Est-ce risqué de dépasser les limites de vitesse ?
Posted by G-Beach-8566@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 261 comments
Salut, je suis en roadtrip aux USA depuis 2 semaines et je constate que 90% des gens ne respectent pas les limitations de vitesse.
Quand je respecte les limites, tout le monde me double, même les camions. Même à 5 ou 10mph au-dessus, c'est presque pareil.
Pas de radars fixes comme en France, donc j'imagine que le seul risque c'est une patrouille ? Quelles sont les sanctions ? Sont-elles si faibles que les gens acceptent de prendre le risque ?
Je cherche juste à comprendre comment ça marche ici. Merci
Rightintheend@reddit
Sir, this is ask American, we don't know none of that foreign language stuffs
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Sure! 200+ people managed just fine though 😄
CasualVox@reddit
Depends where you are.... if in Virginia, they'll bust you for just 3 or 4 mph over.... every where else, stick to the pace of traffic and try to keep from going more than 10mph over.
river-running@reddit
Also for Virginia, if anyone happens to find themselves here: don't go over 85 or more than 20 over the posted limit. If you do, you risk also catching a reckless driving charge.
JudgeJuryEx78@reddit
I mean, 20 over is pretty reckless.
Bakedpotato1212@reddit
On a highway? No it’s not
cptjeff@reddit
Very, very dependant on the highway.
JudgeJuryEx78@reddit
Okay.
cornlip@reddit
If you’re not going 90 around Atlanta someone’s gonna take you out. You can do 100 if you want and still be fine. Just don’t do it anywhere outside of it or GSP will pit maneuver and shoot you.
inhocfaf@reddit
You're not kidding. Me and my wife were driving down from NY to NC to see our in-laws and were pulled over on a dark highway in the middle of nowhere Virginia. Me and my wife just switched driving and I was in the back with our 3 month old infant (who was screaming).
We get pulled over for allegedly speeding. I know everyone says this but we were going no more than 60 mph on a 55.
Cop comes over to the passenger side window absolutely heated, essentially foaming at the mouth threatening my wife with arrest for reckless driving. He was lecturing my wife that it's incredibly unsafe to drive at such speed, how could she do that with an infant in the car, etc. I'm in turn getting pissed because I'm in the back biting my tongue at this douchebag just about crossing the line with how he's speaking to my wife.
He then says driving 90 mph means he can keep my wife for the weekend and tow the car, leaving us on the side of the road. I then chime in saying there's absolutely no way we were driving 90mph, and I'd love to know how he arrived at that figure.
He said another cop clocked us a ways back, called it in and gave a description of our car. No less than 3 seconds later he runs back to his cruiser. He then runs back and throws my wife's ID into our car, returns to his cruiser and speeds away.
He clearly had the wrong car and sped away to get the right one. You'd think he suspected us of murder with how he handled the interaction.
GiraffeWithATophat@reddit
Pretty sure going 20 over is considered reckless driving in just about every state
37b@reddit
You can go to jail for it in Virginia.
gogozrx@reddit
It's very true, but also largely depends on your conduct.
With proper acts of contrition, you leave with a ticket. A potentially life altering ticket, but just a ticket.
--recipient of several reckless tickets.
spintool1995@reddit
20 over is the normal flow of traffic in SoCal (when not in a traffic jam).
crankertanker@reddit
Yeah was gonna say never had a problem passing a cop. Especially on the fwy going 80
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
Yes, but the enthusiasm for enforcement varies widely. In some states you won’t be bothered for going 20 over on some parts of the highway, and if you’re going 30 over they might drop that to 15 over. In other states, they will nail you.
I think the best advice for anybody visiting is to drive the speed limit, or the pace of traffic if that’s going a bit faster. If the fast lane is going faster than you’re comfortable with, either for driving skill, or for your worries about the law, driving the slow lane.
sighing-through-life@reddit
Here in Texas, I followed a sheriff going 20mph over the limit for about ten miles. Got to my destination super fast because everyone else would get spooked as he came up and slow down or move out of the way, lol. We weren't even on the highway when I found him. Some places be crazy.
buried_lede@reddit
Nooo. Might be but usually not charged, just the speeding ticket
devilbunny@reddit
No, got a ticket for 87 in a 65 in Alabama (yes, I was speeding, no, I thought it was 83, speedometer was wrong on the low side, I was trying not to trigger the 20-over law), he ticketed me and let me go on. I went to court and in private conversation told the DA I would pay any reasonable fine if it didn’t get reported to my home state and hit my insurance. He dropped it to 15 over and somehow the ticket never made it to Mississippi.
Even if you’re just a college student, show up to court in a suit and tie. It works.
shelwood46@reddit
I mean, in NJ they told me to go with the flow of the traffic, on the toll roads and interstates, that's often 20 over. It's the ones going 35 over that get nicked.
94grampaw@reddit
Not by default, I got a ticket for going 47 in a 25 and it was just a speeding ticket, a very expensive one but it was just a ticket.
DenseAstronomer3631@reddit
In NC 15 over is a misdemeanor and you have to go to court, but it seems they rarely pull you over for less than that. I still stick to under 10 over for the most part. A lot of interstates you can easily be going 15+ and barely keeping up with traffic during busier times
Eats_Lots_of_Chicken@reddit
It’s funny because in Northern VA (especially within the beltway) you’re going to feel very slow if you aren’t going at least 10 over
Winterqueen5@reddit
I see so many people say this, but I thought the people in nova drove slow compared to other places. When the beltway or 66 were clear, I still didn’t see people driving 75-90 like I saw in Knoxville, TN or even Richmond, VA.
heckkyeahh@reddit
i’ve been driving here for almost a decade now and i have almost never been able to go 10 mph over the speed limit on 495, 395, or 66. it’s always bumper to bumper lol.
Dawn-Storm@reddit
I heard that!
(I'm from the area)
Ceorl_Lounge@reddit
"Drive to Survive!"
-Old Beltway Proverb
LiquidityCrisis69@reddit
Yea I think that person must live in or next to a town that gets a lot of revenue from ticketing pass thru traffic. Which admittedly describes a lot of small towns in Virginia
McFlyyouBojo@reddit
That is dependant on where you are. 5 over you are usually fine... unless you find yourself in emporia
Fecapult@reddit
As a Virginian, we are pretty notoriously speedy - to the point where the South of the Border billboard guys call us out in North Carolina. I've never heard of anyone getting pulled for 3-4 over. I routinely drive by police running radar at 8-9 mph over without incurring their wrath. Now I will knock on wood.
Dawn-Storm@reddit
Be careful! Radar detectors are illegal in VA!
cfbluvr@reddit
in texas you will get passed doing 15 over
railmanmatt@reddit
In Utah, you'll get passed if you're doing 85 on a freeway.
spintool1995@reddit
True, but the posted speed limit on those desert highways is 80.
DidAnyoneElseJustCum@reddit
I drive a bit up and down the i95 corridor. For me the 95 is the speed limit and I've never had issues
myotheroneders@reddit
Delaware is the same. Going through some of the beach towns, the speed limit rapidly changing from 55 to 25. It's well known that police there strictly enforce it and are always on the watch, especially in the busier times of the year. I've known lots of people who got pulled over for speeding. I would actually set the cruise control to the speed limit just to be safe.
Youcants1tw1thus@reddit
NY is pretty aggressive with ticketing. RI as well. CT not at all.
Mediocre-Oil-5322@reddit
Depends on where you are in NY. On I-90, pretty much everyone is going 80, some days 85. Rarely do I see anyone get pulled over anymore.
Youcants1tw1thus@reddit
I commuted CT to Syracuse for about a year. NYS Thruway Patrol would be every 30 miles, and driving a vehicle with CT plates I would be pulled over if I was a few miles over. They’d pick me out of a line of cars all going the same speed. Aside from some daredevils, when I was commuting almost everyone would be going the limit or 5 under. This was 2015.
Mediocre-Oil-5322@reddit
It has changed since then. If you aren't firing a submachine gun out your window while you drive, 80 is fine.
futurearmysolider@reddit
NY is aggressive with ticketing those going 10 over as its also reckless driving. CT you can fly past people at 66 in a 65
Youcants1tw1thus@reddit
You mean 96 in a 65.
BaxGh0st@reddit
NY sets their speed limits so low too. Feels like they're just trying to get more revenue from tickets.
Youcants1tw1thus@reddit
They famously go after out of state plates too. Same for RI.
RTR7105@reddit
Weirdly driving around the enthusiam for traffic enforcement seems to correlate with red/blue politics, but it may actually be density.
94grampaw@reddit
It doesn't seem to be either, the biggest factor is not having out of state plates.
WentzWorldWords@reddit
In metro Detroit, expect to crawl along doing 52mph, or keep up with traffic at 85 while some granny passes you as if you’re standing still
AnybodySeeMyKeys@reddit
Add South Carolina to the mix. They take it seriously.
Meanwhile, here in Alabama, the unofficial speed limit on the interstates is 10 miles an hour above the official speed limit.
skeevy-stevie@reddit
And if you’re in other parts of Virginia, you can drive by cops 15 mph over the limit and they’re still looking to pull someone else over.
BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit
No they don't. I constantly do 10 over on cruise control passing state police on 95 and elsewhere.
TalFidelis@reddit
Totally depends on where in VA.
On Rt 7 in western Loudoun County the speed limit is 55 but I’ve never heard of anyone getting a ticket for under 70mph.
cplatt831@reddit
California Highway Patrol will ticket their own grandmothers.
BigSlongGoy@reddit
ohio is aggressive too.
MommyThatcher@reddit
It's not 2019 anymore this stopped being true during covid. 9 over is safe on every freeway in the state.
Ceorl_Lounge@reddit
Unless you're from Michigan
Ok-Entertainment5045@reddit
Then it’s three over. It’s like they don’t like us or something.
Ceorl_Lounge@reddit
Feeling's mutual
BigSlongGoy@reddit
i’ve got a speeding ticket driving from texas to canada at 7am on christmas eve 2024.
paulding county
interstate dropped to 55 and i was the only car on the road so pretty easy pickings
FearMyCrayons2023@reddit
*In va with out of states plates
freedom781@reddit
Moving with the flow of traffic at 5 over is pretty safe. Be more cautious if there's little traffic or construction/school zone.
JudgeJuryEx78@reddit
Or weather. So many people drive in torrential downpours the same way they would on a clear day and it's terrifying.
epicenter69@reddit
Florida police have the option to check a box for “speed unsafe for conditions” for the weather part. I’m sure it’s used more often if a vehicle accident occurs though.
consuelananahammock@reddit
Speed unsafe for conditions doesn't mean weather conditions. It means all the other conditions like vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic, etc.
cptjeff@reddit
It can mean weather conditions if conditions are extreme. It's a catch all.
PuzzledKumquat@reddit
Or the opposite way. It's rainy here today and on my way home I encountered several drivers who were going way below the speed limit and causing hazardous conditions. It's just a normal rainstorm, but they were driving like they were in the eyewall of a hurricane.
JohnHazardWandering@reddit
It's so terrible that they have to slow down to 20mph on the freeway, yet don't think it's so bad that they should exit.
🤦♂️
Inside-Try-394@reddit
Shades of gray. 5 mph over is within legal parameters under normal conditions. If you must not get a ticket 5 over is the maximum speed. Other people seem to drive faster and rarely get a ticket obviously.
Ok-commuter-4400@reddit
5 mph over is not within legal parameters -- source: my mom, who got a ticket going 2mph over in a suburban residential neighborhood (not a school zone) where the cops were bored. That said, it's very rare to be pulled over for doing 5 over, especially on larger roads.
Inside-Try-394@reddit
The measuring device has calibration tolerances as does the cars speedometer. Mom should take their asses to court.
Screaming_Agony@reddit
I deployed with a few cops/highway patrols guys. They all agreed “under 9(over) you’re fine, over 9 you’re mine”. Also, you’re going to speed, make sure you’re not the last car in the line of cars speeding. Middle spot means you’re probably not getting picked out
buried_lede@reddit
Also, off the highway, some towns are more aggressive than others.
IanDOsmond@reddit
The general rule is "don't be the fastest thing on the road, but try not to be the slowest, either."
There are highways near me north of Boston where the posted speed limit is 55, but it is actively dangerous to drive under 75. You just try to do what everybody else around you is doing.
PointlessProfile450@reddit
One thing to mention is that the rule of thumb for highways is the left lane is for passing/faster traffic and the right lane is for cruising/slower traffic. If you dont want to go over the speed limit then stick to the right lanes and you’ll be fine
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
And what about the middle lane? I notice a lot of people use it without moving much, kind of like a "safe lane." People pass on both the left and the right. I tend to use it myself to avoid the "exit only" lanes on the right, or in the city, to avoid blocking people turning right.
In France, you'd get honked at for staying in the middle lane instead of moving back to the right. But the road exits are very different here.
Difficult-Ad2084@reddit
If you are in CA, best to just go with the speed of traffic or you will end up in an accident with people trying to manifest around you.
lokland@reddit
I was taught that everyone goes 5 over. However on major highways it’s closer to 10 over (in the context of road trips, not daily commutes).
But just follow the general pace of traffic.
ProbablyAPotato1939@reddit
Everyone speeds on the interstate, cops barely even enforce the limit unless you're going WAY over or showing signs of impairment.
In town I'd stick to the limit, not because of a ticket, but for everyone else's safety.
constaleah@reddit
The far right lane is for slow drivers. The far left lane is for passing i.e. speeding. The middle lanes are usually average, say 65 average in a designated 55 speed limit area.
If you want to go slow, stay in the far right lane. But if you go 45 in a 55 speed limit, i.e. too slow, you can be pulled over by patrols.
LongOrganization7838@reddit
Depends on where and the context, In a work zone or school zone yes because you will get nailed if a cop sees you, on the highway as long as its within a range they wont really care especially if its in the middle of nowhere
DharmaCub@reddit
If you see a cop, you make sure you're going exactly the speed limit. Other than that, the general rule is 10 mph over.
jaaaaagggggg@reddit
Still state dependent. I have passed cops cruising on the freeway while they were at the speed limit and I was going 10 over but I wasn’t driving crazy just going slightly faster than him. In NJ I have never seen a state trooper even look at you if you are doing less than 15 over
crazygoattoe@reddit
Almost anywhere you can be going like 4 over and cops won't ever pull you over. Usually when I slow down for cops I go from high 70s to like 72-74 depending on the flow of traffic
GovernorGeneralPraji@reddit
Eventually it can also become a criminal charge, not just a ticket, which will require an appearance before a judge.
You can also have your license pulled at a certain point.
DirkPitt106@reddit
In Alabama, all traffic tickets are criminal charges, and if you are from out of state and ignore a ticket they will file with your home state to get your license suspended there. So if you are out of state, you have to either pay it and get hit with a guilty plea that will hurt your insurance rates, show up to court like 2 months after you get the ticket, or pay a lawyer to show up for you because most tickets you can have a lawyer show up to court instead.
wookieesgonnawook@reddit
Yup I think around me it's 30 over before you're risking being arrested and charged. As a stupid teen i definitely had a cop looking out for me one day when he pulled me over going "78" in a 50 when I was closer to 95.
whiteorchid1058@reddit
20mph over in most states is reckless driving
GovernorGeneralPraji@reddit
I know it can be as low as 20 over in certain states like Arizona. My wife was pulled over here in PA going 21 over and the trooper told her he would have been well within his rights to confiscate her license.
JimDemintRecession@reddit
Also, ff you see someone coming the opposite way flashing lights or high beams, that means a cop is ahead. You may want to slow down as safe.
PocketFalafel@reddit
Can also mean deer, FYI. Happy to spread the word about this every time lol
illegal_miles@reddit
It can mean any kind of hazard or thing to watch out for. Best thing to do is usually to slow down a bit and keep your eyes peeled for the next minute or so. Could be a branch in the road, an animal, a wreck around the corner, police, etc.
Except when it just means “turn your brights off, dumbass, you’re blinding me”. Or “turn your lights on, dumbass, it’s dark/raining/foggy”.
DharmaCub@reddit
My GPS also tells me when I'm approaching a speed trap.
nullpassword@reddit
If you are going five over they "probably" won't mess with you. I wouldn't chance it if from out of state.
Sparkle_Rott@reddit
Yes. In many states and more rural areas an out-of-state tag signals “pull me over”.
Similar_Fishing2436@reddit
Where I live I don’t even bother slowing to the speed limit when I see a cop any more. I’ll maybe try to get to like 5 over but the amount of cops I’ve passed doing 10-12 over and they do nothing is insane.
kritter4life@reddit
I prefer “9 is fine” motto
Thin-Telephone2240@reddit
Don't speed and keep to the right. If you do speed be aware that 20mph or greater over the speed limit is considered criminal. If stopped for criminal speeding the officer may have discretion whether to arrest you or issue you a criminal citation that lets you go on but you must promise to appear in court.
Speed cameras do exist in some places, such as cities. They are controversial. There are also license plate cameras used to detect vehicles associated with arrest warrants.
Thin-Telephone2240@reddit
FROM GOOGLE TRANSLATE: Hi, I've been on a road trip across the USA for the past two weeks, and I've noticed that 90% of people don't respect the speed limits. When I stick to the limits, everyone passes me—even the trucks. Even when I'm going 5 or 10 mph over, it's pretty much the same story. There are no fixed speed cameras like there are in France, so I assume the only risk is running into a patrol car? What are the penalties? Are they so lenient that people are willing to take the risk? I'm just trying to understand how things work over here. Thanks!
Claxton916@reddit
Depends on the state.
A car going 10 miles over the speed limit in Michigan? They might be run off the road by the policeman driving 20 miles over the speed limit because he can.
A car going 5 miles over the speed limit in Ohio is okay (unless they have a Michigan plate, then that drops back to the normal speed limit).
A car going 1 mile over the speed limit in Georgia is a traffic stop.
Designer-Travel4785@reddit
Speed limits are merely a suggestion, most places. There are a few small towns around that will ticket for 2 over. Most cops aren't going to bother with it for 10% over.
kshucker@reddit
My mentality is that I’ll go over the speed limit as long as there are other cars passing me.
Why would I get pulled over by a cop when somebody ahead of me is going faster?
Wallaroo_Trail@reddit
Once they learn you're from France and you hand them your driver's license, there's a 97% chance they have no fucking clue how to handle this and let you go with a warning because they don't wanna deal with it.
Worst case you get a ticket that you sign for and then if youre not planning to build a future in the US, you can just ignore it.
SteveDaPirate@reddit
I follow the 10% rule.
70 mph limit = no more than 77 mph actual speed.
30 mph limit = no more than 33 mph actual speed.
NASA_Orion@reddit
I follow the 5 or 10 rule because the traditional analog speedometer is in increments of 5.
Speed limit 70 = safe cruising speed is 80
Speed limit 30 = safe cruising speed is 35
Anything in between is up to my judgment as to which rule to apply.
DharmaCub@reddit
Fun fact: the 10% rule also applies to yellow light time length!
If the speed limit is 35, the yellow light lasts 3.5 seconds. If it's 55, 5.5 seconds.
Trinx_@reddit
Fun fact - Chicago has shorter lights than is legal to nab more red light tickets.
Drew707@reddit
There is a minimum in most places, I think. Also, how you behave at a yellow really depends on whether it is a permissive or restrictive yellow state. I've only lived in permissive yellow states.
rifruled@reddit
I got a ticket in Texas about 15 years ago and the ticket was literally for "Exceeding the posted speed by more than 10%."
ZogemWho@reddit
It depends on where you are. In many states there is a points system, and there are no points for under 10 under. I have, shall we say, a lot of experience at speeding without getting caught. When our are in a traffic flow, just don’t be the fastest one.
Dravya_Dave@reddit
In some places, you are more likely to get an impeding the flow of traffic ticket for driving the speed limit than an actual speeding ticket.
Prof01Santa@reddit
If you're an international visitor, please obey the speed limits.
Trinx_@reddit
If your license plate matches the state you're in, match traffic. Generally 4mph over is always safe. In some places, cameras will ping you for going 5 over. If you're driving with plates from another state, it may be prudent to go a little slower than surrounding traffic if they're going faster than 5 over. I'll usually match traffic up to 14 over. I try to never go more than 20 over. That is considered reckless driving and you can even get arrested for it. Not worth the risk, even if local traffic is doing it.
DrZeus104@reddit
I would like to add it also depends on what state plates are on your car. I can go 15-20mph over posted speed limit on a highway near me with my local NY state license plates, but if someone with Connecticut or Massachusetts license plate go 15mph over in NYS they can get pulled over by NYS police. The local police know a ticket for a driver from a different state is more likely to 1. Not know someone local that will help them get out of a ticket 2. Will most likely plead guilty by mail so they won’t have to come back to NYS to go to court 3. It gives local police a reason to check for illegal activities happening across state boarders (drug trafficking for example). 4. It allows the police to get revenue without pissing off locals. If I’m in a state other than my home state or rent a car with “out of state” plates, I don’t go over 5-10mph of the posted speed limit. Speed cameras in cities are a different beast all together.
machagogo@reddit
Here in New Jersey on major highways the effective speed limit is "not more than 5 above the rest of traffic. Doing 80+ in a 65 when everyone else is is commonplace. I have been doing 80 on the New Jersey Turnpike (I95 in that area) and had a State Trooper (highway patrol) pass me like I wasn't even there.
We don't have speed or red light cameras in New Jersey, and legislation to not provide other states with driver information for camera based ticketing systems has been introduced in New Jersey as well.
On secondary and especially tertiary/neighborhood roads the speed limit is much more strictly enforced and respected.
Ziegelmarkt@reddit
In general just go as fast as everyone else. If you’re the only person in the road for miles in both directions, keep it around 7 over.
kmoonster@reddit
I don't speak French per se, but from what I can parse -- you are asking about speeding and enforcement?
Enforcement depends on (a) the state and county/city, and (b) who has jurisdiction over the road.
Some roads will be state police, some will be local police or sheriffs. Some allow for or require use of radar vans or red light cameras. Some do almost nothing except in areas with a lot of crashes.
Construction zones and school zones will see increased penalties if there is a crash or if you are caught, though enforcement is a guessing game there as well.
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It makes more sense when you realize that the political power structure is inverted in the US. There are almost no national standards for anything, and when there are national standards the enforcement falls in production or construction, not in day-to-day enforcement.
For example: the color and location of lights on a car are standardized, but that's not something your average person does. The enforcement for that is done through the manufacturers and factories, not the customer.
All states have a "drinking age" for alcohol of 21, but that is not due to a national law. It is because Congress passed a rule that federal infrastructure money can not be distributed to locations where drinking age is below 21. If someone who is 21 drinks wine, the federal government has no power to take the person to court. Note: you can consume alcohol at any age, but it can't be sold to you at a store or restaurant until you are 21; this is to make it more difficult for 'new' drinkers to get drunk and then try to drive home
If a state applies for federal funding for a local street project, that street has to meet federal design standards. If the state wants to build a road outside of those standards, they can - there is no legal barrier, but they then have to find their own money for the "non-standard" road.
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Laws and enforcement are entirely up to each state, county, and local town or city. Some do well, some don't care.
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This is true for everything in the US except for a dozen-ish things specifically listed in the Constitution and early documents forming the nation. States handle marriage, states license drivers, states each set their own standards for licensed professions such as teachers or nurses, states run their own elections, states run their own schools, build their own roads, register their residents property and vehicles. States also collect their own taxes which are not subject to federal control or use.
The Federal Government only has explicit power regarding: currency/money, international trade, war and peace, and general human / resident rights (eg. right to a trial, right to vote, etc), and a loose "multi-state" power that allows the federal government to develop shared standards for things that cross all states (such as the lights on a car which I mentioned). States set their own laws and enforcement, while the Federal government only pursues crimes that involve many states (eg. organized crime) or if a state requests assistance with a major issue.
States even maintained their own militaries which were deployed under a federal coordination up until about WWI; and states still maintain their own militias called the "Guard" who are under the control of each governor. The modern centralized military we have today is less than 100 years old.
cornfarm96@reddit
No, we don’t speak French.
NYOB4321@reddit
I'm in NY state. The fastest I'll go is 72 in a 65 zone. Never got a ticket even when driving passed the trooper with the radar.
My state trooper neighbor told me 15 mph over the highway limit is what they use.
Really though, they can ticket you for less. So I don't push it too far.
nowhereman136@reddit
Technically, you can be ticketed for going 1mph over the speed limit. Realistically, if you keep it under 10 for highways and 5 for residential streets, you should be fine
buried_lede@reddit
Perhaps they are driving the Altra camper car. I love that movie, “Trafic”
MaximumRun2457@reddit
Some places make a ton of money from pulling people over in their jurisdiction and they target out of state plates. Ohio is notorious for it. But most of the time you’re usually safe going 5-10 over, with the flow of traffic.
ToneBeneficial4969@reddit
I normally 5 to 10 over and I have driven by cops without anything happening at this speed.
Sarollas@reddit
Generally go with the speed of traffic. Usually 5-10 over won't result in any penalties.
Different states have different levels of enforcement and the locals will know best how strict they are.
Crossing the Michigan/Ohio border is always fun for example. Drivers will slows 20-30 miles per hour down because Ohio has a lot stricter enforcement compared to Michigan.
that_noodle_guy@reddit
The feeling going from Ohio to Michigan is amazing you feel everyone speed up.
The ohio behavior of stab the brakes to get down to 65 catches me off guard. In michigan everyone just blows past the cop at 80 cause we know hes looking for someone going 90.
bell37@reddit
And the moment they are out of range they open it up to 90 mph.
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your reply. So far I've driven through Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas and I'm currently in Oklahoma. I noticed a big difference between Texas and Oklahoma. Texas is actually where I got to drive up to 80mph on the highway.
In the next few days I'll be heading through New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Kansas. So I'll keep observing!
anneofgraygardens@reddit
You should be fine to go over the speed limit in the empty western states. Just keep your eyes open for cop cars, and have Google Maps or Waze open to let you know about any speed traps.
If you ever come to California, it's fine to drive at the speed of traffic, whatever it is. Unless you're a total reckless maniac, you won't be the fastest driver around....there's always some total reckless maniac there to attact the cops' attention.
Cheeko914@reddit
Entirely depends on state. Places like NY/NJ/CT, 20-30 over (highways) is the regular speed of traffic. Places like FL, 5 under to 5 over. And stay out of the left lane if you aren’t the fastest moving car in traffic or people are going to cut you off.
baybebumblebee@reddit
CT/MA/upstate NY, the speed limit is typically considered to be the lower boundary, not the upper boundary. 5 over, 5 under is considered the "safe" zone where you won't get pulled over but at 5 under, you'll probably get honked at.
If everyone else is speeding, you should match the flow of traffic too. If you see a line of cars building behind you, speed up or pull over so they can pass you. Just don't try to police other people's speed, you dont know why they're in a rush and intentionally getting in their way will only make them mad. Road rage is a growing cause of death here.
Cheeko914@reddit
Not only that, but if you’re doing 50 and everybody else is doing 80, that’s a 30mph collision if you get hit. If everybody is going within 5mph of each other at 80, it’s only a 5mph collision.
GravityTortoise@reddit
Just don’t speed in construction zones
Grouchy_Tea4731@reddit
Yes, but everyone does it. 29 in a 25. 60 in a 55. 74 in a 65. All above limit but not really offensive. Go with the flow.
School zones, places with lots of pedestrian crossings, and whenever you see a police car, slow down.
I’m sort of in the camp where I drive soooo much slower and pretend I don’t have anywhere to be in areas I know kids, animals, and lots of cross traffic and turning and parking and whatnot is happening (where lots of people drive WAY too fast). When we’re all going the same direction and things are moving for 40 miles…all bets are off until I look down and realize I’m going 85…
Ok-Concert-6475@reddit
I'm in WA State. It's totally normal to drive 5-10 miles over the speed limit on the freeway. Driving in-city is different though, especially in school or construction zones. That will get you a ticket.
myname_1s_mud@reddit
In California the cops don't care if youre mildly speeding on highways. Just dont do it in neighborhoods, by schools, or in construction zones. 10 to 15 mph over is usually fine as long as youre not going significantly faster than everyone else. Tickets can be expensive, and if you catch a cop doing a speed trap on a bad day, they'll get you. Its a bit if a gamble, but I speed all the time, and am averaging 1 ticket a decade.
SmellMilk@reddit
Ou aux etats unis? In California you can go over by a bit, like 10 or 15, and it’s the flow of traffic. In Washington you can go over by 4-5 and be ok.
husky_whisperer@reddit
Just drive with the flow of traffic. You won’t stick out that way. Cops will notice slow(er) drivers just as easily as they do fast(er) ones and will pull you over if they think there’s a nefarious reason for your slowness.
Driving super slow relative to everyone else is a good indicator of impaired driving. And that’s not exclusive to DUI; could be too old to drive, vehicle in dire need of servicing/not road-worthy, outdated lens prescription, trying to eat a succulent Chinese meal - you name it.
Be safe out there 🇺🇸
Practical-Ordinary-6@reddit
Not necessarily low but the police don't tend to bother you on major high-speed highways until you get at least 10 mph over. You should be 98% safe below that speed in most places, although I hear Virginia is an exception. Above that you often don't have a problem but it gets a lot more risky.
That's completely different from city streets where you should stick to the speed limit more but there's still often leeway to go a little bit above. But don't do it when school buses and school children are around and don't do it in construction zones.
Some small towns are known for checking speeds very closely and giving lots of tickets to people who are used to going a little bit faster. That situation is called a speed trap.
g1Razor15@reddit
5 mph over the speed limit is generally ok, 10 mph if you're willing to push your luck.
As for police: State Patrol, Highway Patrol, State Police, are the departments that you will most likely encounter while driving on interstate highways, they are very strict on traffic enforcement.
Mallthus2@reddit
In general, the advice my grandfather gave me 40 years ago holds true.
“Don’t be the rabbit.” 🐇
Don’t be the car going significantly faster than the flow of traffic. Don’t weave in and out of traffic. Don’t camp in the left lane, fast or slow. Basically drive like you’re in Europe except for the speed thing.
Also, navigation app Waze is pretty good for sharing user generated police location information.
Plastic-Sentence9429@reddit
Come to Texas. Just fucking drive, apparently.
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Je viens de quitter le Texas. Je me demande si il y avait des règles de conduite ici 😅
that_noodle_guy@reddit
It doesnt matter the penalty is like $100-$200
No-Lunch4249@reddit
Sometimes there are fixed cameras. But most states (traffic enforcement is done at the state & local level) implicitly ignore speeding which is less than 5-7 MPH over the limit
link2edition@reddit
Its going to depend on your state, but in general speeding fines arent super expensive.
So some folks speed all the time and pay fines like a subscription for the privelge.
PghSubie@reddit
If the highway says 55, then stay under 70-ish
erinmcfavorite@reddit
In Kentucky, you're safe for at least 10 over on the interstate. Just keep your eyes peeled (however, there will always be someone passing you). I'm usually a good 13-14 over, and I'm going with the flow. You can for sure cruise 10 over, during the dark, deserted night, in Kentucky. Ohio and Tennessee are another matter, but I always assume 5 mph+ for human error, another 3 for mechanical error. Who can argue with that, really?
CaptainPunisher@reddit
California here. Most of our freeways are 65 at the top end, with some areas set at 70 mph. The cops generally drive at 85. Unless you're going faster than that or doing something stupid, they're generally not going to bug you. Sometimes, though, you'll get a bored cup that's just waiting to catch people unaware.
Basically, drive with the flow of traffic and try not to stand out one way or the other.
CowboysFTWs@reddit
Depends. Some small towns are speed traps. They basically drop the speed limit really quickly, and fund their whole police department like that. They will bust you for a a couple MPH over.
A cop can legally stop you for even 1 mph over. But on the highway you can normally go about 8 mph over.
Your results will vary. But you normally try and go with the flow of traffic.
bus_wanker_friends@reddit
Is the post in french just for me?
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Non j'ai rédigé en français ☺️
reyadeyat@reddit
I really enjoy that translation is so easy/good now that we can have conversations online where everyone is speaking their native language.
SteelGemini@reddit
If you don't know the area, it can be risky. Speed traps are common in parts of the country. They rely on ticketing people from elsewhere, mostly other parts of the US, to generate revenue. Most people passing through don't want to return for a court date to fight the ticket. I honestly don't know what that would look like for an international visitor receiving a speeding ticket, but I assume it'd affect your ability to visit in the future should you wish to and you chose not to pay the fine.
The amounts vary, and whether it's a financial burden largely depends on the means of the person speeding. Generally, if you see a lot of people speeding it's not that the fine is inconsequential, it's that enforcement is low in that area and their odds of getting ticketed are low. They're never zero.
Usually, whenever I'm driving outside the region I'm familiar with, I make it a point to just stick to the speed limit and stay out of the way because I don't know how strict the enforcement is. If I'm visiting one place long enough to notice a pattern, I may start to relax a little and drive a little more freely. I'd recommend you do similar.
NarrowAd4973@reddit
I was looking around for something related a year or so ago, and came across regulations in a couple states saying drivers had to match the flow of traffic, with no mention of speed limits. So if everyone else is going 10 over, you're expected to do the same.
The intention was no doubt to try to have all drivers doing more or less the same thing, while resigning to the understanding that a large number of them will ignore speed limits.
Some places do have cameras. But as you've no doubt seen, the U.S. is a big country, with lots of empty space. Cameras are used selectively, and the rest is up to police speed traps. And the police themselves are limited in number, so they have to pick and choose where they need to do it.
As for penalties, it's typically a fine and points on your license. The fine is a set amount, so how significant it is depends on how much money you have to burn. The points are more of an issue, as your license will be revoked if you accrue too many, but they go away over time.
Going too far over can get you a reckless driving charge. How much depends on the state. Some is 20 over, or going over 85 or 100. Others don't have a set number, and instead leave it up to the officer to determine if you were actually being reckless
ITrCool@reddit
In my state, they typically give you up to 10 over. Anything beyond that, and you're getting pulled over and ticketed.
A friend of mine lives out in the west coast and told me the general unwritten rule out there is "below 9, you're fine; above 9, you're mine" when it comes to police leeway with the speed limit.
burndata@reddit
5 over on surface streets, 10 over on large highways and interstates will be fine in most places. There are a few states that are more hardcore about it, but even in those it's tough for LE to stop everyone, because so many people speed anyway.
PracticalBreak8637@reddit
I used to live where the police informally used: 'drive at 5, you're still alive. Drive at 9, your ass is mine'. So keeping it at 5 mph over the limit was safe. Driving 6, 7, and 8 over was a gray area. 9 or above wasn't.
It's always been a question of: do you drive the limit or do you keep up with speeding traffic. No traffic authority will give you a straight answer.
OceanPoet87@reddit
Sorry to be blunt but most of us will speak English or Spanish.
Yourlilemogirl@reddit
I'm on mobile but use the browser version of the site. It's pretty easy for me to just highlight the post and hit the translate button.
Tough_Crazy_8362@reddit
Just curious if you’re on the app or desktop I don’t understand why (I suspect) the auto translate wasn’t rolled out to desktop already.
OceanPoet87@reddit
On my phone but using the mobile version so thats probably why. Makes sense.
GovernorGeneralPraji@reddit
It’s an unwritten rule that going a bit over the speed limit here is acceptable, and the police will generally leave you alone. It’s not nearly as hard enforced as I’ve heard it is in Europe.
When I was growing up the guideline was “police will let you go 7 over”. I’ve also heard “9 you’re fine, ten you’re mine.” Personally, I never go above nine mph over.
Of course, it’s a little different if you’re in a 25mph zone than a 65mph zone.
NegotiationLow2783@reddit
I've heard 8 you're great, nine you're mine.
Imaginary-Hyena2858@reddit
10 and it's a trip to the pen
Dudeus-Maximus@reddit
Entirely dependent upon location. I’m in Maine. Speed limit is pretty much just a polite suggestion.
Otherwise-OhWell@reddit
When in traffic, drive at the speed of traffic.
When not in traffic but near towns: drive at the speed limit +8 if you're white, at the limit if not.
When you're in the middle of nowhere, drive as fast as you feel safe but learn to identify Ford Explorer headlights.
Black_Dog_Industries@reddit
It really depends on the cities and states you’ll be in.
In California it’s generally acceptable to go 10 miles over the speed limit unless it’s a special enforcement zone
I always drive 10 miles per hour over the speed limit and the police don’t care.
The key is not to be the fastest car on the road. You should be passing cars, but still have cars occasionally passing you
McLMark@reddit
Depends a lot on where you are. A few rules to keep in mind:
1) Speed cameras and red light cameras are common in a few major cities, though usually on streets and not highways. US law generally says a) they must tell you they are in operation and b) tickets follow the car, not the driver. This means your mapping app should tell you a camera is coming up. It also means, if you are renting a car, that the rental company will come after you for the fines plus a hefty administrative fee. So use your mapping apps.
2) A few things are taken pretty seriously and it's best to be cautious in these situations. a) School zones, usually 20 mph. b) Construction zones with active construction workers.
3) "Radar traps". Small towns in the countryside often only have a couple of police officers and limited means of revenue for the town, so they set up right after the speed limit drop coming into town and fine you lots of money. Best to take small town speed limits as exact.
4) Traffic stops by any police officer are a little more fraught in the days after the George Floyd protests. Police officers can be nervous and react with extreme force to perceived threats. If pulled over, keep your hands on the wheel (so they don't think you are going for a gun) and follow officer directives.
5) That having been said, the vast majority of police officers are professionals trying to do a hard job. Contrary to some American movies, they are trying to do the right thing and uphold the law. This especially includes anything related to bribery. Attempting that will work 5% of the time and get you hauled off to jail immediately 60% of the time.
Beyond all that, it depends mostly on the US state you are driving in. Some states are relatively permissive - most Western states will give you 10-15 mph over the speed limit which will already be 70 or 80. Illinois if you are not doing at least 75-80 on an expressway with a 60 mph limit, you are a traffic hazard. Some states are known to be picky. Ohio, 7 mph over maybe. Wisconsin not a whole lot.
Also, most American drivers are not great drivers, so be aware. The trucks are usually pretty good. Many drivers though are bad about left-lane camping and distracted by texting etc..
Good luck and enjoy your trip.
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Merci pour toutes ces informations. Quand tu parles de zone de construction, c'est autre chose que les zones de travaux ? Car il y a des travaux partout sur les routes (Dallas, Austin, Huston, OKC...). Avec des panneaux rouges ou oranges. Souvent la route passe à deux voies, mais ca ne ralenti pas le trafic pour autant.
McLMark@reddit
Traffic won't slow much if there are not active workers working on the road in the zone. If they do have people working, though, the police tend to enforce the posted limit more. They say they have cameras but I have not seen that in action. But I remember a drive down around Corpus Christi where there was about 10 miles of construction and there were at least 5 cars patrolling, and pulling over cars left and right. Construction zone fines are steep and it is indeed a risk to the workers so I tend to slow down.
Not sure my French caught the last question, but construction zone = work zone. Orange cones and barriers and whatnot, and if there is a reduction in the speed limit it will be posted.
theknitehawk@reddit
MA it’s pretty safe to go 5 over all the time, on the highway the staties usually only care about 80+ in a 65 but slow down if you see a cop or other people are slowing down
Illustrious_Hunt_480@reddit
Come on 100 are you for real ? 😳
HomemadeBananas@reddit
Depends. Some places they might be more strict with enforcement. Some places it’s pretty much expected that you go 5-10 mph over and nobody would be likely to get a ticket for that. At least where I am in California, people might be on your ass if you’re not going at least 80mph in the carpool lane.
notTheRealSU@reddit
5 to 10 is fine depending on the area. A lot of people don't care and will go 20 over because they're jackasses. Don't worry about them, you're driving just fine.
ZachMatthews@reddit
The norm is about 9 over.
capnhist@reddit
Apocryphally the rule among cops is "5 over you're fine, 10 over you're mine".
Your literal mileage may vary if you are passing through a small town where the cops have nothing better to do than target out-of-state plates. I once did 25 over the limit through most of Minnesota on state highways, and then got pulled over on an interstate in Wisconsin for doing 4 over.
ereignishorizont666@reddit
Even locals going through Rosendale will get tickets for exceeding the limit at all.
JudgeJuryEx78@reddit
9 over on interstates, hopefully, and not roads with much lower speed limits.
Vert354@reddit
"Under 9 is fine" is pretty universal I'm afraid. Hell, its actually written into the statute that authorizes speed cameras here in Virginia.
BusybodyWilson@reddit
9?! In my area it’s 15-20
TankDestroyerSarg@reddit
There are penalties and if you pass a cop, dead-to-rights, well over the speed limit they will pull you over. Many places will give you 5-10 mph over as not worth their effort, but others will nail you at 1-2 over to meet some quota. We do have speed cameras, but they aren't universal. Fines and court costs usually end up as several hundred dollars. Over by a certain mph, they will tow your vehicle to the impound lot and arrest you for reckless driving. You may get your license suspended or revoked, major fines, court mandated traffic school... Same for repeat offenders.
Patrizio_Argento@reddit
You can get away with 10 over on most interstates, higher in metro areas. State troopers in the chicago area generally dont srop cars until they hit triple digits.
For people saying 20 over is legally reckless are wild. In Illinios 21 over is a class b misdemeanor, 26 over is a class A. There is no statutory speed that becomes reckless. Most of those misdemeanor speeders are pled to perry offenses with fines of a couple hundred bucks.
Allaiya@reddit
I can only speak for my location but the saying I’ve lived by is “Under 9, you’re fine. Over 9, you’re mine” aka don’t go 9mph over the posted speed limit if you want to avoid a ticket.
Rumpelteazer45@reddit
We do have speed cameras in the US but it’s state dependent if the courts of that state ALLOW those tickets to hold water. Example they are legal in my state but ONLY in specific areas where safety is critical - work zones (highway construction), heavily trafficked pedestrian crossings, some school zones. And you will only get a ticket via camera if you are going 10 or over. A lot of what will get you pulled is county and/or city dependent. There are no uniform laws.
With that being said, you have to be careful when and where you speed. Don’t speed if the posted speed limit is 35 or lower. Going 5 over in a 25 will get you a ticket if a cop is there watching. Don’t speed in an active school zone (when the student cross signing is blinking - even if there are no kids or a holiday and schools are closed) cops love to hide in these near me. Going 10 over on the interstate - normal but there is a slight risk of a ticket id the state needs revenue. Going 10 over in a rural area, likely results in a ticket if a cop is there.
Extra-Connection8394@reddit
I don't feel the need to go faster than the speed limit, which happens to be 80mph on my way to and from work.
redcoral-s@reddit
In Georgia the cops aren't allowed to pull you over unless youre going at least 10 over, so thats how fast everybody drives
FlounderRound6555@reddit
You asked for other risks. Driving too fast reduces the time you have to react to objects in the road. Add following too close and you also don't have time to react and can be part of a multi car accident.
Enforcement varies. We drove 6 hours through florida with zero cops. The moment we crossed into Georgia they were every few miles giving tickets. When enforcing they often target the worst and set radar to ignore 5 or 10 over
jesusmansuperpowers@reddit
I drove from Paris to Normandy abiut 10 years ago, went about 10 kmph over much of the time. Was passed constantly.
HikioFortyTwo@reddit
Depends on the state. For example VA is known for being very strict (and expensive).
Here in NJ going 15 over is the norm. And it’s not uncommon to see people going 20-25 over. It’s like a game though. If there’s a cop driving alongside you don’t pass him (he’ll be going over the speed limit anyway).
Ok_Club1450@reddit
Pennsylvania can be strict, esp. on interstates. It always tickled me that back in the day when I was often using one road to enter into PA, there was a giant, colorful, cheerful sign with "Welcome to Pennsylvania" followed immediately by dour sign warning of the large fines for speeding, followed immediately by another sign saying saying fines doubled in construction zones.
SabresBills69@reddit
speed limit rules enforcement…..
generally about 7 over pits you at risk. rain lowers the number.
if you are in a group of cars driving 10 over, you are safe if you aren’t the lead orvthe last in the line.
if you aren’t changing lane like a slalom race you will get pulled over at lower speeds.
iceph03nix@reddit
5 over on surface roads in town, 10% rounded up over on highways and rural roads
Most_Ad1891@reddit
I stick to 9 over on highway, 5 over in town, and never speed in a school zone. Cops generally don’t want to bother with a ticket for single digests unless it’s a school zone.
If a few people are still passing you on the highway, you’re fine. Also, it’s polite to get in the right lane if you are not actively passing someone.
Dave_A480@reddit
The norm is 5 over when the limit is under 50mph, 10 over for 50mph+ roads.
It is riskier to drive a different speed from the surrounding traffic, faster OR slower.
Go with the flow.
SippsMccree@reddit
Active school zones do the limit. Non highways about 5 over. Interstates about 10 at most
DanteRuneclaw@reddit
This varies radically with geography. Some places, like Southern California, much more speeding is expected and accepted. Some small towns on highways, on the other hand, find themselves significantly by strictly enforcing the limits on through traffic. And automatic cameras and aircraft enforcement are certainly things in some places.
ActionJackson75@reddit
It varies widely. One thing I’ve found to be nearly universal is that school zones, during school drop off or pickup, are enforced very very literally. If it says 20, 22 can get you pulled over
The_Se7enthsign@reddit
This varies from state to state and even county to county. On a major highway, you’re usually ok as long as you’re keeping up with other cars. In small towns, DO NOT screw around. They’re the ones that will get you. Some places are notorious for speed traps.
diligentnickel@reddit
3.5 miles above the limit on an interstate will keep you from getting pulled over anywhere. Going with the speed of surrounding traffic is also cool. i loaned my nephew my 4runner years ago for him to have an American road trip experience. he was only bothered when he slept in a church parking lot. had to give an international DL. the cops had no clue what to do with that. moved him along
Skwarepeg22@reddit
Completely unrelated answer here… But I’m excited and had to share. 🤪
I’ve been doing DuoLingo for French for a bit and was able to generally read that post.
Now, I couldn’t have responded in French, even when writing, but still. 🤪
Catharpin363@reddit
Bonjour et bienvenue!
Vous devez vous servir de l’app « Waze » si ce n’est pas encore le cas. Cela vous montrera souvent (pas toujours) s’il y a les contrôles radars devant ou proche.
En général il vaut mieux simplement que vous conduise plus ou moins aussi vite que les autres autour de vous.
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Oui j'utilise toujours Waze. Cela marche plutôt bien pour les patrouilles au milieu de la route qui sont postées. Météo
CalmRip@reddit
You will get a greater spa of answers if you can at least provide a Google Translate form of your question.
goblin_hipster@reddit
Reddit has a little translate button at the top of the post (at least it does in the app).
CharlesDickensABox@reddit
There are plenty of bilingual Americans.
CharlesDickensABox@reddit
Tout des gens ne respectent pas les limitations de vitesse parce-que les limitations de vitesse n'ont aucune importance. Si vous voyez les poulets, vous ralentissez. Sinon, on s'en fout?
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Oui mais d'où je viens c'est différent. Même si il y a pas une patrouille postée au bord de la route, il y a des radars fixes, des radars mobiles, des caméras radars, des radars de tronçons et j'en passe. On peut jouer avec le feu mais c'est souvent risqué.
CharlesDickensABox@reddit
Les Américains détestent les caméras radars. Nous les avons éliminés presque partout où ils avaient existé.
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Respect 🙏
Itchy_Pangolin_394@reddit
In most states if you are doing 5 miles over the speed limit on the interstate. you will constantly be getting passed by traffic.
tarheel_204@reddit
Totally depends. Just in NC, if you’re driving with the flow of traffic in a city like Raleigh, you’ll usually be fine. If you go just a few over when you’re crossing into a small rural town, the troopers are sitting there waiting for you.
Deep_Contribution552@reddit
My main approach is to follow the posted limits very carefully if you see police or are in a school zone, follow them pretty carefully (not more than 5 over) if there are notices that speed limits are “photo-enforced” or if there is construction ongoing, or if your navigation app has notified you that a speed check or police activity may be nearby. Otherwise you should be able to tell if you are going an unsafe speed based on vehicle handling and your ability to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If you don’t know what I mean by that then don’t go more than 5 over.
G-Beach-8566@reddit (OP)
Je comprends. Sauf la distance de sécurité... j'ai pas l'impression que c'est quelque chose qui existe ici ? Les gens sont tous collés et c'est horrible. Je me demande souvent comment c'est possible qu'il n'y ai pas d'accident quand sa ralenti. Surtout au Texas, je me disais que si il y avait le moindre ralentissement et que je devais freiner, le mec derrière me rentre dedans.
Ill-Lou-Malnati@reddit
It depends on where you are. The south and some parts of the Eastern seaboard are a little more aggressive with enforcement. In some states, like Texas, it literally depends on what county you’re driving through. I live in Illinois and routinely do 20 miles over the limit on the highway. It’s a crapshoot. You could theoretically get pulled over at any time. But there are just so many cars on the road you are statistically safe. In 40 years of driving on Northern Illinois highways, I’ve never been pulled over.
Conscious-Okra-7340@reddit
Also, in many states the fine doubles or more for speeding in school zones or construction work zones. Never, ever pass a school bus that is stopped with lights flashing or stop arm extended. It’s very dangerous for the children and some jurisdictions will clobber you with an enormous fine.
Engelgrafik@reddit
If you're in town then try not to drive more than 5 mph over the limit.
If you're on a major road that still as traffic lights and intersections with 2 to 4 lanes try not to go more than 10 over. But BE CAREFUL because some of those major roads can still only be 35 mph and they'll get you. Route 28 through Salem, New Hampshire with all the shopping centers and car dealerships is like this. A lot of people drive down that road thinking it must be at least 45 or 50 but NO it's 35mph and they are all too happy to make you realize this the hard way.
If you're on a major highway (where there are hardly any traffic lights or intersections for miles and miles), try to stick in the middle lane and don't go more than 10 over unless you are VERY brave or need to pass a lot of cars going way too slow.
I will sometimes do 80 or 85 in the left lane passing cars that are too slow in the middle and right lanes. But I will NEVER cruise a long time at those speeds. That speed alone will get you, but long ago a friend who was a cop once told me that on big highways what cops are really looking for is people who are sweeping through lanes trying to pass everybody. Technically they can pull you over but in many cases they know that you may need to hit the accelerator to pass big trucks and slow vehicles and they will judge you differently if it's clear that's all you did. They don't HAVE to... they can still pull you over.... but they are less likely if they can tell you only did it to pass a slower vehicle.
Remember, the longer you are next to a vehicle on the road, the greater the likelihood of collision. If you're trying to pass someone going 64 and so you go 66 because you're afraid of speeding, you're just doing it wrong. Gun it, don't worry about the speed too much, overtake them, and then get back in the lane once you pass them.
hotpossum@reddit
It’s only risky if there’s cops nearby. I’m in England rn and someone explained that cops here can’t hide from you. Idk how it is in the rest of Europe, but in the US (least in Alabama), they’ll hide behind signs or in the bushes/cut outs in the woods along the highway/interstate to catch speeding. At night they’re supposed to have their lights on and it makes it easier to spot them, but during the day they will sneak you.
squidbelle@reddit
Yes. Excess speed lowers reaction times, and leads to extra deaths. Please obey posted speed limits (I wish Americans did, too).
However, on most highways, you will not get a speeding ticket for going 5-10 over.
You might get a speeding ticket going 5 over in a slower, residential area.
Meowmeowmeow31@reddit
S'il vous plaît, ne mettez pas mes enfants en danger avec sa voiture. Merci!
stojanmatic@reddit
OP is heading to Delaware now to drive 60mph past your children’s school while they’re crossing the street
Meowmeowmeow31@reddit
The replies to this are the most car-brained, loser shit imaginable.
z44212@reddit
Don't let them play in the road.
Meowmeowmeow31@reddit
Yeah, kids never get hit and killed in crosswalks.
TellTaleTimeLord@reddit
I usually go about 5 hour everywhere except for construction and school zones, or any other sort of special speed restriction.
I also have a CDL and am not about to lose my job over a ticket lol
EgoSenatus@reddit
There are speed cameras, they’re just controlled by the states and counties so it varies wildly as to where they are.
Very generally speaking, there’s a permissible speed limit variation of 5-10 miles per hour where you won’t get in trouble for going over/under the speed limit. Of course you are kind of gambling there- a cop may need to fill his quota of tickets and pull you over for going 4 mph above the limit.
99% of the time the law won’t care about a little bit of speeding, especially if you’re going the same speed as traffic since that’s generally safer than going slower or faster than traffic.
If you do get pulled over, just cooperate with the police and be pacifistic. Any pushback may result in you getting put in the slammer for a night. If you feel that the police ticketed you erroneously, the place to rebuff that is at traffic court in front of a judge.
BoBoBearDev@reddit
There is official statement and unofficial enforcement.
By law, in California, it is 5mph extra on the freeway and 3mph on local street.
But no one in SoCal follows that. The enforced speed is basically 80mph. Unless you zigzag like crazy, under 80mph is not an issue.
On local street, it is a bit wild. You can get caught by 40mph on certain street and some roud everyone drives 50mph. And the speed enforcement is inconsistent. Normally it is within 10 extra mph, but you can't complain if they pull you over. Ultimately you follow the traffic. If you are leading the way or singled out, be careful. Stay close enough to the pack, then, you are normally okay.
Klutzy-Comment6897@reddit
As a foreigner I wouldn’t break the speed limit. ICE might go hard on your arse.
DuelJ@reddit
Above 10 it's a risk.
There's some particularly straight flat and empty highways through farmland where I can see a minute or two ahead and will go 20+
Dangerous-Variation@reddit
No one here respects speed limits. Generally speaking, you’re safe if you do 5 mph or less over the speed limit. That number is within the margin of error of police radar traps, or at least it used to be. They are probably more accurate now than they were the last time I checked, but I’ve never been pulled over for doing 44 in a 40 mile per hour zone.
rustydotpearl@reddit
Yes, but the details completely depend on the state, and sometimes the county, city, or town.
ToastMate2000@reddit
Be very cautious and stick to the speed limit in school zones and construction zones and if you actually see a police officer patrolling.
In general, try to roughly go the same speed as other traffic but on the slower end of the range (right lane usually on multilane roads). This will mean slightly over the speed limit. Don't go faster than that, even if other people are. You absolutely can be stopped and ticketed for speeding, and it's more likely the faster you're going and the more you're zooming past other vehicles. But just slightly over is usually ignored as long as you are not otherwise driving dangerously.
Greavir@reddit
It’s fine until you do it. Then there’s a cop on every corner
ArcticRanger154@reddit
I usually follow it. I’m from Canada and the status quo is 10-15 over. Nobody cares. If you go up north, nobody’s patrolling and everyone’s going 140-150.
In America, I don’t risk it. There’s seems to be cops everywhere no matter how desolate it is
tanbrit@reddit
Oh yeh I’m from the UK but have been living stateside for 4 years - speed limits are purely suggestions unless there’s a cop about.
Steamsagoodham@reddit
Generally on the highway if you’re within 10 MPH you’re fine. 11-15 over is a bit risky, but if everyone is doing it you’re probably fine. 15+ you’re probably getting pulled over if a cop catches you. They do hide on the side of the road sometimes to catch people too.
The penalties vary by state and how fast you’re going. If it’s under 15 over it probably won’t be much more than $250 at most. Above 15 and it could easily be a few hindered and a court appearance, especially in strict states like Virginia.
Now if it’s a school zone or a residential area they are going to be a lot more strict on the speed limit and the penalties. You might get ticketed for even 5 over in those zones.
Maybeitsmeraving@reddit
It varies a lot regionally but basically everyone speeds. Some places the police won't bother you unless you're doing more than 10 over. Some places they'll pull you over for funsies if they know you're not local and write you tickets that are complete bullshit. And even with the threat of fines and loss of license, people do whatever. I'll be doing 20 over on the Pennsylvania turnpike and get passed like I'm in park. Only in residential areas do people pay even the faintest heed of speed limits and even then it's not consistent. Traffic fatalities are actually disgustingly common in the US. And speeding does contribute (distracted driving is worse), but most people have the attitude that everyone else is the problem and an accident won't happen to them because they're a "good" driver.
Rare_Independent_814@reddit
Where I live it’s risky if you don’t.
WhoWouldCareToAsk@reddit
Generally speaking, not going more than 10% over speed limit guarantees you will not get pulled over on any normal day. You may get pulled over if a patrol officer hasn’t seen a real person for a few hours, so you adjust that 10% to lower values at night or on unknown / quiet roads, but that’s about it.
EgbertSouse2@reddit
Do NOT speed through active work or school zones. Most school zones are 20mph. Do NOT pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing. Both will get you a high dollar fine & a mandatory court appearance.
Elaine330@reddit
Just stay outta the left lane
Efficient_Dog59@reddit
Use Waze. Avoid the cops. I usually do 10-15 over the speed limit.
Tough_Crazy_8362@reddit
I stick with the flow of traffic (on a highway or freeway) up to +15 MPH (I drive a bit fast). In town I drive the speed limit which is a strict 20 or less.
Basically, don’t be the Lone Ranger while speeding but stick with traffic and you’re good for what feels comfortable to you (you don’t have to blast 80 MPH if you don’t wanna lol).
Murderhornet212@reddit
It depends where you are re speed cameras. I’d say ve super careful in school zones, but highways are usually not bad.
Louisianimal09@reddit
You can blow through Louisiana at Mach 5. There’s a few areas where they’ll post up and radar but as long as you’re not being reckless you can probably pass by at 10 over with no heat
Few-Wrongdoer-5296@reddit
Like other responses have said, people speed and then slow down when they see a cop. The fine for speeding varies by state but is usually over $100 USD and enough infractions can lead to your license to drive being suspended.
If you're pulled over it's extremely important to be polite to the cop.
Cicero912@reddit
Most speed cameras only trigger if you are 10+ over, and thats if there are even speed cameras on the road (which outside of certain areas like schools and construction is unlikely)
10-15 over is generally the norm I'd say. In a more rural area maybe even a bit more, ive had cops without their lights on pass me going 85 (with the flow of traffic) in VT before.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Just stay in your lane. I've been driving for over 4 decades with most highway miles over the limit. In city traffic there isn't much of a need but I can make up hours on a long trip. No accidents.
It depends on the driver and their experience. Remember, there has never been an accident on cannonball runs even though there are about 12-15 new attempts every year
Pjk125@reddit
It’s pretty typical for Americans to drive 5-10 mph over the speed limit at all times
Usually cops only pull you over for going 10+ mph, or if you’re driving recklessly I.e. swerving
Legally you CAN get pulled over/ticketed for going even 1 mph over the speed limit. But it’s unlikely that a cop would do that.
There are some speed cameras but depending on where in the US you are, there may be more or less of them.
Beware if you’re on a highway you’re likely to get pulled over for driving too slow compared to the rest of traffic!
I hope you enjoy your stay here :)
HotPinkSunglasses@reddit
In Arizona, it’s 85-90+ unless there is a cop and then we slam on the brakes and go 5 under.
Rule is don’t be the first or the last one in a pack if you don’t want the ticket (not a guarantee). If you aren’t keeping up, stay to the right please.
Dreamghost11@reddit
I was actually told in Driver's Ed you can go 5 over the limit. Most people go 5-10 over on the highway, depending on traffic. If everybody is going around the same speed a cop isn't going to choose one car to randomly pull over. Just go with the flow of traffic and don't be the fastest.
GreenDavidA@reddit
You’re exactly right. People tend to go higher than the speed limits but look out for police officers watching for speeders. In some jurisdictions cops can hide, others they can’t. Some places have camera enforcement, and in others it’s illegal. In theory US highway speed engineering tolerances are set to target the top 85th percentile of vehicle speeds, but in reality speed limits are a lot lower than highway designs can actually handle. Speeds and enforcement are generally hyper-local, down to the municipalities in some areas.
MortimerDongle@reddit
It depends a bit. Speed limits are usually enforced very strictly in work or school zones, but less strictly in other situations.
Some states also have laws restricting enforcement. In Pennsylvania, only state police are allowed to use radar or laser for speed enforcement, which means municipal police are limited to basically painting lines on the road and using a stopwatch. Additionally, if the road speed limit is 55+ mph, you can't be ticketed for speeding if the police are using radar/laser unless you're driving at least 11 mph over the limit.
Used_Control1796@reddit
Just follow the speed of traffic. If its too quick for your liking, get over and let them pass. If youre already as far right as you can be, youre fine.
Graflex01867@reddit
Generally speaking, on the highway, 10 over the limit is fine.
Anywhere else, I kinda treat it like 10% over is the fastest you want to go. (So the lower the limit, the closer you want to stick to it.)
On the highway, you don’t want to draw attention to yourself - don’t be the fastest car, don’t be the slowest car. Do what everyone else is doing. If you still feel that’s too fast, just make sure you let people pass you.
MsPennyP@reddit
It also depends on where you are. Some little rural areas will see an unknown car (out of state tags) and pull over it even if notbremaing the law. Will give tickets for one over speed limit, or any little thing.
Speed cameras are a thing in some areas too.
Majestic_Flower_1322@reddit
Not very unless it is at least 10 over in most situations.
markpemble@reddit
Le risque de sanctions est très faible. Il existe très peu d'endroits en Amérique du Nord où des radars de vitesse sont utilisés. Même si l'on se fait intercepter pour excès de vitesse, la police se montre généralement amicale et se contente de donner un avertissement verbal.
DilaudidWithIVbenny@reddit
It depends on the area and region but yes, most people speed, enforcement varies but the general rule is to look out for patrol officers. Some cities and states will have speed cameras (Los Angeles, Washington DC). Other places don’t enforce speeding hardly at all (Chicago).
Sabertooth767@reddit
The vast majority of cops are not going to bother pulling you for going 5 over on the highway. I go 9 over all the time and have never been pulled for it.
Speed limits are almost universally well below the theoretical safe speed.
sparklyjoy@reddit
Majority of cops, the majority of time, but you should know that technically they can pull you over for 1 mile over the speed limit. It’s rare, but it happens.
However, OP, you are right that there are not speed cameras so it’s just about whether or not you see a patrol. I try to make sure that I am not the person going fast fastest so if a cop does show up, I’m not likely to be the one who gets pulled over.
Used_Control1796@reddit
Just follow the speed of traffic. If its too quick, get over and let them pass.
QuasiJudicialBoofer@reddit
If you are a better driver than average (90% of people are), the speed limit is more of a vibe
Itstaylorham595@reddit
It is a risk. But sometimes the police won’t give a ticket for 10-15 mph over the speed limit (on the highway). But some towns are known for zero tolerance for speeders. It all depends.