Route 17 / Coastal Highway Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Route 17 / Coastal Highway Speeding Ticket Attorney

U.S. Highway 17, also known as the Coastal Highway, runs north to south and spans multiple states, accounting for 286 miles of North Carolina roadways. It is a scenic wonderland that passes through many intercoastal waterways and historic towns throughout the state. Towns that line the Coastal Highway include Elizabeth City, Williamston, Washington, New Bern, Kirkland, Wilmington, Leland, and Winnabow.

Throughout North Carolina, this four-lane divided highway has varying speed limits ranging from 45 miles per hour to 70 mph, so it’s no surprise that thousands of North Carolina speeding tickets are issued on Route 17 each year. If you’ve received a traffic ticket on Route 17, a traffic violation attorney can help you reduce the consequences you might otherwise incur without the aid of a lawyer.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates offers high-quality legal advice, support, and representation to work towards a favorable outcome in your case. Since 1990, we have listened to our clients’ questions so that they can always understand everything about their case and possible consequences. We work hard to make a difference for those facing traffic tickets on Route 17 and other surrounding areas.

North Carolina Traffic Citations

Even though it only takes 49 seconds longer to drive for two miles at 45 miles per hour than it does at 65 miles per hour, thousands of speeding tickets are written every year to drivers on Route 17. North Carolina speed limits are set according to careful calculations that are the result of inspections conducted by traffic engineers. These studies consider various factors, such as:

• Characteristics of the road surfaces
• Shoulders
• Sight distance
• Friction
• Curves
• Development patterns in the area

Lawmakers stand by the calculated speed limits of North Carolina roadways as the natural speed of driving. According to the scientific model used by engineering and traffic investigations, raising or lowering speed limits will not change the speed at which drivers drive. Furthermore, adding additional traffic control devices and signals, such as stop signs and traffic signals, won’t improve the problem but will only reduce the effectiveness of and compliance with these devices.

Thus, North Carolina officials believe that enforcement is the only true method capable of minimizing speeding on North Carolina roadways. That means speeding tickets. For this reason, and because of the stiff consequences North Carolina imposes on those convicted of traffic violations, drivers are highly discouraged from speeding in North Carolina. If it’s too late, the top advice for anyone who has received a ticket for speeding in North Carolina is to hire a traffic violation lawyer. The money you will save in the long run can make hiring a speeding ticket attorney worth the expense.

Speed Limits in North Carolina

Speeding above the posted speed limit is a common reason for a traffic citation in North Carolina. In fact, thousands are written each year to encourage motorists to slow down in North Carolina. It is important that drivers know that, where there is no posted speed limit in North Carolina, it can be assumed that the speed limit is:

• 35 mph in a municipality
• 55 mph outside a municipality
• 70 mph on a highway

Potential Defense Strategies for Traffic Court

There are a few options ticketed drivers have in North Carolina to fight their ticket. These include simply contesting it, which can oftentimes get your ticket reduced. You can also request a reduction, which, if approved, will lower your ticket as well as the penalties. Finally, you can enter a prayer for judgment (PJC). A PJC is basically a pass. Under a PJC, a judge can still rule that someone is guilty of the violation but not charge them with the traffic offense. It is a guilty plea without any consequences.

FAQs About Route 17 / Costal Highway, NC Traffic Ticket Laws

How Do I Get Out of a Speeding Ticket in Court in North Carolina?

There are a few different defense strategies that can help you when you get a speeding ticket in North Carolina. Some options include contesting the ticket, accepting a plea bargain for a better outcome, or agreeing to attend traffic school. A North Carolina speeding ticket attorney can help you determine which option is right for your situation.
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How Do I Fight a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

Being prepared to defend your rights in a speeding ticket case in North Carolina can include:

• Familiarizing yourself with state traffic laws
• Knowing your rights
• Determining what equipment was used to track your speed
• Employing the help of an experienced traffic violation lawyer

All these can be useful strategies to fight speeding tickets in North Carolina.

​Is It Worth Fighting a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

Yes, considering the consequences of not fighting a speeding ticket in North Carolina and the possible outcomes that can affect your wallet and your driver’s license privileges, it is worth fighting your ticket. If you’re ticketed for going more than 15 miles per hour over the posted limit, you can be convicted of a class 3 misdemeanor. Therefore, it becomes even more imperative that you fight your ticket. A qualified North Carolina traffic court attorney is ideal when contesting a North Carolina speeding violation.

​Is Driving 15 MPH Over the Limit Reckless Driving in North Carolina?

Yes. For example, driving 15 mph over on a road where the posted speed limit is 35 mph is considered reckless driving. In North Carolina, reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor that stays on your permanent record. It can also carry potential penalties such as a jail sentence of up to 60 days and/or fines of up to $1000. Additionally, it adds four points to your driver’s license and can raise your car insurance rate. It can even cause your license to be suspended.

Get Legal Help to Fight Your North Carolina Traffic Ticket

The last thing you should do if you get a North Carolina traffic citation on Route 17 is pay it without first speaking with an attorney. Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates today to schedule a consultation and discuss the right defense strategy for your speeding ticket case. You might be able to get a reduced conviction.