Do you have a lead foot? We all speed at one time or another, well most of us anyway. If you were caught speeding, and have been issued a Uniform Traffic Citation in Georgia for speeding, you may qualify to be designated as a “Super Speeder” should you be convicted of the charge. Paying your “ticket,” without appearing in front of the Judge, is the same as being convicted. This means extra penalties from the State, on top of the fines and fees you pay in the Court in which you were charged with speeding. As a part-time Municipal Court prosecutor, I prosecute speeding tickets which result in a “Super Speeder” designation. Here is what you need to know, if you think you have been charged with being a “Super Speeder.”
Before you pay a ticket, discuss your case with the Court prosecutor. He or she may negotiate a deal with you involving a safety course, and in exchange reduce your speed below the Super Speeder designated limit. Each Court is different, however, but this is one possibility. I also recommend seeking the advice of an experienced criminal or traffic defense attorney, since he or she will be trained in the law and may provide defenses, explain penalties and the applicable laws, or may be able to negotiate a better deal with the prosecuting attorney.
Here is some information, courtesy of the DDS.
So, what is the “Super Speeder Law?”
Georgia’s ‘Super Speeder Law’ defines a Super Speeder as a driver convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or at 85 mph and above on any road or highway in the State of Georgia.
In addition to the fines and fees paid to the jurisdiction where the speeding offense took place, a $200 Super Speeder state fee is to be paid by the convicted driver to the State. Failure to pay the Super Speeder fee within 120 days of official notice will result in the suspension of the offender’s license or driving privileges. Payment of a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the $200 Super Speeder fee will then be required to reinstate their license or driving privileges.
How will I be notified that I owe the Super Speeder fee?
If the DDS receives notification of your conviction for speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or highway, or at 85 mph and above on any road or highway in the State of Georgia, you will be notified by first class mail of the $200 Super Speeder fee. You will have 120 days from the date of the notice to pay the fee to DDS.
Will my license be suspended?
Failure to pay the Super Speeder fee to DDS within 120 days of the notice date will result in the suspension of your license, permit, or driving privilege in Georgia. If your license, permit, or driving privilege is suspended in Georgia due to non-payment of the Super Speeder fee, you must pay a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the $200 Super Speeder fee in order to reinstate your license, permit, or driving privilege.
I am an out of state driver, How does this affect my driving privileges?
Out of state drivers are subject to the same requirements as Georgia drivers. If you do not pay the Super Speeder fee, the DDS will impose a suspension of your non-resident driving privilege in Georgia. The DDS will then report the suspension to your home state’s licensing authority which would then decide to take additional action, if any.
Are additional points added to my record for being declared a Super Speeder or being suspended for non-payment of Super Speeder fees?
No.
Will a separate Super Speeder fee be required for each speeding conviction?
Yes, and if suspended, a separate $50 reinstatement fee will be required for non-payment of each individual Super Speeder fee.
What methods are available for reinstating a Super Speeder suspension?
Payment of Super Speeder fees and reinstatement fees can be made in-person, by mail, and through the DDS website.
Why didn’t the Court collect the $200 Super Speeder fee when I paid my fine and other costs?
Under the provisions of the ‘Super Speeder Law’, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) is responsible for the administration and collection of the $200 Super Speeder fee. Payment of the Super Speeder fee can be made at the DDS website, by mail, or in-person at a DDS Customer Service Center. FMI visit the DDS website at http://www.dds.ga.gov/.
