Challenging a 100 mph speeding ticket in California is possible with the right defense strategy.
Receiving a 100 mph speeding ticket in California is serious, as it's considered excessive speeding under Vehicle Code 22348(b), carrying severe penalties including potential license suspension. You have options to fight the ticket through traffic court, but success depends on building a strong defense and understanding the legal process.
Common defenses against a 100 mph speeding ticket
- Questioning the accuracy of the radar or LIDAR equipment used
- Challenging the officer's visual estimation of your speed
- Proving you weren't the driver at the time of the alleged violation
- Demonstrating speedometer calibration issues
- Showing emergency circumstances that justified your speed
Steps to fight your 100 mph ticket
- Request a copy of the officer's notes and evidence
- Check the citation for errors that could invalidate it
- Consider hiring a traffic attorney for serious violations
- Request a court date and prepare your defense
- Attend your hearing and present your case
Potential outcomes and penalties
| Outcome | Points | Fine Range | License Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guilty verdict | 2 points | $500-$1000+ | Possible 30-day suspension |
| Reduced to lower speed | 1 point | $200-$400 | Less severe impact |
| Dismissed | 0 points | No fine | No impact |
When to hire a traffic attorney
Consider legal representation if you have a clean driving record you want to protect, if you drive commercially, or if you're facing a first offense that could result in license suspension. An attorney can often negotiate better outcomes and identify procedural errors in how your ticket was issued.