5 U.S. States with Strict Highway Patrols and Expensive Traffic Tickets
If you’re caught speeding in the U.S., expect to pay between $100 and $300 upfront. After adding in various fees and increased insurance rates, those costs get even higher—especially in states with tough highway patrols and pricy tickets.
Wisconsin
This summer, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of State Patrol is intensifying its traffic enforcement efforts on the Madison Beltline (US 12/18) in Dane County. In collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, this initiative aims to curb risky driving behaviors that contribute to serious injuries and fatal accidents along this crucial artery.
From late April, Wisconsin State Patrol has increased patrols, focusing on mitigating speeding, distracted driving, and reckless behaviors. This heightened vigilance has already led to numerous speeding citations, including a notable incident where a driver was clocked at 120 mph in a closed Flex Lane—far exceeding the 55 mph speed limit.
North Carolina
North Carolina takes a strict stance on speed limit enforcement, utilizing tools like speed cameras in select areas to deter speeding and enhance road safety. The state emphasizes a no-nonsense approach with penalties including fines and points on driving records.
Particularly stringent, driving 15 mph over the limit can escalate to a reckless driving charge, underlining North Carolina’s serious commitment to maintaining safe travel speeds.
Ohio
Ohio stands out for its rigorous approach to speed management on highways, with heavy penalties that can even include jail time for extreme cases of speeding.
Employing both speed cameras and a data-driven strategy for patrolling, Ohio actively works to diminish the high number of speed-related accidents and fatalities. Drivers in Ohio are well-advised to adhere strictly to speed limits, as the state is known for its firm stance on speeding violations.
Iowa
Despite its expansive rural landscapes and lower population density, Iowa maintains a rigorous enforcement of speed limits to tackle the prevalent issue of speed-related accidents on its rural roads. The state upholds strict speed regulations with penalties that can escalate to jail time for severe violation.
Iowa’s approach reflects a broader strategy to enhance road safety across diverse driving environments. By enforcing maximum speed limits strictly, Iowa aims to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, ensuring safer travel for all residents and visitors.
Virginia
Virginia is known for its uncompromising enforcement of speed limits, where exceeding the limit by 20 mph or driving over 80 mph categorizes as reckless driving. This can result in hefty fines, demerit points on one’s driving record, and even a criminal misdemeanor charge.
Moreover, Virginia’s commitment to road safety is demonstrated through new speed camera programs in school and work zones, especially aimed at reducing pandemic-era accident rates. However, these programs raise privacy concerns among some local residents.
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