Is Your Car a Speeding Ticket Magnet?

Speeding is one the most common traffic violations most drivers commit in the US. In fact, in a report made by automotive news website The Drive, around 9.1 million speeding tickets were issued in the country in 2018.

California, New York, and Florida were named as the states with the most number of speeding tickets issued. Meanwhile, North Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia have the least number of speeding tickets issued in 2018.

No doubt, nobody does enjoy getting a speeding ticket. But did you know that some cars attract law enforcement officers more than others? Here are 10 cars named as speeding ticket magnets by HotCars.com:

1. LexusES 300

2. Dodge Stratus SXT

3. Acura CL

4. Toyota Tacoma

5. Mazda Tribute

6. Subaru Impreza WRX

7. Lexus LS 400 Series

8. Mercedes-Benz C300

9. Chevrolet Malibu 2LT

10. Lincoln LS

Speed Limits in the US

Connecticut is the first state to implement a speed limit law in 1901. Back then, the state’s speed limit for motor vehicles was 12 mph for cities, and a slightly faster 15 mph for country roads. Soon after, states across the country have also enforced laws regulating speed limits.

However, during the oil crisis in the 1970s, the US government, under the leadership of then-President Richard Nixon, enacted the National Maximum Speed Law — requiring all states to adhere to a national speed limit of 55 mph.

In 1995, years after the country recovered from the crisis, the government repealed all federal speed limit controls, as part of the National Highway System Designation Act. This gave each state the legal authority to regulate their maximum speed limits once again.

Here are the current maximum speed limits of the 15 most populous US states, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

Take note that each state imposes different sanctions for speeding. This makes the penalty for each speeding ticket to vary from one state to another. According to a GoBankingRates analysis, here are the 10 states with the most expensive speeding tickets as of 2019:

1. Nevada ($ 1,000)

2. Alaska ($ 300)

3. Mississippi ($ 300)

4. New York ($ 300)

5. Arizona ($ 250)

6. New Hampshire ($ 248)

7. Texas ($ 229)

8. Florida ($ 226)

9. Rhode Island ($ 225)

10. Hawaii ($ 200)

Tips on How to Avoid Speeding Tickets

Obviously, the most effective way to avoid speeding tickets is by obeying traffic rules. Be aware of speed limits anywhere you are. Signs are always placed around roads and highways. Always be on alert as well on how other drivers are speeding. If the traffic is slowing down, maybe it’s time for you to go easy on the gas.

Here are other tips to help you avoid unnecessary encounters with the highway patrol:

• Though we’re not promoting you to go beyond the speed limit, consider installing a good quality radar detector in your car. This device can detect electromagnetic frequencies of portable radar guns, which triggers an alert for drivers to reduce speed.

  Take note, however, that the use of this device is illegal in some states, such as Virginia. Other states such as California and New York do allow the use of it, but with several restrictions. While states such as Arizona and Florida rarely implement any exceptions. With that said, it is better to check state laws first before installing one on your car.

• As mentioned before, roads and highways always have speed limits signs. Make it it a habit to pay attention to those signs, even if you are driving in a familiar area.

  On top of that, make sure to regularly check your speedometer. This will help you not go beyond the speed limit.

• One of the main reasons why drivers are speeding is because they are in a hurry. But unless it’s a life-and-death situation, police officers won’t buy any excuse you may have.

  That is why it is important to plan your trips ahead of time, as much as possible. If you need to go somewhere really important, try to leave at an earlier time. That way, you won’t be compelled to drive over the speed limit just to reach your destination on time.

Faster Doesn’t Mean Safer

Traffic laws, such as speed limits, are enforced for the welfare of every person on the road — including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 36,560 people were killed in traffic crashes. What’s more alarming is that 25.7% of these fatalities were due to speeding-related accidents. By adhering to speed limitations imposed by your state, you will not just avoid getting a speeding ticket, but you also protect yourself from the dangers of risky driving and speeding.