limit is Never Legal
Despite what you may have heard, breaking the speed limit is never legal for civilians in North Carolina. In fact, breaking the speed limit is always unlawful regardless of where you live in the United States. There is no valid excuse to break the speed limit, no matter what situation you might find yourself in. In the eyes of the law, an emergency requires you to call 9-1-1, and it does not allow you to speed down the highway toward a hospital. This is something to consider before giving an arresting officer an excuse after being stopped for speeding.
Emergency Vehicles Can Break the Speed Limit
The only real exception applies to emergency vehicles. Police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks can break the speed limit when responding to emergencies. This might seem unfair, especially when you consider the potential for serious “collateral damage.”
For example, in September of 2024, a deputy completely lost control of his vehicle during a pursuit. First, he struck a pickup truck pulling out of a parking lot. Next, he veered into the parking lot and smashed into several parked vehicles. Miraculously, no one was killed in the incident – despite the deputy narrowly missing a customer in the parking lot. Two people were hospitalized, however – and an investigation has been launched into the incident. Authorities say that the deputy could face criminal charges – highlighting the fact that even emergency vehicles are not always exempt from traffic laws.
Speeding Can Lead to Serious Injuries and Criminal Charges
Speeding is something that all drivers should strive to avoid – especially if there are minor passengers. In September of 2024, a mother crashed her vehicle while driving at almost twice the speed limit in Raleigh. None of the children were wearing seatbelts, and they suffered serious injuries. As a result, the mother is now facing numerous child abuse, speeding, reckless driving, and other criminal charges.
Can a Traffic Defense Lawyer in North Carolina Help With Speeding Tickets?
If you face a speeding ticket in North Carolina, you might want to get in touch with an experienced traffic defense lawyer. Coastal South Law has plenty of experience with these cases – including those involving criminal charges. While there is no valid excuse for breaking the speed limit in the Tar Heel State, various defense strategies could still be possible. Reach out today to discuss your legal options in more detail during a consultation.
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