Pennsylvania has a set of regulations, called the Vehicle Code, that prohibits motorists from violating moving and nonmoving violations. In the event that a person commits a traffic offense, he or she will be cited with a ticket. Although getting a traffic ticket is considered a relatively minuscule offense in the eyes of many drivers, they should be handled with caution like other offenses. Being ticketed for a serious traffic offense, or receiving one too many citations could lead to devastating penalties that may jeopardize your driver's license, increase insurance premium rates and potentially lead to a jail sentence.
Speeding tickets are administered in record numbers across the state, making them the most common traffic citation in Pennsylvania. Some speeding violations are more serious than others. Of all speeding violations, exceeding the speed limit in a school zone would be considered a serious traffic offense since failing to adhere to this regulation puts the lives of children in danger.
If you have been cited with a ticket for speeding in a school zone, you should consult with an attorney. A legal professional will be to help you respond appropriately to a ticket in an effort to avoid dire legal repercussions.
Exceeding the Speed Limit in a School Zone in Pennsylvania
According to Pennsylvania law, every school zone in the state has a 15 mile per hour speed limit. In school zones when children are present, also known as an active school zone, merely going one mile over the speed limit may warrant a citation. Exceeding special speed limit in a school zone is found in Pennsylvania law under 75 Pa. Cons. Stat § 33613365(b).
Pennsylvania's Point System
The state's Department of Transportation commonly referred to as PennDOT and maintains the driving records of licensed state motorists. The point system was implemented to hold drivers accountable for their driving habits while giving them a chance to improve before being penalized. However, the state does not offer many chances.
Once a driver is found guilty of a traffic offense (paying a fine for a traffic ticket signifies guilt), a series of points are added to his or her's driving record. Once a total of six points has been accumulated, administrative corrective action will be imposed on a driver.
Speeding in a school zone is 3 points. This means that this traffic offense, coupled with another ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign, for example, could easily cause a driver to reach the six-point mark.
Penalties
Speeding in a school zone typically results in a costly fine. Subsequent offenses, however, will lead to a 60-day license suspension. In the event that this traffic offense causes a driver to reach the six-point mark, he or she may be subject to penalties such as a driver's safety course, and a license suspension or revocation.
Philadelphia Traffic Attorney
A ticket for speeding in a school zone warrants harsh consequences if not handled appropriately. If you have been cited with this offense, you need the assistance of a skilled traffic attorney. Contact LLF's Criminal Law Team today for help.
