Texas is home to the fastest speed limit in the United States, with stretches of State Highway 130 having a limit of 85 miles per hour. Even with liberal speed limits, many drivers choose to drive faster than the speed limit permits, often leading to speeding tickets. 

In some cases, excessive speeding can be a criminal offense, and it can even become a felony under rare circumstances. Anytime you face a speeding charge, seek help from an Austin criminal defense attorney right away. 

Racing on the Highway

Motorists may face misdemeanor charges for racing on the highway. Street racing or racing on the highway, in and of itself, is termed as reckless driving. When the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor, they may have to spend 30 to 180 days in jail. This offense escalates to a state felony jail charge if the defendant has at least two prior convictions. 

If speeding leads to bodily injury or death, it can turn into a second-degree felony. In some cases, this type of charge can lead to 20 years of prison time.

Penalties Related to Speeding

The penalties you’ll receive for speeding depend on how fast you are driving and the road on which you are driving. For instance, if you’re caught speeding over 10% but under 15 mph under the posted speed limit, you may have to pay a $200 fine.

If your speed surpasses 15 mph, you may be charged with a misdemeanor and be subject to jail time or a fine of up to $500.

Class C Misdemeanor

A Class C misdemeanor is the least severe criminal violation in this respect and, again, can carry a fine of $500. This type of infraction covers illegal parking or low-level speeding (one to five miles per hour over the posted speed). This is a fine-only misdemeanor.

Class B Misdemeanor

If you go over the five-mile-per-hour threshold, the violation may be bumped up to a Class B misdemeanor charge. This charge carries penalties of $100 to $2,000 in fines or up to 180 days in jail. 

Felony Punishments

If you go over 25 miles per hour and try to evade arrest, you may face a felony charge. When you reach this level, you may have to pay thousands of dollars in fines and have to serve lengthy jail time. You need a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. 

Points on Your License

If you speed or drive recklessly in a construction area or school zone, your fines may be significantly higher. In addition, you may also have points added to your driver’s license that may ultimately lead to a suspension.

Therefore, speeding tickets carry demerit points, which impact your driver’s license and insurance premiums – up to three years after a citation. First-time offenders usually receive two points for each mile per hour they were driving above the posted speed limit.

When a certain number of points have accumulated on your record within one or two years, you’re subject to a license suspension, depending on your driving experience and age. 

Default Speeds in Texas

It’s important to remember that default speed limits are enforced in all parts of the Lone Star State. The general default limits are 70 mph on rural highways and 60 mph on urban highways. In urban areas, the default speed limit is 30 mph, while beach areas and alleys have 15 mph default speed limits.

So, you can’t go over 85 mph in Texas, even though some people may drive 90 mph to 100 mph and think it’s okay. To ensure you avoid tickets, it’s important to remember this fact.

You don’t want to go over the speed limit in Texas, nor do you want to go too slow. If you go so slow that it impedes the traffic flow, you’ll probably get stopped by the police. Usually, the minimum speed limit is, on average, 15 mph under the maximum posted speed limit.

Contact an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you were arrested for reckless driving or need a criminal defense lawyer for a charge of vehicular manslaughter or homicide, contact a DWI and criminal defense lawyer with proven experience. In Austin, Texas, contact the Law Firm of David D. White, PLLC. Make sure you have a legal professional on your side. Call for a consultation today.