Georgia Speed Limits, Laws, and Fines?

Basically all roads have speed limits that you need to observe. Georgia has specific laws when it comes to speed limits and corresponding fines if you break them that you need to consider.

What’s the Speed Limit In Georgia?

The maximum speed limit will depend on the type of road. On interstates and physically divided highways, the speed limit is 70 miles per hour (mph).

In urban interstates, which are interstates that pass in areas that have a population under 50,000, the speed limit is slightly lower at 65 mph. Segments of interstate that don’t have fully-controlled access also have a 65 mph maximum speed. Fully-controlled parts of the interstate are the parts where vehicles can’t freely enter or exit at any point.

The speed limit in all other areas is 55 mph, unless stated otherwise. Unpaved country roads have a speed limit of 35 mph, while urban and residential districts have a speed limit of 30mph.

Keep in mind that these are general rules. Local governments, the Georgia Department of Transportation, or the Georgia Department of Public Safety can also adjust speed limits in response to temporary or permanent local conditions.

Additionally, the speed limit shouldn’t be the only guide on how fast a vehicle should travel. Section 40-6-180 of Georgia’s vehicle code also states that “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.” Certain road conditions like rain or snow warrant driving at a slower speed, and drivers should always take the conditions and hazards into consideration regardless of the speed limit.

What Is Georgia’s Super Speeder Law?

The state’s “Super Speeder Law” was implemented in 2010 to discourage risky driving habits. According to this law, a driver who is found guilty of driving more than 75 mph on a two-lane road or more than 85 mph on any Georgia road will be fined $200 on top of the local fines charged at the area where the speeding offense took place. If payment is not made on time, your driver’s license will be suspended and you’ll need to pay a state fee of $200 plus a $50 reinstatement fee.

What’s the Minimum Speed on Georgia Interstates?

The minimum speed on Georgia interstates is 40 mph, unless stated otherwise by a sign. Georgia vehicle code section 40-6-184 governs minimum vehicle speeds. It states that “no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.”

Driving too slowly on some highways can be hazardous because it impedes traffic flow. As a result, minimum speed limits are displayed on some highways. Vehicles traveling slower than the flow of traffic should use the right lane on roads with two or more lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction unless passing or making a left turn. If your vehicle can’t drive above the minimum posted speed limit, you should find an alternate route.

Georgia also has a “slow poke” law, where a person driving on the left-most passing lane can be charged for driving too slow if they’re blocking vehicles traveling at a higher speed. This law applies even if the slow car is already driving at the speed limit.

There are some exceptions to this law, such as when traffic conditions or congestion require driving on the passing lane. This also doesn’t apply in inclement weather, or when there are obstructions or hazards that necessitate driving in the passing lane. This is also not applicable when complying with a law of this state, when an official traffic control device necessitates driving in the passing lane, or when a vehicle must be in the leftmost lane to exit the highway or turn left. This law also doesn’t apply when a vehicle must be in the leftmost lane to pay toll or use a pass. Lastly, it also doesn’t apply to authorized emergency vehicles performing official duties, as well as vehicles performing highway maintenance and construction operations.

Can You Fight a Speeding Ticket In Georgia?

While officers can simply issue you a warning for speeding, if they do give you a ticket, the only way to claim your innocence is by going to court.

One way you could do this is to try and determine how your speed was determined by authorities and then try to disprove its accuracy.

You can also claim that the cop pulled over the wrong car. If a police officer sees someone speeding and loses track of them, they can sometimes make a mistake and pull over the wrong car.

You could also negotiate your ticket to reduce its damage to your driving record. You could ask to reduce the speed you’ve been charged so you’ll pay a lower fine and reduce the number of points on your driving record. Remember having more tickets will mean insurance providers will charge you more for vehicle insurance.

Don’t try to use the excuse that you’re in an emergency. Only authorized emergency vehicles can exceed the speed limit, provided they do so in a way that doesn’t endanger public safety and property.

What’s the Penalty for Exceeding the Speed Limit In Georgia?

Speeding fines can go up to $1,500, and you’ll also receive points on your license. If you’re convicted of violating Georgia laws, you could also lose your license for six months.

You can be convicted of careless driving, which is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of $100 to $1,000. However, if you drive in a manner that endangers life, limb, health, property, or another person’s safety, then you could be charged with reckless driving, which has a maximum fine of $2,500 and a possible sentence of up to one year.

As modern vehicles become more powerful, speed limits can become easier to break. These laws might seem harsh, but they’re implemented to discourage people from speeding and endangering the people around them and themselves.