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Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Riding Your Bicycle?

Cool illustration of cyclist speeding on bike for a blog on getting a speeding ticket on a bicycle UC Santa Cruz sits on top of a mountain. Given the limited parking options and environmentally friendly mindset, many students choose to get around town by riding their bicycles. On a side street near the bottom of the mountain, right off the main road everyone takes to get down to the shops and restaurants in town, a sheriff’s deputy waits with a radar gun. It’s one of the busiest speed traps in town because so many people speed down that hill due to the steep decline. One of the most popular groups to get speeding tickets is student cyclists, much to their collective surprise. [framed_box]

Tickets Come As a Surprise To Many Cyclists

A lot of cyclists don’t discover that they are subject to most of the same traffic laws as motor vehicles until they’re watching a law enforcement officer write out a ticket. This is likely more for the safety of cyclists than for motorists. After all, in a collision between a cyclist and a motorist, who is, for all intents and purposes, wrapped in thick metal armor, the cyclist is much more likely to be seriously injured or killed. There are also less traffic incidents when motorists can assume cyclists must follow the same laws as them, so motorists can predict the ways cyclists will behave on the road.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Other Traffic Tickets for Bicyclists

In addition to following the speed limit, cyclists are required to stop at red lights and stop signs and ride in the same direction as traffic. If a cyclist would like to go in the opposite direction of traffic, they are required to dismount the bike and walk it on the sidewalk or, if there is no sidewalk, as far to the right of the road as practicable. If a bike lane is available and the cyclist isn’t riding as fast as traffic, the cyclist should use the bike lane. Unlike drivers, cyclists are allowed to use a handheld cell phone (possibly because that would be such an impressive balancing feat that few attempt it, so there haven’t been enough accidents caused by this behavior to force legislation). But, like motorists, they are not permitted to wear headphones in both ears, as hearing the world around them is an important tool in staying safe while sharing the road with other vehicles.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

New CA Bicycle Safety Law

However, there is good news for cyclists with tickets out there. A California law was passed in late 2015 that allows cyclists to take a bicycle safety class. Traffic violations are treated the same for cyclists and motorists, so a cyclist who ran through a stop sign would be fined the same amount, which can add up to $400 depending on the court that’s handling the citation. The class would allow those with tickets to reduce the fine from the courts, which is especially appealing, as many people ride their bikes in order to save money. Also, there’s a lot of training, regulation, and requirements regarding who can operate a motor vehicle, but no similar program exists for bicycles. Cyclists generally learn to ride their bikes as children and assume they know everything they need to know. Because of this inconsistency, the bicycle safety class also aims to train cyclists to ride safely and obey traffic laws. It’s basically California traffic school for bikes.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Hosting Classes

For now, there are only a few of these safety schools in the state. While the new law made the safety school an option through the court, there’s still the issue of actually opening the schools and hosting classes. Hopefully, this idea can catch on and save more bicyclists from the dangers of the road and the high fines that come from traffic tickets.[/framed_box]

How Much is a TN Speeding Ticket?

Drivers in Tennessee who commit minor traffic violations - explicitly driving over the speed limit - will receive no more than a standard speeding ticket. When given a traffic citation, drivers have two choices. They can either decide to contest the traffic citation by submitting a plea of innocent or merely pay the ticket. [framed_box]

Paying a Speeding Ticket in Tennessee

Operators who are issued a speeding ticket by an officer will be required to pay the fine and all applicable fees (if any). There are three options for a paying the fine: • Online at the proper website • Mail the payment to the appropriate courthouse or agency • Arrive in person to pay the fine using acceptable payment methods (cash, card, etc.) Although online is the most convenient and efficient method to pay your speeding ticket, the state of Tennessee does not require it. Keep in mind, that paying online will process the payment faster if you are nearing the deadline and can’t mail the payment in on time or arrive at the courthouse. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Driving Violation Fines and Penalties in Tennessee

One of the most common questions that drivers ask is, “What determines how much money I’m going to pay for a speeding ticket?” Although there may be several variables that determine the amount of the fine, the primary factor is how fast you drive over the speed limit. For instance: • Drivers who break the speed limit by one to five miles will pay an average of $42.00 • Drivers who break the speed limit by more than five miles pay an average of $82.00 In addition to the fines, a driver may be required to go to court for more severe driving offenses. Examples may include: • Running a red light while speeding • Speeding through a school zone while the caution lights are flashing • Speeding that causes a collision • Reckless driving while speeding • Speeding while under the influence of drugs, medication, alcohol, etc. In these cases, the fines and penalties will increase significantly. Drivers may also be required to pay additional penalties, court costs, defensive driving school fees, and other designated fines. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Accumulating Driving Points

In addition to penalties, drivers who violate speeding laws will also have to pay by having points added to their driving record. The nature of the offense determines the number of points added to a driving record. The following is a list of driving/speeding violations and how many points the state of Tennessee will add to the driving record. • Child safety at risk - 8 points • Reckless driving - 6 points • The driver does not yield the right of way - 4 points • Passing in a no passing zone - 4 points • Speeding - 1 to 8 points Drivers who receive speeding tickets and other offenses listed above can accumulate points quickly with multiple infractions. They will have the opportunity to apply for a driving school to remove some of the points and reduce the total amount. Drivers who accumulate more than 12 points on their driving record will receive a notice that the state of Tennessee has suspended their license. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Speeding Tickets and Insurance

A third way that drivers will pay for a speeding ticket is with increased insurance rates. Every insurance company is different with issuing elevated rates depending on the overall record of the driver. For example, if a driver has to pay several speeding tickets and loses his or her license due to the accumulation of points, the insurance would skyrocket for a period before it comes back down. A driver who gets a ticket once every five to ten years, however, will probably not see a bump in their rates. Check with your insurance company to find out their policies on speeding tickets. [/framed_box]

How Much is A Speeding Ticket in Arizona?

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Speeding Tickets in Different States:

[/framed_box] The state of Arizona makes use of several unique methods to nab speeders. Arizona drivers must be aware of stationary traffic cameras, officer radar guns, unmarked police cars and beyond. If you are pulled over for speeding, you will likely receive a fine as well as points on your driving record/license. It is important to note that specific speeding fines differ by city and county. As an example, someone caught speeding in Flagstaff will not face the same fine as someone who is nabbed speeding in Tucson. Additionally, those who have not been caught speeding in the past will likely face less of a fine than those who have received multiple speeding tickets.

Begin your online course today to get rid of that ticket.

The table below displays the top 5 counties Arizona drivers get caught speeding in. Traffic school prices differ based on individual court diversion fees. Take a look at the ultimate savings here:
COUNTY MPH OVERPOSTED ZONE APPX.TICKET FEE MYIMPROV TRAFFIC SCHOOL
Maricopa
10-14 mph $250 $203.95 - $265.95
15-19 m.p.h. $300 $203.95 - $265.95
20+ mph $350-$450 $203.95 - $265.95
Traffic Camera $165-$200 $203.95 - $265.95
Cochise
10-14 mph $250 $103.95 - $253.95
15-19 m.p.h. $300 $103.95 - $253.95
20+ mph $350-$450 $103.95 - $253.95
Traffic Camera $165-$200 $103.95 - $253.95
Mohave
10-14 mph $250 $103.95 - $228.95
15-19 m.p.h. $300 $103.95 - $228.95
20+ mph $350-$450 $103.95 - $228.95
Traffic Camera $165-$200 $103.95 - $228.95
Pima
10-14 mph $250 $103.95 - $233.95
15-19 m.p.h. $300 $103.95 - $233.95
20+ mph $350-$450 $103.95 - $233.95
Traffic Camera $165-$200 $103.95 - $233.95
Pinal
10-14 mph $250 $103.95 - $233.95
15-19 m.p.h. $300 $103.95 - $233.95
20+ mph $350-$450 $103.95 - $233.95
Traffic Camera $165-$200 $103.95 - $233.95
For complete list of AZ Court Diversion Fees: Click Here [framed_box]

Show Arizona the Money

  Police officers are required to follow nuanced guidelines when determining the value of a speeding ticket. However, in some instances, the officer will consider the driver's level of resistance/compliance when determining the cost of the speeding ticket. In other instances, the officer will follow the specific formula that determines the cost of a speeding ticket. If it is determined that you were driving more than 10 miles per hour beyond the speed limit, the financial penalty for your ticket will rise quite dramatically. A speeding ticket for driving 10 miles per hour beyond the speed limit runs $250. This cost increases $50 for every 5 miles per hour beyond 10 miles per hour above the speed limit. A speeding ticket for driving 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit can be increased by $200 more than the initial $250 fee. Driving at such a fast rate of speed can also result in the suspension of the driver's license. It is even possible for the license to be revoked when the traffic stop occurs. The amount of the speeding ticket can be changed according to whether the driver was nabbed speeding by one of the state's stationary traffic cameras. This style of speeding ticket is sent through the mail. It requires the driver to pay a set cost of $165 along with an additional $30 in fees and surcharges. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Show Traffic School the Money - It's CHEAPER!

  It is usually less expensive to take and pay for AZ defensive driving course, not have any points added to your driving record and avoid having your insurance rates up than to pay your ticket, have points added to your record and have your auto rates increase dramatically. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Eligibility and More

  Arizona allows residents to enroll in traffic school once every 12 months. When you take the course, it will only dismiss one traffic related offense. Be sure to look up fines and points for all violations (if you received more than one) before you tell the Traffic School which offense you want the school to dismiss. Top violations: Speeding: 3 points Running a red light or stop sign: 4 points Failure to yield: 4 points [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Criminal Speeding

Speeding at an excessive rate, known as “criminal speeding”, can result in upwards of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Additional penalties for criminal speeding include paying to have the vehicle retrieved from the space it was towed to. Criminal speeding occurs when a driver goes 85 miles per hour or more anywhere in Arizona. A driver exceeding 35 miles per hour near a school crossing can also be found guilty of criminal speeding. A driver who exceeds the posted speed limit by 20 miles per hour in a residential or business area can also be found guilty of criminal driving. If no speed is posted in a residential or business area, one driving 45 miles per hour or more beyond the speed limit will face the possibility of a criminal speeding charge. Aside from fines and possible jail time, such a charge can also impact one's ability to legally operate a motor vehicle. [/framed_box]

How to get a speeding ticket off your driving record

Flame Speeding tickets tend to happen when you least expect them, and when your funds seem to be at their lowest. But there's a much bigger danger beyond just your rapidly shrinking bank account — points on your license. Tally up enough of those points, and you may find yourself not only broke but also on the bus. But there are ways that you can get a speeding ticket wiped entirely from your record completely.

What is the best way to fight a traffic ticket?

Judge with gavel   Every state in the nation has their own way of handling speeding tickets, with some being more lenient than others. There are certain things that stay the same across the US if you plan to fight the ticket. For all states, you'll have a chance to tell your side of the story if you feel there was a mistake made when issuing the speeding ticket. For example, if you know you were going 55 miles an hour when the officer clocked you at 65, then his radar gun or detection device may have been poorly calibrated or just plain broken. Always plead not guilty in any court of law if you intend to fight. In all states, you'll need to fill out the proper paperwork and pay the court fees to get your record and plead your case. Judge with gavel   When you argue your case in either a conference or a court, you need to know the regulations that will help you win. For example, radar units are supposed to be calibrated before every shift, and before and after an officer uses it to clock a speed. These types of stringent requirements are difficult to follow for a busy speed trap, so you may be more in luck than you think. Evidence like camera footage may help you prove that the light was yellow by the time you crossed into the intersection. The court will consider your past driving records to help make their decision, so highlight any good behavior on the road too. You also can hire a lawyer who may be able to use their skills and expertise to get your ticket completely cleared for your record too.

What are the benefits of taking online traffic school?

Judge with gavel   Traffic school is offered in most states as a way to clear your record. Depending on the severity of your offense, it may be mandated that you take these classes. Typically, you'll want to plead guilty if you intend to take the classes, but you don't have to. For example, in California, you can still fight the ticket and potentially have the option to take traffic school if a judge allows it. However, the judge does not have to justify their decision to you if they don't allow you to take driving school, so bear this in mind if you're weighing your options. Monopoly car on American map   If you live in the states of Arizona, Florida, California or Texas, you can have the ticket dismissed entirely if you take traffic school. If you live in New York state, traffic school will take up to 4 points off your license. Arizona, Florida, and Texas will only allow you to take the traffic school option once a year. In California and New York, it's up to 18 months. You should have had only one moving violation, and it must be for a speeding ticket as opposed to reckless driving to get the points removed. Another major bonus in taking traffic school is that you may be able to reduce the cost of your insurance as well as get the points removed.