In greater Williamsburg, slow down or pay up
By Susan Robertson, The Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Beyond the fine and court costs, speeding violations have long-term financial consequences, specifically in the form of insurance increases that can remain in effect for up to three years. Once the costs are calculated,
"We looked at base rates for car insurance for drivers with a clean record," said
The assumption is that it's the driver's first ticket, Kuo said.
Between
Speed transitions that go unnoticed by many drivers are what Riley believes results in the high incidence of traffic stops. He explained that entering the city on
Deputy Chief
Every mile over the speed limit costs a driver
NerdWallet's study calculates that a driver caught going 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit would face fines and court costs totaling
Drivers can handle a ticket one of three ways.
--Pre-pay the speeding ticket online.
--Go to court and ask to take a driver improvement course in hopes of avoiding a conviction.
--Plead not guilty and go to trial.
District Judge
However, if the ticket is not paid in advance of the court date the driver can be tried in their absence if the offense does not carry jail time. If that occurs, a tried in absence fee of
Killilea said a person's driving record can be a significant factor in how a judge handles a speeding case.
"Some judges, although not all," she said, "will continue a case for traffic school and an ultimate dismissal, upon certain other terms and conditions being met, including being of good behavior and the payment of court costs."
Kuo said the cheapest route for most drivers is probably going to court and attending a driver improvement course because there is a chance of avoiding a conviction, which would appear on a drivers record.
An insurance premium increase of about 7 percent usually follows a speeding conviction, the study indicates.
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