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NASCAR Race Coincides With Crackdown on Speeding in New York

In August, New York State Police targeted drivers who tend to drive with a lead foot during “speed week.” The crackdown coincided with the NASCAR race at the Watkins Glen International Raceway. August has historically seen a high number of speed-related fatalities and unsafe speed contributes to more than 30 percent of fatal crashes.

Troopers issued 1,200 speeding tickets during the week. Another 1,309 tickets were issued for a variety of other traffic offenses, including 41 citations for drunk driving and 187 seatbelt infractions. Last year police officers in New York issued more than 700,000 speeding tickets.

The Troop G Traffic Supervisor noted that it was too early to tell whether the goal of reducing speed-related crashes had been achieved. He also noted that the highway is not a racetrack and the goal of law enforcement is to see that everyone gets home safely.

When in doubt regarding the speed limit, Thruway and other highway speed limits in New York tend to be 55 miles per hour. The general Interstate speed limit is 65 miles per hour. Even if not exceeding the speed limit, drivers can also be charged with driving an inappropriate speed in inclement weather conditions.

Typical penalties include extremely high fines, surcharges and points against your driver’s license, including but not limited to the following:

  • Up to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit could result in a fine between $90 – $150 and 3 points against your driver’s license
  • Between 10 to 30 miles per hour over the speed limit could result in a fine between $180 – $300 and 4 – 6 points against your driver’s license
  • More than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit could result in a fine between $360 – $600 and 8 – 11 points against your driver’s license

Your license could be revoked if you receive more than 3 convictions in 18 months. Fines double in school zones, work zones or on restricted highways. If you receive more than 6 points on your driver’s record you will have to pay a $300 civil penalty, in addition to other penalties.

If you received a speeding ticket while driving in the Upper Hudson Valley you need an experienced New York speeding ticket attorney familiar with the local courts to minimize the negative consequences of the charge.