Summary of State Speed Laws - NHTSA

Basis for a Speed Law Violation:
(continued) II. During inclement weather or when visibility is bad, a truck
or truck-trailer cannot be operated >45 mph. §63-3-505
III. The State Highway Commission may establish safe
maximum speed limits for bridges or elevated structures. §63-
3-513
IV. Speed limits may be established for a “highway work
zone.” §63-3-516(1)
Adjudication of Speed Law Violations:
Civil/Criminal Adjudication of Violation: All speed law violations are misdemeanors. §§37-41-47 and
63-9-11(1) Other: N/A
Sanctions Following an Adjudication of a Speed Law Violation:
Criminal Sanctions:
Imprisonment:
Term (Day, Month, Years, Etc.): First offense — not more than 10 days; second offense within
1 year — not more than 20 days. Subsequent offense within 1
year — not more than 6 months. §63-9-11(2)
Special Note: If the offender only exceeded the posted speed
limit (§63-3-503) but did not exceed the maximum speed limit
(§63-3-501), the incarceration term is only half of that noted
above. §63-3-503
Operating a School Bus in Excess of either 45 or 50 mph —
none. §37-41-47
Mandatory Minimum Term: None.
Fine:
Amount ($ Range): First offense — not more than $100; second offense within 1
year — not more than $200. Subsequent offense within 1 year
— not more than $500. §63-9-11(2)
Special Note: If the offender only exceeded the posted speed
limit (§63-3-503) but did not exceed the maximum speed limit
(§63-3-501), the fine is only half of the amount noted above.
§63-3-503
Operating a School Bus in Excess of either 45 or 50 mph —
$25 to $100. §37-41-47
Mandatory Min. Fine ($): None.
Other Penalties:
Traffic School: First offenders who meet eligibility requirements and
participate in at least 4 hours of a traffic violators course will
not have the violation recorded on his/her driving record.
§63-9-11(3)
Other: Highway Work Zone: A person is subject to a fine of not
more than $250 for exceeding the posted speed limit in a
highway work zone. §63-3-516(2)
SPEED 2005
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