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District of Columbia Speeding Laws

You’re driving down the road when all of a sudden you see blue and red lights in your rearview mirror. Maybe you were driving too fast, or maybe you just didn’t see that stop sign. Whatever the case, obtaining a speeding ticket is more than a frustrating inconvenience. Though the amount listed on your initial ticket can seem expensive, you’ll be dealing with far more costly consequences in the long run if you choose to pay the ticket. For one thing, your car insurance rates can increase by hundreds of dollars a year, even if it’s your first ticket, and even if that ticket was for a minor infraction. What’s more, while you can opt to go to traffic school, you have to pay for that out of your own pocket. Add to that the points you’ll accrue against your license, possible license suspension depending on your circumstances, and other consequences you may have to endure due to a speeding ticket and the picture becomes clear pretty quickly: fighting your ticket is an option worth considering.

If you do decide to fight your D.C. traffic ticket, there are a couple of things you should do to prepare. The first is to learn what you can about the basics of D.C. speeding laws. This will help you be more prepared when you go into court. Secondly, make sure to work with a D.C. traffic attorney so you have the best chance of having your ticket reversed. Even if you can’t get your ticket reversed, only an experienced D.C. traffic lawyer can help you obtain the best possible result for your case.

Unique D.C. Driver's License Features

In Washington, D.C. you can face anywhere from $15 to $100 in fines for your first offense, depending on how fast you were going. However, in D.C., even first-time offenses can result in a licenses suspension of anywhere from two to 90 days. This is particularly true if you were accused of reckless driving, an infraction that D.C. treats very harshly. A first violation can get you up to 90 days in jail and $500 in fines.

The Points System in D.C.

In addition to having stiff penalties for reckless driving, the points system in D.C. is one of the harshest in the nation. You can have your license suspended for accruing just eight points, and if you get to 12 points your license can be taken away, or revoked. Considering the fact that reckless driving is in and of itself a 12-point violation, and speeding 21 miles per hour or more over the speed limit is five points, it’s easy to see how quickly you could lose your license. Even those who are speeding between 16 and 20 miles per hour over the limit will receive four points. That means if you go 80 in a 65 twice and get caught, you could have your license suspended, and given that many people routinely travel at 80 miles per hour on the freeway, that’s a concerning fact.

Can You Fight a D.C. Speeding Ticket?

Yes, and in most cases it’s advisable to consider fighting your ticket. Given the strict penalties and the long-term financial and legal problems a single speeding violation can cause, it’s worth it to fight your ticket and avoid those penalties. If you have your license suspended or revoked, you could lose your job, lose your car, and wind up in a dire situation just for a speeding ticket. Consulting with a qualified D.C. traffic lawyer is the best way to help you fight your ticket and obtain the most beneficial outcome.

For years, TicketVoid has been working with drivers just like you to help them find the perfect D.C. traffic lawyer for their case. With just a few pieces of information we can match you with the perfect attorney for your particular situation, which can put you one step closer to voiding that ticket and getting on with your life. The initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose — except for a lot of hassle. Get started today, and exercise your right to fight.