What to Do if you Receive a Speeding Ticket ?

If you want to fight a speeding ticket on your own, you have that right. Be forewarned, however, that there is more to it than meets the untrained eye. New Hampshire has two types of speed limits: prima facia and unreasonable for the conditions. Each requires a unique defense strategy, and an understanding of what each charge entails.

A prima facia or “presumed” speed limit means the posted speed limit is presumed to be the safest top speed. You may be able to prove otherwise. You can fight this charge by claiming that even if you were traveling slightly over the speed limit, you were still driving safely given the specific road, traffic, and weather conditions. You bear the burden of proof to show that conditions were safe to be traveling at your clocked speed.

You can also be issued a ticket for speeding in which the state alleges that you were driving at a speed that was unreasonable for the conditions. That charge involves an allegation by the state that the speed that you were traveling was unreasonable based on things like weather, traffic or construction. In this case, the state has the burden to prove that your speed was unreasonable.

A conviction for speed can have consequences relating to your operating privileges and automobile insurance. Don’t plead guilty to such a charge until you are certain that you will not have any issues other than paying a fine.