VTL § 1180(b) - Speeding in a 55 Mile Per Hour Zone

If you are cited with speeding on a road in New York State with a 55 MPH speed limit, you will be charged with Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1180(b). The fine and points vary, depending on how much over the speed limit you are charged with going.

Statute

The exact wording of the relevant sub-statute is:

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (g) of this section and except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with subdivision (a) of this section or when maximum speed limits have been established as hereinafter authorized, no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of fifty-five miles per hour.

About

1180(b) is the second most “popular” speeding ticket in New York State. The first is 1180(d). More tickets for 1180(d) are issued than 1180(b) because 1180(d) applies to all speed limits and 1180(b) applies only to 55 mph speed limits. It is unknown why there is a separate subsection for 55 mph zone roads. For all practical purposes, 1180(b) is the same as 1180(d). The fines and possible points are the same.

In New York City, the default speed limit is 25 mph. Outside of the city, the default speed limit is 55 mph. Interstate highways in New York State have a default speed limit of 65 miles per hour. There are some portions where the speed limit on the highways is reduced to 55 mph. The speed limit on parkways never exceeds 55 mph.

Points, Fines, and Higher Insurance Rates

The points depend on how much over the limit you are charged with going. See DMV link for points breakdown. The judge does not have the discretion to reduce the points if you plead guilty. The points are automatically associated to your record once you plead guilty.

Unlike the points, the fines are determined by the judge. For speeds 10 mph over the limit or less the maximum fine is $150 + $93 surcharge. For speeds between 11 and 30 mph over the limit the maximum fine is $300 + 93 surcharge. For speeds more than 31 mph over the limit the maximum fine is $600 + 93 surcharge.

Once you reach six points in eighteen months, there will also be Driver Responsibility Assessment Fees. This has to be paid whether you are a New York or an out-of-state driver. A judge does not have the discretion to waive this fee.

The largest cost is often the increased insurance rates. When you renew your insurance, they check your driving record. With a speeding violation appearing on your record, you can expect to be quoted significantly higher premiums for several years after the conviction date.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has handled thousands of 1180(b) tickets. Our firm has had much success in obtaining dramatic reductions for many of our clients. This is done mostly by entering into plea bargain negotiations that result in a substantial modification of the charges. Advantageous plea bargains are not obtained by convincing the judge or prosecutor of your version of events. This rarely works. There are various legal techniques and procedural tactics that good traffic lawyers utilize to obtain highly advantageous reductions.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is dedicated to helping motorists with speeding tickets. We have helped thousands of clients avoid the costly consequences of a serious speeding violation appearing on their driving record. Our firm takes on cases all across New York State, from Valley Stream in Long Island to Amherst, outside of Buffalo. We will be glad to review your speeding charges and let you know what we can do for you. Consultations are always free.

Fight a VTL § 1180(b) Ticket