How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Georgia
If you got a speeding ticket in Georgia, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Georgia speeding fines are set by courts within statutory ranges (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-1).
How to fight a speeding ticket in Georgia, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the speeding charge in Georgia and review the evidence against you.
Check Georgia's dismissal & mitigation options
Many Georgia courts allow ticket dismissal if you complete a DDS-certified 6-hour Driver Improvement course ($95) before your court date and present the certificate. If dismissed, no points are assessed and your insurer is not notified.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Georgia speeding fines are set by courts within statutory ranges (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-1).
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Georgia court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Georgia Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What are the fines for speeding in Georgia?
Georgia speeding fines are set by courts within statutory ranges (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-1). Typical base fines: 6–10 mph over: ~$60; 11–14 mph over: ~$132; 15–18 mph over: ~$165; 19–23 mph over: ~$193; 24–33 mph over: ~$259; 34–44 mph over: ~$362; 45+ mph over: ~$725. Courts add surcharges of approximately 35%. If convicted of 75+ mph on a two-lane road or 85+ mph anywhere, an additional $200 Super Speeder fee is billed by the Georgia DDS. Verify exact amounts with your specific court.
How many points does a speeding ticket add in Georgia?
Georgia points for speeding (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-57 point schedule): 15–18 mph over = 2 points; 19–23 mph over = 3 points; 24–33 mph over = 4 points; 34+ mph over = 6 points. Speeding under 15 mph over the limit typically adds 0 points. All points accumulate over a 24-month rolling window. At 15 points, your license is suspended.
What is the Georgia Super Speeder law?
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-189 designates any driver convicted of 85 mph or more on any road, or 75 mph or more on any two-lane road, as a 'Super Speeder.' The Georgia DDS mails a notice requiring payment of a separate $200 fee within 90 days of the notice (not the court date). Failure to pay = automatic license suspension + $50 reinstatement fee. This $200 is in addition to whatever fine the court imposed. Monitor your mail after any high-speed ticket conviction.
Can a defensive driving course dismiss my speeding ticket?
Many Georgia courts allow ticket dismissal if you complete a DDS-certified 6-hour Driver Improvement course ($95) before your court date and present the certificate. If dismissed, no points are assessed and your insurer is not notified. Confirm this option with your specific court first — availability varies. Separately, the course can reduce up to 7 points once every 5 years even if a dismissal is not offered.
What happens if I speed in a work zone in Georgia?
Speeding in a posted highway work zone is a high and aggravated misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-188. Fines range from $100 to $2,000, and jail time up to 12 months is possible. Speed limit reductions in work zones are legally effective only when workers or equipment are present (confirm with your jurisdiction). Work zone violations are significantly more serious than standard speeding.
What are the default speed limits in Georgia?
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-181 sets default limits: 30 mph in urban/residential districts; 35 mph on unpaved county roads; 55 mph on most other roads; 65 mph on certain four-lane divided highways; 70 mph on interstate highways in rural areas. Posted limits supersede these defaults. Verify the posted limits for your specific road.
Can I challenge radar or laser readings in Georgia?
Yes. You may request the officer's training records for the radar/laser device used and the device's calibration logs through discovery. Georgia courts have held that radar evidence requires proper foundation including officer training and device calibration. LIDAR (laser) also requires operator training. A speed-measurement expert witness can be retained for high-stakes cases.
What happens if a speeding conviction triggers 15 points?
If your total points within any 24-month period reach 15 or more, the Georgia DDS suspends your license. The suspension period depends on prior suspensions. You must apply for reinstatement, pay a reinstatement fee, and may need to retake licensing tests. A DDS-certified course can reduce up to 7 points once every 5 years to help stay below the threshold.
Can I negotiate a speeding ticket down in Georgia?
Yes. In many Georgia courts (particularly State Court), prosecutors may negotiate a reduction — for example, from 34+ mph over (6 points) to 24–33 mph over (4 points) or lower. Whether this is available depends on the jurisdiction, the officer's report, and your driving record. An attorney familiar with the local court can assess the realistic options.
Does speeding affect my insurance in Georgia?
A speeding conviction is reported to your insurer and typically raises your rates, especially for convictions of 15+ mph over the limit or Super Speeder designation. A defensive driving course dismissal avoids reporting entirely. Consult your specific insurer for how they treat various point levels.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.