Caught at 100 mph -- now what?

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Basketball phenom LeBron James has one. As does actor Matt Dillon. So, famously, does politician Al Gore's son.

You may think it's a Bentley, Benz or even a Prius, or the latest celebrity accoutrement, but we're not talking about that. All of these famous individuals have a speeding ticket citation for allegedly driving above 100 mph.

As the three drivers were cited in three different states, they all face varying combinations of penalty fines, courts fees and possible license suspensions. But even if a prospective fine won't hit LeBron's oversized pocketbook too hard, it often adds up to a pretty penny for the average motorist once an insurance adjustment -- or policy cancellation -- is taken into account.

What does it mean to get caught going triple digits? We take a look.

When you hear about it

Maybe you were driving too fast on a straight section of freeway and heard that ominous siren that means a hefty speeding fine is on the way. Maybe you were opening your mail over a cup of morning coffee and noticed a letter with a funny-looking city insignia on it.

Or maybe you were sitting watching TV when you noticed a police car pulling up outside then heard a knock on the door. However the police got to you -- and it varies by the state you live in - you've now been cited for driving above 100 mph.

Likely police method

Vince Ramirez of the California Highway Patrol says a 100 mph-plus driver may be caught either by radar or by cruiser (known as a "bumper piece"). He says: "Upon a stop, the officer will issue a citation and then it goes to county, where a court determines the fine. He says most offenders are caught on "the outskirts of big cities, high desert areas or rural populations."

Arizona is the only state with a permanent freeway camera system, while others including Florida enforce by aircraft. AOL Autos: Most Affordable Coupes

Know your rights

When you've been pulled over, most attorneys will advise you to not admit guilt, as it may complicate challenging a ticket later. Likely a police officer will ask you how fast you thought you were going, but you are under no obligation to answer. Be polite and do not challenge the ticket right there, as it may annoy the officer, undermining your case.

Do not offer a bribe, a felony offense. There's nothing to stop you asking for a warning only but, at 100 mph or more, it's not likely you'll get it. AOL Autos: Best Looking Cars of 2009

Varying ticket penalties

Penalties vary across states and jurisdictions. In California, for example, a first offender likely will face a fine not exceeding $500, two points on a license and possible jail time. The infraction becomes a misdemeanor if the police can prove a driver was reckless. In Virginia it's a fine of up to $2,500 and mandatory jail time.

Some states like Florida and New York use a sliding scale for speeds up to 50 mph over the limit. Many including Oregon enforce mandatory license suspensions. AOL Autos: Best-Selling American Cars

Reckless driving?

Whether an infraction becomes a reckless driving offense depends on road conditions, how you were driving, the officer serving your ticket and the state in which you received it. Factors include if you were seen making unsafe lane changes or had a passenger in your car (even more so if it's a child). Reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor criminal offense. In Florida, a third offense for driving 50 mph over the limit is a felony. In Virginia, driving above 85 mph is considered reckless.AOL Autos: 10 Best Car Names

The numbers

100 mph citations, case study: Oregon, 2006-2007. Source: Oregon.gov

• 79% of the cited drivers were male.

• 81% of the citations were issued to drivers on freeways, and 19% were issued on secondary state highways.

• The highest percentage age group for male drivers was 20-24 (34%) followed by age group 15-19 (21%).

• For all violators cited, 51% involved drivers ages 15-24.

• In 2005, troopers cited 464 people for driving 100 mph or faster Between 2000 and 2004, troopers cited more the 2,600 drivers.

What about insurance?

Raleigh Floyd at Allstate says a citation "typically won't affect the insurance situation unless it involved a crash." In terms of a policy cancellation or increase, Floyd says it's impossible to determine as "more than 1,000 factors that go into it, including age, past driving record and where you drive."

He says that the offense will appear on DMV records and will be noted for new customers or a policy renewal. His advice? "Slow down for your own safety. You'll also save on gas." AOL Autos: Smaller Cars More Expensive to Insure

Do you need a lawyer?

David Haenel, at Florida's fightyourticket.com, says a lawyer's job is to "explain the legal defense fully and make sure the officer can prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, to the same standard as a criminal case."

He will check that a police radar has been properly calibrated and that citation records written up in a patrol car or aircraft match those on the ticket. More often than not, a driver's financial situation will dictate whether they hire a lawyer.

Repeat offenders

Most states will escalate punishment when a second offense has occurred within a given time period -- often five years. In most states, license suspension becomes mandatory and jail time also lengthens. In the case of a third offense, jail time could be mandatory. Officer Ramirez of the CHP confirms that these offenses are known as "significant abuses" and could merit jail time.

Advice? If possible avoid getting one in first place. And if you get a second or third, look out!
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Caught at 100 mph -- now what?
 
Just want to say that when you get caught speeding (at any speed), you are breaking the law. By breaking the law, the officer is ALLOWED to arrest you EVEN if you get caught speeding 35 over 25 - that's why you should not piss him off. :)

When you get caught speeding 100mph, it usually ends in arrest depending on what kind of road you're driving on. You will most likely get charged with Reckless Driving + Speeding. In any case, I HIGHLY recommend you to hire a lawyer because once the judge sees your ticket, he will SHIT on you - your license will get suspended for 6 months (depending on your law) and your fines will be HEFTY.

Expect to spend at least $900: lawyer fee + fines + court fee + surcharge fee + bail (if arrested) + towing fee (if arrested).
 
wow strange coincidence. Just saw this story -

Biker Robert Bennett jailed for taking son on 122mph ride in rain
Robert Bennett’s Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, one of the fastest machines on the road, capable of speeds of 220mph, was barely straining when he overtook a police car.

Unfortunately for him, the bike was making such a racket that the police officer inside the car turned on his speed camera and caught Bennett doing 122mph, more than double the 60mph limit.

Clinging to the pillion as Bennett accelerated into a blind spot in wet conditions in April last year was his 14-year-old son, Russell, whose glove-less hands are clearly visible in images from the speed camera.

Bennett paid the price for what a judge called unbelievably irresponsible driving when he was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court to six months in prison.

Bennett, 47, a cleaning supervisor from Barnstaple, North Devon, had collected his son from the home of his former wife and was heading back to Barnstaple on the A361 near Swimbridge.

Lee Bremridge, for the prosecution, said that a police officer heard the sound of the bike “accelerating hard and revving its engine”.

He said: “He turned on the speed camera and captured Mr Bennett powering past them. The police officer formed the opinion that the defendant was riding dangerously.”

Bennett was traced through the registration number and initially denied being on his bike that day. He changed his mind when he was shown the footage from the speed camera. “He could not believe that was how fast he was going. He was remorseful,” Mr Bremridge said.

As Bennett pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, Judge Phillip Wassall told him that he would serve at least half his sentence as a warning to others.

He said: “Had you lost control of your motor cycle it would have become a missile, causing a serious accident and probably the death of at least one person.

“The aggravating feature of this case is that you had your 14-year-old son on the back of the bike. He was on a contact visit from your estranged wife and your lack of responsibility is almost unbelievable when considering the impact any accident would have had on her and her family as well as your family.

“This was so dangerous that I cannot ignore it or avoid an immediate prison sentence and I have to send out a message to others.

“At the time you were doing 122 miles an hour in a 60 [mph] limit, the road was wet and you were on a bend. If you had burst a tyre or someone coming the other way had pulled out, you would have lost control of the bike.”

David Sapiecha, for Bennett, said that his client had been riding motorcycles for more than 30 years and had not been drinking or taking drugs. “The dangerous aspect of the motoring was the speed and the fact that he had his son with him.

“It was an out-of-character offence over a short distance and his behaviour that day was unusual.”

Bennett had boasted that his 1300cc Suzuki was one of the fastest motorcycles on the road.

“I hold my hands up. I was doing 122 mph on that road and that was dangerous, especially with my lad on board. But it had started to rain and I pulled back the throttle.”

Natalie Hatswell, communications manager at the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership, said: “We are all responsible for the speed at which we drive and ride. Those who choose to travel at excessive and inappropriate speeds not only risk their own lives but also the lives of others. In this case, that also included the rider’s own 14-year-old son.”

Bennett was also banned for 18 months and will have to retake his test to get his licence back.
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:eek3:
 
Wow that's fast. Limit on highway in France is 80 mph. sometimes I go up to 85 mph if in a hurry. I know, no excuse... ;) Usually I'm stuck in traffic jam during rush hours anyway...

JL
 
Hello Liebling!!!!

I want drive on German Autobahn, 100 mph.... woot...

Yup, I had notice that drive at over 100 mph is more serious than drive at 80 mph in 75 mph limit area and not surprised about reckless driving.
 
Foxrac said:
Hello Liebling!!!!

I want drive on German Autobahn, 100 mph.... woot...

Yup, I had notice that drive at over 100 mph is more serious than drive at 80 mph in 75 mph limit area and not surprised about reckless driving.
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you can drive 100 mph if you go to any dry lake in America or in South-western area (typically desert state).
 
Jiro... I just caught your doggie running above speed limit :mad2:

Jamie :giggle:
 
img-thing


Good boy! Pats Jiro dog

Jamie
 
Well, I admit I was so mad as I drove over 100 mph in city street for a minute. Seriously... at least, I didn't get ticket. yay.
 
I driving a Ford Escort SE 1998 over 100+ mph in Kentucky highway during overnight in 2005 and I never got ticket for speed :P
 
Last time I went about a bit over 100 mph on I-5 in Seattle city limits last year. It was for a very short time. I really think they need to improve the highway infrastructure to make it safer for higher speeds in areas where there's a long straight ways and few cars, like they do with autobahns in Germany. Their highways are wider, more spacing, thicker pavement, all that stuff.
 
In the past, Texas allow driver to buy 'free pass' or 'speeding coupon' so if they were speeding and got pulled over by cop, they simply give cop 'free pass' and drive off without worrying about ticket. That's what I read abt it 10 to 15 years ago. I don't know if Texas still do. I won't be surprised that driver save up $$$'s to buy several speedpasses so he can drive over 100+ mph as long as cop haven't pulled him over.


It sound crazy to me cuz who know if I pull to left on 4 lane highway to pass slow car and driver behind me doing 100+ mph would not have had time to slow down by surprise.

I remember back in 1985, I was in HS and was driving 1972 VW Bug on lone interstate highway late at night. I was thinking abt pulling to left lane but my gut feeling tells me not to so I stick with right lane, suddenly I saw on review mirror that headlights growing bigger from distance was moving very fast and the car whizzed past by me over 100+ mph. I went :eek2: and my VW nearly blown off the road :giggle: . I quickly spotted what kind of car that whizzed by me was Porsche Boxer!! That driver are dang lucky that I didn't pull into his lane otherwise my VW would have it's butt mauled by Porsche.

Catty
 
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I'd advise the speeder to face the music. If I were the judge, I'd sentence the speeder to way more than 6 months in jail for recklessly endangering his son. :P
 
purplecatty said:
In the past, Texas allow driver to buy 'free pass' or 'speeding coupon' so if they were speeding and got pulled over by cop, they simply give cop 'free pass' and drive off without worrying about ticket. That's what I read abt it 10 to 15 years ago. I don't know if Texas still do. I won't be surprised that driver save up $$$'s to buy several speedpasses so he can drive over 100+ mph as long as cop haven't pulled him over.


It sound crazy to me cuz who know if I pull to left on 4 lane highway to pass slow car and driver behind me doing 100+ mph would not have had time to slow down by surprise.

I remember back in 1985, I was in HS and was driving 1972 VW Bug on lone interstate highway late at night. I was thinking abt pulling to left lane but my gut feeling tells me not to so I stick with right lane, suddenly I saw on review mirror that headlights growing bigger from distance was moving very fast and the car whizzed past by me over 100+ mph. I went :eek2: and my VW nearly blown off the road :giggle: . I quickly spotted what kind of car that whizzed by me was Porsche Boxer!! That driver are dang lucky that I didn't pull into his lane otherwise my VW would have it's butt mauled by Porsche.

Catty
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Well My engine is boxer and BMW M3 is I6 smoked me so badly at 120mph. It's happen in 2003.
 
The Highlander said:
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Just hit gas.
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yep... that's BMW to you. love love love love the way BMW handles high-speed... I do drive like that sometimes on NJ Turnpike at 90+ mph. I can't explain the exhilaration of driving BMW on highway..... even the most scariest ride at Great Adventure doesn't even compare... :cool2: (stupid I know but traffic was light)
 
Foxrac said:
Woot, police got pwned by 15 years old guy. :rofl:

BMW vs. American car (police car)

BMW blows Ford away but what about Mustang GT or Ford GT?
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I rode with my co worker in his 1985 Ford Mustang with modified engine back in 1988. He was driving 135mph on I-435 on Kansas side (near I-35). I didn't even knew he was speeding but seeing several cars whizzed behind us :ugh:. I looked at his speedo and I went :eek2:, He was doing 135mph but it felt real smooth and I can feel a little constant force on my chest.

I have done 115mph on 4 speed manual shifter 1979 Ford Pinto SS on I-35 near Pittsburg, KS. I was 15 years old and my brother was letting me drive home to Kansas City (2 hours drive). I felt nothing cuz the car was soo smooth and quiet and seeing many cars whizzed behind us and I asked him why all drivers drive like a slow poke!!. He was puzzled and don't know why. I look at speedo and I couldn't find needle :confused: and I told him where's the needle!! We both look down quickly and found out it was pointing straight down to "no number" zone on dial (dial stops at 85mph and no number after that). We both went :eek2: and laughed. I slowed down the car to 60mph. Amazing that A/C during 100 degree weather have turned car into refrigerator, we were breathing clouds a bit :confused:, realizing that A/C pump was pumping like a hell at 4,500 rpm @ 115mph.

I have drove 98mph on my 1967 Chevrolet C-10 "Classic truck" with 283 smallblock V-8 engine racing downhill with stranger of Cheverolet "Little Red Truck" pickup truck ( I don't know what year but met the owner later in the year laughing about race) and he beat me :lol:. My truck's front right tire was shaking so I had to slow down for safety reason (cuz it just had U-bolt replacement on shrut).

So I have driven over 100 mph twice but never pulled over by cop.

Catty
 
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