Speed Enforcement and Offenses Flashcards
What was the first state to pass a speed limit law in 1901?
Connecticut
What state was the first to introduce a comprehensive traffic code?
New York City
In what year did Richard Nixon agreed on a 55 MPH speed limit for the nation?
1974
What does Basic Speed Law refer to?
Refers to the policy that a violator’s speed was unreasonable and imprudent under the conditions that existed at the time of the violation
What is the basic speed law in Georgia?
§40-6-180
Too Fast for Conditions
O.C.G.A. 40-6-180
> No person shall drive a vehicle faster than is reasonable and prudent under the
conditions
> person shall drive at a reasonable speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, curve
> Special hazards exists with such as pedestrians, weather or highway conditions
What is the primary facie speed limit?
> Default speed limit that applies when no other limit is posted
> Includes all speed limits set by city ordinances
O.C.G.A. 40-6-184
Impeding the Flow of Traffic
> No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed to impeded normal movement of traffic
> Commissioner of public safety can declare a minimum Speed limit
What are exceptions to O.C.G.A. 40-6-184?
- Traffic condition of congestion
- Inclement weather, obstructions, hazards
- Compliance with a law of state or traffic control device
- Vehicle in passing law or turn left
- To pay toll on toll highways
- Authorized emergency vehicle engaged in offical duties
- Vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction
What is Absolute Speed Law?
Based on an actual speed limit placed on the vehicles on that roadway
> Driving faster than that posted speed limt
What are the elements of violating the absolute speed law?
- Venue
- Driver
- Location
In regards to Absolute Speed Laws, what is venue?
The officer must have jurisdiction where the violation took place
In regards to Absolute Speed Laws, what is Driver?
The officer must be able to identify the driver of the vehicle in question
In regards to Absolute Speed Laws, what is location?
The location where the violation occurred must be shown
What is Georgia’s absolute speed law?
O.C.G.A. 40-6-181
O.C.G.A. 40-6-181
Maximum limits
> 30 MPH in any urban or residential district
> 35 MPH on unpaved country roads
> 70 MPH on highway on federal interstate, divided highways (outside urbanized area)
> 65 MPH on highway on federal interstate, divided highways (inside urbanized area)
> 65 MPH on those section physically divided highways without full access control on state highway system
> 55 MPH in all other locations
According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-181:
____ MPH in urban or residential district
30
According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-181:
____ MPH on unpaved country roads unless designated by an appropriate sign
35
According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-181:
_____ MPH on a highway on the federal interstate system and on physiscally divided highways with high control access outside of an urbanized area of 50,000 population
70
According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-181:
____ MPH on a highway on the federal interstate system which is inside of an urbanized area of 50,000 population or more
65
According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-181:
_____ MPH on those sections of physically divided highways without full access control on the state highway system, provided that such speed limit is designated by appropriate signs
65
According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-181:
____ MPH in other locations
55
O.C.G.A. 40-6-188
Highway Work Zone
> Posted signage at start and end of highway work zone
> DOT or governing authority can establish temporary reduction in maximum speed
> Sign 600 feet in advance to “Reduced Speed Ahead”
> Signs spaced not further than 1 mile apart throughout work zone
> Misdemeanor
What the are elements of a speeding infarction?
> Venue must be established to show officer had jurisdiction
> Offenses must have occurred on the highway
> Officer must identify vehicle that was driven
> Officer must identify the driver at the time of the violation
> Speed in excess of Absolute, Prima facie, or basic speed laws
