How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Pennsylvania
If you got a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Pennsylvania speeding fines under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3362 are calculated as follows (standard zones posted under 65 mph): 1–5 mph over = $35 flat; each additional mph over the first 5 = add $2.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the speeding charge in Pennsylvania and review the evidence against you.
Check Pennsylvania's dismissal & mitigation options
Pennsylvania's voluntary defensive driving course removes 2 points from your driving record and may provide a 5–15% insurance premium discount. It can be used once every 3 years (36 months from last completion).
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
Pennsylvania speeding fines under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3362 are calculated as follows (standard zones posted under 65 mph): 1–5 mph over = $35 flat; each additional mph over the first 5 = add $2.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Pennsylvania 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 →Pennsylvania Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What are the fines for speeding in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania speeding fines under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3362 are calculated as follows (standard zones posted under 65 mph): 1–5 mph over = $35 flat; each additional mph over the first 5 = add $2. Examples: 10 mph over = $45; 15 mph over = $55; 20 mph over = $65; 25 mph over = $75; 30 mph over = $85. Surcharges under § 6506 are added: 6–15 mph over = +$45; 16–25 mph over = +$60; 26+ mph over = +$75. Court costs (EMS fee, Judicial Computer fee, county costs) add approximately $75–$100. A typical 10 mph over ticket totals approximately $150–$200 all in. For zones posted at 65 mph or higher, the base starts at $42.50. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3362; § 6506.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania point values for speeding under § 1535: 1–5 mph over = 0 points; 6–10 mph over = 2 points; 11–15 mph over = 3 points; 16–25 mph over = 4 points; 26–30 mph over = 5 points; 31+ mph over = 5 points (plus mandatory PennDOT departmental hearing and Driver Improvement School). Points are removed at the rate of 3 points for every 12 consecutive months of clean driving. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 1535.
Can I take a defensive driving course for a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's voluntary defensive driving course removes 2 points from your driving record and may provide a 5–15% insurance premium discount. It can be used once every 3 years (36 months from last completion). The course must be PennDOT-approved and is at least 6 hours. Note: this is a voluntary point-reduction benefit; the Driver Improvement School (4-point removal) is a PennDOT-required program triggered by reaching 6 points. Source: pa.gov/agencies/dmv.
What are the penalties for speeding in a Pennsylvania work zone?
In active Pennsylvania work zones, all fines double under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3326. Additionally, if you are convicted of going 11+ mph over the posted limit in an active work zone, a mandatory 15-day license suspension is imposed on top of the doubled fine. The work zone must be posted with official signage with illuminated lights indicating workers are present. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3326.
What are the penalties for speeding in a Pennsylvania school zone?
Pennsylvania school zones have a special 15 mph speed limit when children are present (75 Pa.C.S. § 3365). Exceeding the school zone limit carries 3 points. A second or subsequent offense exceeding the school zone limit by more than 11 mph carries a maximum $500 fine and a 60-day license suspension. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3365.
What happens if I get caught going 31+ mph over the limit in Pennsylvania?
Traffic summary offenses in Pennsylvania are heard before a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ). You have 10 days from the citation to respond — pay the fine (guilty plea) or request a hearing (not guilty). Pennsylvania uses a point system under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1535: when you reach 6 points, PennDOT requires either a written Special Point Examination or Driver Improvement School; 11 points triggers automatic suspension. A voluntary defensive driving course removes 2 points and can be used once every 3 years. Convictions generally appear on your record for 5 years. If convicted by an MDJ, you have 30 days to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas for a brand-new trial (de novo). For the most accurate information, refer to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75) at palegis.us or PennDOT at pa.gov/agencies/dmv.
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.