Speeding in Georgia isn’t just about getting a traffic ticket—it can also mean hefty fines, license suspension, and higher insurance rates. The Georgia Super Speeder Law, enacted in 2010, was designed to crack down on excessive speeding and penalize drivers who exceed the speed limit by a significant margin.
Many drivers don’t realize that paying their initial speeding ticket doesn’t cover all penalties. The Super Speeder violation carries an extra $200 fine, and failure to pay it can lead to license suspension. This law applies not only to Georgia residents but also to out-of-state drivers who receive a qualifying speeding ticket in Georgia.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about Georgia’s Super Speeder Law, including:
- What qualifies as a Super Speeder violation
- Fines and penalties associated with the law
- How the law impacts out-of-state drivers
- Ways to avoid getting a Super Speeder ticket
- Legal options if you receive a Super Speeder violation
By understanding this law and following safe driving habits, you can avoid unnecessary fines, protect your driving record, and keep your insurance rates low.
What Is Georgia’s Super Speeder Law?
Definition of a Super Speeder Violation
The Georgia Super Speeder Law targets drivers who exceed speed limits by a dangerous margin. A driver is classified as a Super Speeder if they are caught:
- Driving 75 mph or more on a two-lane road
- Driving 85 mph or more on any road or highway
This law was implemented to discourage reckless speeding and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
How the Super Speeder Fine Works
If you are ticketed for a speeding violation that qualifies under this law, you will be required to:
- Pay the initial speeding ticket fine, which varies based on the county where you were cited.
- Receive a separate Super Speeder fine notice from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), requiring an additional $200 payment.
This additional fine must be paid directly to the Georgia DDS, separate from the ticket issued by law enforcement.
Fines and Penalties Under the Super Speeder Law
1. Base Fines for Speeding in Georgia
Speeding ticket fines in Georgia vary by county, but in general, you can expect to pay:
- 15-24 mph over the limit → $100 – $150
- 25-34 mph over the limit → $200 – $500
- 35+ mph over the limit → $500+ and possible jail time
These fines are separate from the $200 Super Speeder fee if your violation qualifies under the law.
2. Super Speeder Fine Notification
After resolving your original speeding ticket, the Georgia DDS will send a separate notice for the Super Speeder fine. This notice arrives by mail, so it’s essential to ensure your address is up to date.
3. License Suspension for Non-Payment
If you fail to pay the $200 Super Speeder fine within 120 days, your driver’s license will be suspended. To reinstate your license, you must:
- Pay the $200 Super Speeder fine
- Pay an additional $50 reinstatement fee
- Provide proof of payment to the Georgia DDS
Ignoring the Super Speeder fine can lead to increased costs, license suspension, and further legal trouble.
How the Super Speeder Law Affects Out-of-State Drivers
Many out-of-state drivers mistakenly believe that Georgia’s Super Speeder penalties don’t apply to them, but that’s not the case. If you receive a qualifying speeding ticket in Georgia, you are still subject to the $200 Super Speeder fine, even if you don’t live in the state.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
If an out-of-state driver ignores the Super Speeder fine, Georgia will:
- Suspend their Georgia driving privileges
- Notify the driver’s home state, which may suspend their license until the fine is paid
Each state handles out-of-state violations differently, but many states honor Georgia’s penalties and will suspend a driver’s license until the matter is resolved.
The best way to avoid additional penalties is to pay the fine promptly or contest the ticket in court.
How the Super Speeder Law Impacts Your Driving Record and Insurance
1. Points on Your License
Speeding violations in Georgia result in points on your driving record, which can lead to license suspension if too many points are accumulated. Here’s how speeding violations affect your record:
- 15-18 mph over the limit → 2 points
- 19-23 mph over the limit → 3 points
- 24-33 mph over the limit → 4 points
- 34+ mph over the limit → 6 points
Although the Super Speeder fine itself does not add additional points, the original speeding ticket does. Accumulating 15 or more points within 24 months results in an automatic license suspension.
2. Higher Insurance Premiums
A Super Speeder violation can lead to:
- Insurance rate increases of 20-30% or more
- Loss of safe driver discounts
- Higher premiums for up to five years
To avoid these costs, it’s best to fight the ticket in court or take a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record.
How to Avoid a Super Speeder Ticket
1. Follow Speed Limits, Especially in High-Risk Areas
Most Super Speeder tickets are issued in areas with strict enforcement, such as:
- Interstate highways
- Rural two-lane roads
- School zones
- Construction areas
Being aware of these high-risk areas can help you avoid unnecessary citations.
2. Use Technology to Monitor Your Speed
Apps like Waze, Google Maps, and Radarbot provide real-time speed limit alerts and notify you of known speed traps.
3. Consider a Radar Detector
In states where radar detectors are legal, using one can help you stay within safe speed limits.
4. Contest the Ticket in Court
If you receive a Super Speeder ticket, hiring an experienced attorney may help:
- Reduce or dismiss the charge
- Avoid points on your license
- Prevent insurance premium hikes
The Long-Term Consequences of a Super Speeder Violation
A Super Speeder violation isn’t just a one-time financial burden—it can have lasting effects on your driving record, insurance premiums, and legal standing. Beyond the immediate fines, repeated traffic violations can lead to a habitual offender status, which may result in stricter penalties and even longer license suspensions. In some cases, having multiple high-speed offenses on your record could make it difficult to obtain employment in fields that require a clean driving history, such as commercial trucking or rideshare services.
Additionally, accumulating multiple Super Speeder offenses within a short period could result in court-mandated driving courses or community service. Judges have discretion in handling repeat offenders, and some courts impose harsher penalties to deter drivers from habitual speeding. If you receive two or more Super Speeder tickets within five years, you may even be required to attend a defensive driving program to retain your license.
To minimize the long-term impact of a Super Speeder violation, drivers should consider completing a defensive driving course voluntarily. In some cases, taking such a course can help reduce points on your license and potentially lower insurance premiums. Additionally, if you ever face a Super Speeder violation, consulting with an attorney can provide valuable guidance on whether fighting the ticket in court is the best option for you.
Conclusion
Georgia’s Super Speeder Law imposes significant fines and penalties for drivers caught exceeding specific speed limits. Many people unknowingly face license suspension and higher insurance costs due to this law.
By staying informed, practicing safe driving habits, and addressing tickets promptly, you can avoid costly fines and keep your driving record clean. If you do receive a Super Speeder citation, consider fighting the ticket in court or consulting a traffic attorney to minimize the consequences.
The best way to avoid trouble? Drive responsibly and stay within speed limits—your wallet and license will thank you.