Georgia Speeding Laws

The Speeding Laws in Georgia - Georgia Traffic Law

A law enforcement officer typically determines whether a person is speeding through either the use of a speed detection device or by pacing your vehicle with his own.  Radar detection is the most common method of speed detection.  Both laser and radar detection are regulated by law.  There are maintenance and calibration requirements that must be followed or the reliability and validity of the device can be challenged. With limited exceptions, a speed detection device cannot be the basis for the charge unless the speed alleged is more than ten miles per hour above the posted speed limit.

For all drivers in Georgia, a speeding charge can lead to a points suspension of your driver's license if 15 or more points are accumulated in any consecutive 24-month period.  The Georgia Department of Driver Services will assess points for speeding convictions that occurred in other states.  A plea of nolo contendere to a speeding charge will prevent the assessment of any points, but this type of plea will only be accepted for this purpose once every five years.

The points schedule for speeding violations are as follows:

• Speeding 14 mph or less = 0 points
• Speeding 15-18 mph = 2 points
• Speeding 19-23 mph = 3 points
• Speeding 24-33 mph = 4 points
• Speeding 34 mph or more = 6 points

If you accumulate 15 or more points in 24 months, your license will be suspended for one year.  If this is your first points suspension in five years, you will be eligible for a limited use driving permit that will allow you to drive to work, school, medical care and treatment including pharmacies to obtain prescription medications, addiction or abuse counseling, or attend court ordered driver education courses.

For a first or second points suspension within five years, you are eligible for immediate reinstatement of your driver's license once you complete a defensive driving course and pay a $210 reinstatement fee. For a third points suspension within five years, your license will be suspended for two years and you will not be eligible for a limited use driving permit or early reinstatement, but you will still be required to submit a certificate of completion of a defensive driving course and pay a reinstatement fee at the end of the suspension period.

For drivers under the age of 21, any offense for which four or more points are assessed will suspend your license for a six month period.  This includes the offense of exceeding the speed limit by 24 mph or more.  This is a “hard” suspension and you will not be eligible for a limited use driving permit.  Further, a plea of nolo contendere will not prevent the assessment of points on your driving record.  Any second or subsequent conviction will lead to a 12 month license suspension.

For drivers under the age of 18, if you accumulate four or more points in any 12 month period, you will face a six month driver's license suspension without eligibility for a limited use driving permit.  A second or subsequent offense while you are still under 18 years old will require a 12 month license suspension.

If you have been cited for speeding in Georgia, get immediate legal attention.  Contact us today.