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With spring upon us, the open road is calling out to many
Since business are closed and social distancing is preached, taking a drive seems like the perfect solution to curb cabin fever. Drivers all across Georgia, and the nation, are taking advantage of the open roads in a bad way. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that during the first two weeks of April, The Georgia State Patrol issued 140 citations to drivers exceeding 100 mph, up nearly 2/3 from a year ago.
Earlier this month, Sandy Springs police north of Atlanta witnessed a motorcyclist driving 172 mph. The driver was too fast for police to arrest and “has no regard for his own life or the life or safety of others.”
Lt. Stephanie Stallings of the Georgia State Patrol states that under normal circumstances, drivers exceeding 100 mph would be immediately arrested and jailed. Some jurisdictions are limiting arrests for super speeding reckless driving to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in local jails.
It is NOT open season for speeding on Georgia’s roadways. If you feel the need to speed, sign-up for iRacing.
Reckless Driving
Unlike other states, Georgia makes a distinction between “super speeders” and those guilty of reckless driving. The state of Georgia imposes super speeder penalties for driving 75 mph or more on a 2 lane road or 85 mph or more on the highway. This equates to 15 mph over the standard speed limit.
By contrast, reckless driving is blanket term for driving that exhibits “reckless disregard of persons or property.”
Examples of reckless driving in Georgia include:
- Excessive speeding
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Driving too fast for weather conditions
- Passing on the shoulder
- Running stop signs, yield signs or traffic lights
- Aggressive tailgating
In Georgia, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, and four points on your driving record. Additionally, if the reckless driving results in serious injury or death to someone else, the charges can be increased as a felony offense.
Defending Traffic Violations
Our seasoned criminal law attorneys at Hines Law will visit court on your behalf whenever possible, to defend a moving violation, speeding ticket or traffic ticket in Georgia. Contrary to popular belief, a case will not be dismissed simply because the ticketing law enforcement officer is unable to appear in court.
If you fail to visit court or pay your speeding ticket, an FTA (Failure to Appear) arrest warrant will be issued. All moving traffic violations in Georgia are classed as criminal misdemeanors. Do NOT ignore a speeding ticket.
