According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding contributed to 9,378 traffic-related deaths in 2018. The good news is that’s a 6 percent decrease from the previous year. But the bad news is clear: speeding is still a deadly problem.
If you get a speeding ticket in New Orleans, Louisiana, it isn’t because the law is out to get you. There is a true correlation between driving the speed limit and keeping drivers safe on the roads.
But the risk of speeding isn’t just about the possibility of harming another motorist. You could also face large financial penalties if you get caught speeding.
At Crescent City Law, we help New Orleans drivers make sure they are being treated fairly with regards to their speeding tickets. Read on to learn what that can look like in Louisiana, and how to get in touch with us if you’re ready to fight yours.
How are Louisiana speeding tickets calculated?
The cost of a speeding ticket in Louisiana will depend on the area where the officer tickets you and how fast over the speed limit you’re going.
Another factor in determining the cost of your speed ticket is Louisiana’s Basic Speeding Law. Under this law, you must drive a speed limit that is reasonable given the conditions. For example, if the speed limit is posted as 45 miles per hour but there is a heavy rainstorm, going the speed limit might not be reasonable. The same is true if traffic is heavy, the road is in poor shape, etc.
Louisiana uses a basic rubric for determining speeding ticket fines. Without any aggravating circumstances or additional charges, you can expect your speeding ticket to follow this basic structure:
- $115 for speeding 1-9 mph over the posted speed limit
- $215 for speeding 10-14 mph over the posted speed limit
- $240 for speeding 15-20 mph over the posted speed limit
- More than $240 for speeding 21 mph over the posted speed limit
Additional charges involved in your speeding ticket could make it more expensive for you, in some cases, and could even lead to jail time. These prices do not include the court costs, which are usually about $165.00 per ticket.
Additional charges that could increase Louisiana traffic violation fines
In addition to speeding, you could face other charges as part of the same traffic ticket. Additional charges will increase the expense of your speeding ticket.
Here’s a look at some of the common additional charges that often go along with speeding:
- Reckless operation: Drivers who endanger themselves and others could face a reckless operation charge. This is a misdemeanor in Louisiana and can add $200 for first-time offenders, or $500 for drivers who have previous reckless operation convictions.
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI): While speeding might be the reason an officer pulls you over, if you’re found under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could face the much larger penalty of a DWI. This can add $1,000 for first or second-time offenders. Third-time offenders, though, will face a $2,000 fine, and fourth-time offenders will face a $5,000 fine. Plus, you could face license suspension, jail time, and felony charges, any of which would have a major impact on your life.
- Negligent injury/homicide: Drivers under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent or higher can be charged with negligent injury or homicide if they cause an accident. Negligent injury can cost up to $1,000. If it’s upgraded to first-degree vehicle negligent injury, you’ll face a fine of up to $2,000. Vehicular homicide fines can cost between $2,000-$15,000. Much like a DWI charge, negligent injury or homicide will also result in criminal charges, possible license suspension, and serious jail time.
Tips for avoiding large traffic ticket fines
If you get pulled over, take a deep breath and try to keep your wits about you. Don’t lie to the officer but also know that you don’t have to answer any questions that you’re uncomfortable with answering. You can always invoke your fifth amendment rights or ask that your lawyer be present.
You also have a right to ask questions. Ask why you were pulled over, how fast you were going, etc. This information might help you contest the ticket in court.
Contact Crescent City Law for help with your speeding ticket
Once you’re ticketed, discuss the matter with Crescent City Law Firm. We’ll guide you through each step in your Louisiana speeding ticket case. Schedule a free consultation now to get started.
