What is the speed limit where you would get stopped for a speeding ticket?

Question

i know some speed limits say 5mph or 55 mph, but in order to get stopped by the cops, how fast do you have to be going? i had heard 15 mph above speed limit but just wondering what everyone else though.

Answer 1

It is completely at the officer's descretion.  If in a bad mood, he could pull you over for going 1 MPH over.  Most where I live will allow about 10 MPH.  My cousin who is an Arkansas State Trooper normally works a 4 lane highway with a 70 MPH speed limit and he has days that he doesn't mess with anyone unless they are doing 90+.  But if he sees a car that has been busted with drugs before or that he has stopped for speeding before he will get them at 5 over just because it may be another drug bust for him or because they didn't learn from the first time and he feels they are insulting him by speeding infront of him AGAIN.

Answer 2

i think it's up to the officer. For example we have the basic speed law in california, it says you must not drive faster then what's reasonable given weather and road conditons. In other words it's possible to get a ticket even though you are driving under posted speed limit.

Answer 3

Here in New Mexico we have vast distances between towns and most limits are at 75mph.However,we routinely do 85-90 on the highways.This is not to say the State Troopers approve ,only that that is how fast most of us travel here.

I had a ticket for 92mph,and have been ignored at 87.It depends on the cop out there that day.Oddly enough,speeds are kept to more 'moderate' levels at night due to the wildlife that could be encountered.Then we do 70-75.

5-7 over the posted limit won't get you cited on the highways but will get you stopped in the towns.

Answer 4

As long as I have been driving it was always 5 mph above they have a right to stop and or ticket you, If the traffic is moving 20 mph above the speed limit then no one gets stopped unless you stand out that is on freeway, in residential I would say 5mph at most and if kids around 1 mph might get you, again it really comes down as to how the officer feels when he/she stopped you, try be nice and you may get a good surprise with a warning. Its always best to stay within 5mph to be safe for everyone as well as drive safe. God Bless

Answer 5

Speed limit means speed limit.  You can technically be given a ticket for going even 1 mph over the limit.  

However, most police departments have an understanding that they will not pull people over unless they are exceeding the limit by 5-7 mph, both to account for speedometer errors and to avoid damaging relations with the public.

Answer 6

Actually, ANY speed over the speed limit is speeding and can lead to being pulled over.  My suggestion is drive a mile or two UNDER. It won't make that much of a difference in the time it will take you to get where you want to go.

And remember to ALWAYS wear your seatbelt!

Answer 7

I've always heard that radar catches anything over 7 mph, but then I've also been told to keep it to just 5 mph over to stay under that radar. Personally, I go 5 mph over on a highway/turnpike.

Answer 8

Automobile speedometers are not absolutely accurate.  Therefore, most police departments will give you a few MPH over the posted speed limit just to allow for speedometer error.  I'd say no more than 10% over the posted limit would be safe.

Answer 9

anything in excess of the limit is a violation

Answer 10

in MA any thing above 5mph