When you’re driving in Buffalo, it’s easy to feel the urge to go a little faster than the speed limit. With open highways and the beautiful scenery, some drivers find it tempting to press down on the gas pedal. However, speeding is a violation of the law that comes with serious consequences. Understanding what happens if you receive a speeding ticket in Buffalo, New York, and what steps you can take if you get one, is crucial for protecting your driving record and avoiding hefty fines. This information will help you learn more about the risks of speeding, the penalties for speeding tickets, and what you can do to address a speeding ticket if it happens to you. At, Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
Why Speed Limits Matter in Buffalo
Speed limits are set by state and local authorities to keep roads safe for everyone. They are not just numbers on a sign but are important for protecting drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. In Buffalo, speed limits can vary depending on where you are driving. Residential neighborhoods usually have lower limits, while highways and freeways have higher speed limits. This difference exists because higher speeds can increase the chance of accidents and make crashes more severe.
Speeding can lead to dangerous situations where drivers have less time to react. When drivers exceed the speed limit, it becomes harder to stop in time if an obstacle suddenly appears. Slower speeds give everyone on the road more time to respond to potential dangers, such as children crossing the street or cars slowing down. Speed limits are designed to create a safer environment for all road users. Obeying them helps you avoid the risk of causing harm to yourself or others.
Types of Speeding Violations in Buffalo
In Buffalo, there are different types of speeding violations, and each type can have a different impact on your record and the penalties you might face. The most common speeding violation is simply going over the posted speed limit. However, there are other types that could apply, depending on the situation. For instance, reckless speeding is when you drive at a speed that is considered extremely dangerous, even if it’s only slightly above the posted limit. This can happen in areas with high pedestrian traffic or where visibility is low.
Another type of speeding violation is called “driving too fast for conditions.” This means you might not be over the posted speed limit, but you’re driving too quickly for the current road conditions, such as during rain, snow, or fog. In Buffalo, winter weather can lead to slippery and icy roads, making it necessary to slow down even if you are technically within the speed limit. If a police officer believes you’re driving too fast for the conditions, you could still receive a ticket for putting others in danger.
Consequences of Receiving a Speeding Ticket
When you get a speeding ticket in Buffalo, the impact can extend beyond just paying a fine. Speeding tickets often come with “points” that are added to your driving record. Each speeding violation carries a certain number of points, based on how fast you were going over the limit. For example, if you were caught going more than 10 miles per hour over the limit, you could receive three points on your record. The more points you accumulate, the greater the penalties you may face.
If you accumulate too many points within a specific period, your driver’s license could be suspended. Additionally, your insurance rates are likely to increase if you have speeding violations on your record. Many insurance companies view speeding as a sign of risky driving behavior, so they charge higher premiums to drivers with tickets. A single speeding ticket might lead to a small increase, but multiple tickets or severe speeding violations can cause your insurance costs to skyrocket. Paying higher insurance premiums can put a strain on your finances.
Fines and Additional Costs for Speeding Tickets
In addition to points on your driving record, a speeding ticket in Buffalo usually comes with a fine. The amount of the fine can vary depending on how much you were speeding. For example, minor speeding offenses might have smaller fines, but the more you go over the speed limit, the higher the fine becomes. Sometimes, there are even additional fees for certain offenses. These fees are designed to discourage drivers from speeding by making it an expensive violation.
New York State also imposes a “Driver Responsibility Assessment” if you accumulate too many points from speeding tickets and other traffic violations. This assessment is an extra fee that you must pay on top of any fines. If you receive six or more points on your record within 18 months, you’ll have to pay this assessment to the state. This can add up over time, making it even more costly to have multiple speeding tickets. Paying these fees can be financially challenging, and they serve as a reminder to follow the speed limits closely.
What to Do If You Receive a Speeding Ticket
If you are pulled over for speeding in Buffalo, it’s important to stay calm and follow the instructions of the officer. Being respectful and cooperative can help the situation go more smoothly. After receiving a ticket, you will need to decide whether to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. Many people choose to simply pay the fine, but fighting the ticket might be an option if you believe you were wrongly ticketed or if the consequences of the ticket are particularly severe.
Contesting a speeding ticket involves appearing in court, where you’ll have the opportunity to present your case. Sometimes, drivers choose to represent themselves, but it’s also common to seek legal help for this process. A lawyer can help you understand the options available, which may include negotiating for a reduced charge or even getting the ticket dismissed. Even if you don’t go to court, paying a ticket can still have an impact on your driving record. For this reason, it’s important to weigh all your options before making a decision.
Benefits of Reducing or Dismissing a Speeding Ticket
Reducing or dismissing a speeding ticket can save you money and help you avoid points on your driving record. If you can get the ticket dismissed, you won’t have to pay the fine, and you won’t receive any points. This can protect your insurance rates from increasing due to the violation. In some cases, drivers may be able to negotiate a lower penalty, especially if they have a clean driving record. For example, if you don’t have any previous tickets, the court might be willing to reduce the fine or the points associated with the ticket.
Keeping points off your record can prevent your license from being suspended in the future. By avoiding a buildup of points, you maintain a cleaner driving history and keep your insurance premiums as low as possible. In Buffalo, many drivers are unaware of the long-term effects that even a single speeding ticket can have on their record and insurance costs. Seeking to reduce or dismiss a ticket can provide significant benefits, especially if you drive regularly and rely on your car for work or daily errands.
How an Attorney Can Help with a Speeding Ticket
If you decide to contest your speeding ticket, having an attorney on your side can be valuable. Traffic laws and court procedures can be complicated, especially for those who don’t have experience with legal cases. An attorney can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and represent you in court. They can examine the details of your case to identify any potential defenses. For instance, if the radar gun used to measure your speed was not working correctly, this could be a reason to dismiss the ticket.
An attorney can also help you understand what to expect in court and prepare you for any questions the judge might ask. They might be able to negotiate a plea agreement on your behalf, which could result in a reduced charge. By reducing the penalties, you may avoid points on your record or reduce the amount you need to pay. For many drivers, the assistance of an attorney makes the process of handling a speeding ticket less stressful and more manageable.
Long-Term Effects of Speeding Tickets on Your Record
Speeding tickets can have a lasting impact on your record, especially if you accumulate multiple violations over time. In Buffalo, as in the rest of New York State, speeding violations can remain on your record for a certain number of years. During this time, they may continue to affect your insurance rates and, in some cases, your eligibility for certain types of employment. For instance, some jobs that involve driving require a clean driving record. Having multiple speeding tickets can limit your options in these fields.
Keeping your driving record as clean as possible is beneficial for your future. Avoiding speeding tickets helps you keep your insurance costs lower and protects your driving privileges. By understanding the consequences of speeding and making an effort to follow speed limits, you can enjoy a safer and more affordable driving experience in Buffalo. It’s a wise decision to take speeding laws seriously and do your best to avoid tickets.
If you have received a speeding ticket in Buffalo and are concerned about the impact on your driving record and insurance rates, reach out to Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC. Our experienced team can guide you through the process of handling your ticket and help you explore options for reducing or dismissing it. With our support, you can take steps to protect your record and navigate the legal process with confidence. Contact Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC today for assistance with your speeding ticket case.