In California, the base fine for speeding 1-15 mph over the speed limit is $35 plus penalty assessments which can bring the total cost to around $238. Going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone is 15 mph over the limit, so the base fine would be $35. With penalty assessments, the total cost of the ticket could be around $238.
California has set speeding fines and penalties to discourage speeding and promote safe driving. Fines increase as the speed over the limit increases, with additional penalties added on top of the base fine. While the basic speed law in California requires drivers to drive no faster than is safe for conditions, exceeding posted speed limits can result in speeding tickets.
California’s Basic Speed Law
California Vehicle Code 22350 is known as the “basic speed law.” It states:
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
This means that regardless of the posted speed limit, drivers are required to drive at a safe speed for conditions. So even if you are driving at or under the speed limit, you can still get a ticket for going too fast if conditions like rain, fog, traffic congestion, etc., call for a lower speed.
Speeding Fines for Going 80 in a 65 Zone
California Vehicle Code 22351 sets the fines for exceeding the maximum speed limit as follows:
- 1-15 mph over limit: $35 base fine
- 16-25 mph over limit: $50 base fine
- Over 25 mph over limit: $70 base fine
Going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone is 15 mph over the limit. So the base fine would be $35.
Penalty Assessments
However, that $35 is just the start. Additional penalty assessments are added to traffic fines in California, which can more than quadruple the cost. Some of the common assessments include:
- State penalty assessment: $10 per $10 of base fine.
- County penalty assessment: $7 per $10 of base fine.
- Court operations assessment: $40.
- Conviction assessment: $35.
- EMS (emergency services) penalty: $2 per $10 of base fine.
- Night court assessment: $1 per $10 of base fine (if applicable).
For a $35 speeding ticket, these assessments can total around $203. So the final cost of a ticket for going 80 in a 65 would be approximately $238. The penalty assessments are set by state law and standard across California. Some counties may have additional local fees as well.
Can I Fight the Speeding Ticket?
You do have options if you receive a speeding ticket in California:
- Pay the ticket – You can pay the full fine amount by mail, online, by phone, or in person at the court.
- Request traffic school – If it’s your first ticket in 18 months and you meet other requirements, you may be able to attend traffic school to keep the ticket off your driving record.
- Contest the ticket – You can contest the ticket in court and request a hearing to argue against the charges.
Some common defenses against speeding tickets include:
- You weren’t the driver.
- The radar/laser gun gave an inaccurate reading.
- The speed limit or speed trap signs weren’t properly posted.
- You were driving safely for road conditions.
If you contest the ticket, the officer who issued it will have to appear and prove the charges in court. Having an experienced traffic ticket attorney can help fight the charges.
Impact on Auto Insurance
Getting a speeding ticket in California can raise your insurance rates, especially if you already have past tickets or accidents. Insurance companies view speeding, especially more than 15 mph over the limit, as high-risk driving behavior.
On average, a first time speeding ticket for going 80 in a 65 zone may increase insurance rates by 20-30% in California. But the increase can vary significantly based on your current insurer, driving record, policy level, and other factors. Multiple speeding tickets or other violations may result in much larger insurance hikes.
Tips to Avoid Speeding Tickets
To avoid costly speeding tickets and insurance increases, here are some tips:
- Allow extra time for your trip so you don’t need to speed.
- Set your cruise control to match the speed limit.
- Use a GPS app to monitor your speed.
- Stick to the flow of traffic to blend in.
- Avoid weaving in and out of lanes.
Driving with patience and good judgment is the best way to steer clear of speeding violations. The fines and insurance impacts make it worthwhile to obey speed limits and drive safely. Understanding California’s speeding laws and penalties can help motivate responsible driving.
Conclusion
Going 80 mph in a 65 mph speed limit zone in California will result in a speeding ticket with a base fine of $35. However, with penalty assessments the total cost of the ticket is likely to be around $238. Paying the fine accepts responsibility but attending traffic school may prevent insurance premium hikes and keep the ticket off your record. Contesting the ticket in court is also an option but will require evidence and argument to fight the charges. Ultimately the smartest way to avoid speeding tickets is to maintain safe speeds and follow posted speed limits.