In 2010, Georgia passed a law designed to penalize excessive speeders known as the Super Speeder Law. The law cited anyone driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit and imposed an additional $200 fine on top of a speeding ticket.
Just five years later, five Georgia nurses lost their lives when a speeding tractor-trailer slammed into their car from behind. According to reports, the truck was moving well over the speed limit. It took out several more vehicles in a chain reaction crash that ended with a tanker truck bursting into flames.
The trucker’s speed sparked an outcry. In response to this, representative Ron Stephens penned House Bill 732. The new changes imposed even stricter penalties on drivers overstepping Georgia highway speed limits — especially commercial vehicle drivers.
While giving testimony before the House of Representatives, Stephens explained to the House that a highway crash between two cars is far different from an accident involving a commercial truck. “When they’re involved in an accident, they have a tendency to squash you like a bug,” he said.
With the new rules, commercial drivers who are caught traveling only ten mph over the speed limit can now be hit with a Super Speeder citation.
The Super Speeder Law has faced much speculation and debate, with many commercial vehicle drivers calling it unconstitutional. Here, we help answer many of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the law.
Super Speeder FAQ
Q: What is the Super Speeder Law in Georgia?
A: The Super Speeder Law imposes an extra $200 fine on top of a regular speeding ticket. You could be cited as a Super Speeder if you are a driver of a passenger car traveling faster than 85 mph on interstates and 75 mph on two-lane roads. Drivers of commercial vehicles that weigh at least 100,000 pounds can receive a Super Speeder citation for traveling just ten mph over the speed limit.
Q: How much is a Super Speeder ticket in Georgia?
A: The Super Speeder Law adds an extra $200 fine on top of a regular speeding citation.
Q: How will I be notified of the fee?
A: If you are charged with a Super Speeder Citation, you will receive notice via first-class mail. You will have 120 days from the notice date to pay the fee to Georgia’s Department of Driver Services.
Q: How long does a Super Speeder ticket stay on your record?
A: Super Speeder tickets do not add points to your record. However, you must pay the fine in addition to other applicable fees and court costs to avoid license suspension.
Q: Are additional points added to my record for being declared a Super Speeder or being suspended for non-payment of fees?
A: Any points you receive are based on the original speeding ticket violation, not the Super Speeder fee.
Q: Is a Super Speeder violation a felony?
A: The Super Speeder is a financial penalty, not a felony or criminal offense.
Q: Will my license be suspended?
A: Failure to pay the fee to the Department of Driver Services within 120 days of the notice date will result in the suspension of your license, permit, or driving privilege in Georgia. In that case, a $50 reinstatement fee will be required in addition to the $200 Super Speeder fee to reinstate your license, permit, or driving privilege.
The Importance of Speed Limits
Speed limits are put into place because they help keep our roads safe and increase protections for all drivers. Experts calculate the speed limits, factoring in different elements such as the specific roadway, curves and turns, and other considerations. Thus, traveling above the posted speed limit dramatically increases the chance of an accident and injuries, and can make otherwise minor accidents more serious.
Speeding can cause various risks, including:
- Increased stopping distance: It takes much longer for a vehicle to come to a complete stop if it is traveling at 65 mph vs. 30 mph. More massive tractor-trailers need much longer to stop than regular passenger cars.
- Decreased maneuverability: Travelling at faster speeds reduces the vehicle’s ability to turn and avoid hazards on the road.
- Risk of rollovers: Cars and trucks are designed to travel within certain speed limits. The faster you go, the higher the risk of rollover accidents, especially for vehicles with higher centers of gravity like semi trucks. Rollover risks increase if the speeding happens on a highway exit or entry ramp.
If a crash does occur, higher speeds can also result in more severe bodily injuries. Preventing such incidents is one of the main reasons for updating the Super Speeder Laws.
Get in Touch with an Attorney for Help with Super Speeder Laws
At Fried Goldberg, we have dedicated our practice to keeping our roads safer by holding negligent parties responsible for their careless acts. We represent victims of catastrophic trucking and automobile accidents nationwide. Our attorneys pursue large trucking companies and their drivers in civil court, building a strong case on your behalf so you can focus on your healing.
We have devoted our careers to helping people like you rebuild their lives after an accident. No matter your legal question, we are here to listen and help give you reliable answers and the prospect of a better future. Laws and road rules may be subject to change, but our team has the knowledge and experience to stay on top of new developments.
We understand how important it is for you to get the justice you deserve. Contact us today at 877-591-1801 for your free case evaluation. Our team is on hand to guide you toward the best possible outcome for your case.