What happens when you get a speeding ticket in Georgia

A Georgia speeding citation is a traffic ticket issued by law enforcement when an officer observes you driving faster than the posted speed limit or faster than is safe for conditions. The officer records the alleged speed, the speed limit, and the location on a ticket form, which you receive on the spot or by mail if the citation was issued by a camera.

Georgia law treats speeding as a misdemeanor traffic offense, not a criminal charge, but it still carries fines, points on your driving record, and potential insurance rate increases. The fine amount depends on how much over the limit you were traveling. A first offense for speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit typically costs less than speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the limit.

You have several paths forward after receiving a citation: you can pay the fine and accept the violation, contest the ticket in traffic court, or in some cases request a hearing before the citation becomes final. The choice you make affects whether points are added to your Georgia driving record and how the violation appears to insurance companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia speeding citations carry fines that increase with how far over the limit you were driving, plus points added to your driving record that can raise insurance rates.
  • You can pay the fine, contest the ticket in traffic court, or request a hearing to dispute the citation before it becomes final.
  • Points remain on your Georgia driving record for three years, and accumulating too many points can result in license suspension.
  • If you choose to contest the ticket, the officer who issued it must appear in court to testify; if they do not show, the case is often dismissed.
  • Some Georgia counties and municipalities offer traffic school or defensive driving courses that may reduce points or fines if you meet the requirements.

How Georgia assigns points and fines for speeding

Georgia's point system assigns points based on the speed over the limit, not the absolute speed. Driving 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit adds 2 points to your record. Driving 11 to 14 miles per hour over adds 3 points. Driving 15 to 18 miles per hour over adds 4 points. Driving 19 to 23 miles per hour over adds 6 points. Driving 24 miles per hour or more over the limit adds 6 points and may result in additional charges.

Fines are set by state law but can vary slightly by county and municipality. A first speeding offense typically ranges from $25 to $200 depending on how far over the limit you were traveling. Repeat offenses within a certain period carry higher fines. You may also owe court costs, which vary by jurisdiction but typically add $50 to $150 to the total.

Points stay on your Georgia driving record for three years from the date of the violation. If you accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period, your license will be suspended. If you accumulate 20 points within a 24-month period, your license will be suspended for a longer term. Insurance companies can see points on your record and often raise premiums based on them.

Your options for responding to a Georgia speeding citation

When you receive a citation, you will see a court date and instructions for how to respond. You have three main options: pay the fine by the court date, appear in court to contest the ticket, or request a hearing before the citation becomes final.

If you pay the fine, you are admitting to the violation. Points will be added to your record, and the violation will be reported to your insurance company. This is the fastest option but also the one that most directly affects your driving record and insurance rates.

If you contest the ticket in traffic court, you can argue that the officer made an error in measuring your speed, that road conditions or signage were unclear, or that the officer did not have a clear view of your vehicle. The burden is on the prosecution to prove you were speeding. If the officer does not appear in court, the case is typically dismissed. You can also cross-examine the officer about how the speed was measured and whether their equipment was calibrated.

Some Georgia courts allow you to request a hearing before a judge or hearing officer without a full trial. This is sometimes called a "show cause" hearing. At this hearing, you can present evidence or testimony about why the citation should be dismissed or reduced. The rules and availability of this option vary by county.

Traffic school and defensive driving courses in Georgia

Georgia does not have a statewide traffic school program that automatically reduces fines or points for all speeding violations. However, some individual counties and municipalities offer defensive driving courses or traffic school programs that may reduce points or fines if you meet the requirements.

To find out whether your county or city offers such a program, contact the traffic court clerk in the jurisdiction where you received the citation. They can tell you whether the court will allow you to take a course in lieu of paying the full fine or whether completing a course will reduce the points on your record.

If you are offered the option to take a course, you will typically need to complete it before your court date and provide proof of completion to the court. Courses are usually offered online or in person and cost between $50 and $150. Completing the course does not erase the violation from your record, but it may prevent points from being added or reduce the number of points added.

How speed is measured and what you can challenge in court

Georgia law allows officers to measure speed using radar, laser (LIDAR), pacing, or visual estimation. Radar and laser are the most common methods. If you contest the ticket, you have the right to know which method was used and to challenge whether it was used correctly.

For radar and laser measurements, you can ask whether the officer's equipment was calibrated before and after the citation was issued. Calibration records are required by law, and if the officer cannot produce them, the accuracy of the measurement may be questioned. You can also ask whether the officer was trained to use the equipment and whether they followed proper procedures.

For pacing, the officer follows your vehicle at a measured distance to estimate your speed. You can challenge whether the officer maintained a safe following distance, whether they had a clear view of your speedometer, and whether they paced you for a long enough distance to be accurate.

Visual estimation, where an officer judges your speed by sight alone, is the weakest form of speed measurement. If this was the only method used, you have strong grounds to challenge the citation in court.

What happens to your insurance and driving record

Once a speeding violation is added to your Georgia driving record, insurance companies can see it. Most insurers raise premiums for drivers with recent speeding violations. The increase varies by company and by how far over the limit you were driving, but a typical increase is 10 to 30 percent for a first offense.

The violation remains on your record for three years. After three years, it no longer appears on your driving record and insurance companies can no longer use it to set your rates. However, if you are involved in an accident or receive another citation during those three years, the earlier violation may still be considered.

If you accumulate points quickly, your license can be suspended. Georgia suspends licenses for 12 months if you accumulate 15 points in 24 months, and for 24 months if you accumulate 20 points in 24 months. You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving notice of the suspension.

Paying your citation and understanding your receipt

You can pay a Georgia speeding citation by mail, online, in person at the traffic court, or sometimes by phone. The citation itself will list the court address and payment methods accepted. Payment must be made by the date listed on your citation, or a warrant for your arrest may be issued.

When you pay, you will receive a receipt showing the fine amount, court costs, and the total paid. Keep this receipt. It serves as proof that you paid and can protect you if there is a dispute later about whether payment was received.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the traffic court clerk when ready. Many courts offer payment plans or can reduce fines based on financial hardship. Some courts also allow you to request a continuance, which extends your court date and gives you more time to pay or prepare your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a speeding ticket dismissed if the officer does not show up to court?

Yes. In Georgia, if the officer who issued the citation does not appear in traffic court on your scheduled date, the case is typically dismissed. However, you must appear in court yourself. If you do not show up and the officer does, the court may find you guilty in your absence.

What is the difference between contesting a ticket and requesting a hearing?

Contesting a ticket usually means appearing at a full trial in traffic court, where both you and the officer present evidence and testimony. A hearing is often a shorter proceeding before a judge or hearing officer where you can present your side without a full trial. Not all Georgia courts offer hearings, so ask the court clerk what options are available in your jurisdiction.

Will taking a defensive driving course remove points from my record?

It depends on your county and the court's policies. Some courts will reduce or eliminate points if you complete an approved course. Others will only reduce the fine. Contact the traffic court clerk in the county where you received the citation to find out what options are available to you.

How long does a speeding violation stay on my Georgia driving record?

A speeding violation remains on your Georgia driving record for three years from the date of the offense. After three years, it no longer appears on your record and cannot be used by insurance companies to set your rates.

What happens if I get multiple speeding tickets within a short time?

Multiple violations within a short period increase your risk of license suspension. Georgia suspends licenses for 12 months if you accumulate 15 points in 24 months. Each speeding ticket adds points, so a second ticket can push you closer to suspension. You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving notice.