If you received a speeding ticket or a citation for some other traffic violation, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney for straightforward solutions that will work for you.
Learn More About Traffic Violations
My name is John Kingsley, and as an attorney, I represent people in traffic court cases throughout Greene, Columbia and Ulster counties in the Catskills region of New York. To learn more about what I can do help you minimize the negative consequences of a citation, please visit my Traffic Offenses Web page.
I have provided some general information to educate you about how the law applies in these cases. For more specific information and a free consultation with an experienced lawyer — call or contact me directly.
Thank you for contacting John P. Kingsley, P.C. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
Attorney John P. Kingsley helps local residents and both out-of-town and out-of-state drivers minimize the negative consequences of traffic citations they've received in the Catskills area of New York. To put more than 40 years of experience on your side, call or contact the firm today and ask to schedule a free consultation.
Were you pulled over and cited for speeding on I-87 or the Taconic State Parkway? Do not hesitate to call me, attorney John P. Kingsley, for your traffic violations defense. You can reach my Catskill, New York, law offices at 518-291-4843 or 888-508-5537 (toll free). There is no charge for the initial consultation.
Speeding Laws
Ordinarily speeding tickets are offenses or infractions rather than crimes, but it is not uncommon for speeding tickets to be treated as misdemeanors. If you received a speeding ticket, contact John P. Kingsley, P.C. in Catskill to schedule a meeting with an attorney who can explain how the speed laws operate in New York.
Although the basis for a speed law violation will vary from state to state, the following discussion describes typical provisions related to speed.
Basic Speed Rule
A basic speed rule or basic speed law typically provides that "no person shall drive a vehicle greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing." Uniform Vehicle Code §11-801. Laws of this kind operate independently of other traffic laws, including laws prescribing a maximum speed. For example, although the maximum speed in a particular area is 55 MPH, a driver might be issued a speeding ticket for driving 55 MPH if doing so is unreasonable because of weather, road or traffic conditions.
Statutory Speed Limits
Laws establishing maximum speeds for roads in particular areas are called statutory seed limits. For example, a statutory speed limit may set a maximum speed of 35 MPH in urban districts and a maximum speed of 55 MPH in all other locations. Uniform Vehicle Code §11-802. The statutory speed limit generally applies unless a posted speed limit designates a different speed.
Minimum Speed Rule
A minimum speed rule or minimum speed law typically provides that "no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic." Uniform Vehicle Code §11-805(a). Additionally, a minimum speed rule might require drivers who are driving at less than the normal speed of traffic to drive in the right-hand lane. Uniform Vehicle Code §11-301(b)
Posted Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits
State or local governments may increase the statutory speed limits, decrease the statutory speed limits or set minimum speed limits on roads under their jurisdiction.
In general, states may also establish different highway speed limits for different types of vehicles, at different times of the day, for various weather conditions or for other factors bearing on safe speeds. Uniform Vehicle Code §11-803. For example, posted speed limits that designate a speed different than the speed provided by the statutory speed law are frequently found on state highways, on residential streets, in school zones and in business districts. Posted speed limits that vary from the statutory speed limit are also used to designated maximum speeds at certain times (when children are present or certain times of day, for example), at particular places (sharp curves, entry ramps and exit ramps) or for particular vehicles (trucks over a minimum weight). Posted speed limits are presumed to be safe and some states require speeding to continue for a certain distance before it becomes a violation.
Speak to a Traffic Violations Lawyer
The basis for speed law violations and the associated penalties vary from state to state. As such, it is important to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable of the speed laws in your jurisdiction. If you received a traffic ticket, contact John P. Kingsley, P.C. in Catskill to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can explain how the speed laws operate in New York.
Copyright © 2012 FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
