You’re not alone if you were recently ticketed for a speeding violation on I-81. Every year, thousands of motorists driving up and down I-81 are handed citations for speeding.
Whether you’re commuting to work, on a road trip, or driving to one of the many colleges along I-81, speeding tickets can catch any driver by surprise.
Sadly, getting nabbed for speeding anywhere along this long thoroughfare can lead to problems down the road. Many drivers overlook the serious consequences of a speeding ticket. Speeding citations come with hefty fines and can affect your driving record.
Fortunately, with the right legal representation, many motorists in New York choose to fight their speeding tickets to get penalties reduced. Hiring a skilled traffic violation attorney will be your best option if you choose to fight your speeding charge in court.
Interstate 81: The Basics
Interstate 81 spans approximately 855 miles, starting in Dandridge, Tennessee, and ending in Wellesley Island, New York, near the Canadian border.
This long interstate accommodates thousands of motorists each year as it crosses through New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee.
New York’s portion of I-81, also known as the Penn-Can Highway, extends approximately 184 miles. Construction of New York’s I-81 section was completed in 1957 and was designed to serve and connect the communities of Central New York.
I-81 passes through major New York towns and urban areas, including:
- Kirkwood
- Binghamton
- Cortland
- Syracuse
- Cicero
- Watertown
- Wellesley Island
Estimates show that upwards of 12% of the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP) travels along I-81, making it one of the country’s most important and transited interstates.
Speeding Violations in New York State
Speed limits are enforced to keep motorists and pedestrians safe.
Though violating the posted speed limit may seem inoffensive, it’s against the law. If you’re caught speeding, you face serious consequences.
In New York, base penalties for speeding are calculated by how much a driver exceeded the posted limits.
The following fees are generally imposed for speeding in New York:
- Up to 10 mph over the speed limit: $45 to $150
- 11 mph to 29 mph over the speed limit: $90 to $300
- 30 mph over the speed limit: $180 to $600
The exact amount you’ll pay for a speeding violation depends on your driving record. The more driving violations you rack up, the higher the penalties you’ll have to pay.
Fines are increased if you speed in special areas like work zones and school zones, and if you receive three speeding convictions within 18 months, your license will likely be revoked.
Points for Speeding Violations
On top of the expensive penalties that come with speeding tickets, points on your driving record can increase your insurance costs and jeopardize your driving privileges.
The New York DMV developed a points system to take action against high-risk drivers. The number of points you receive will increase depending on how fast you were speeding when you got caught.
The only way to prevent points from going on your driving record is to avoid a conviction altogether.
Fighting an I-81 Speeding Violation
Most drivers who are cited for speeding plead guilty without considering the consequences.
For many, it may seem futile to fight a speeding ticket. Others may just want to get it over with, so they admit guilt and pay the fines.
The reality is that speeding violations are serious matters. If you care about your driving record or rely on driving to make ends meet, you’ll need the help of an experienced traffic violations attorney to fight your case.
New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers represent clients throughout Central New York. Call us today for a free consultation.
