Driving down the highway it sure seems everyone is going at least 5 mph over the posted speed limit, but that does not mean you will not get stopped. Generally, officers show some level of lenience for minimal over limit cases, but they are certainly not required to.
In these minimal over limit cases, calibration of their detection equipment and speed calibration in the offending vehicle can be called into question making it more likely that they will have to put more effort into proving their case than a simple 80 mph in a 55 mph situation. Still, if there are other factors enticing them to pull a vehicle over such as a faulty taillight or suspiciously dark tint on the windows, it is not unheard of.
Legally, a driver can be pulled over for going 1 mph over the posted speed. The speed limit is set for a reason. In heavy traffic, especially when vehicles are following less than the recommended 1 car length for every 10 mph of speed, remember the faster you go the longer it takes to stop. Another big risk factor is the difference in speed between one vehicle and another.
Why going over the speed limit is a bad idea…
In 2023, State Patrol troopers investigated 2,860 fatal and injury crashes in Colorado, where CSP said “speeding was found to be the top contributing factor in 685 of those crashes, followed by lane violations at 632 and impaired driving at 588.” They also commented that “If the average driver thinks it’s okay to go 5 mph or 10 mph above the speed limit, the risk-takers will go faster than that.”
In Michigan, if you get a ticket for 1-2 mph over the posted speed, the penalty is 2 points against your license and fines of $115.00 to $145.00.
If your intention is to drive 5 mph over limit and there is a 3 mph discrepancy in calibration, you are actually going 8 mph over the posted speed limit. That can easily increase to 10 mph over limit on a slight downhill grade without you even noticing it.
Your GPS tracking system provides you with speed history
For fleet managers, it’s always a good idea to stress to drivers that exceeding the posted speed limit, even by just 5 mph, is frowned upon by management. In the event of a collision, company policy and the steps you take to enforce it can be introduced into evidence.
Your GPS tracking system provides you with speed history so you can monitor that driver behavior and take action when needed. Most important is the safety of your employees, and preventing speeding prevents collisions. The goal is for every driver to get home safe every day!
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