Traffic Violations

Georgia's Super Speeder Law Explained

3 min read

Georgia's Super Speeder Law, enacted on January 1, 2010, imposes additional penalties on drivers convicted of excessive speeding. Designed to enhance road safety and reduce high-speed accidents, the law targets drivers who exceed specific speed thresholds on Georgia roads.

What Constitutes a Super Speeder Violation?

Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 40-6-189, a driver is classified as a "Super Speeder" if convicted of:

Driving 75 mph or more on a two-lane road, or
Driving 85 mph or more on any road or highway within Georgia.

These thresholds apply regardless of the posted speed limits. For instance, driving 85 mph in a 70 mph zone on an interstate qualifies as a Super Speeder offense.

Penalties and Fines

A Super Speeder conviction carries an additional $200 fee imposed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This fee is separate from any fines or penalties assessed by the local court for the underlying speeding violation.

Failure to pay the $200 Super Speeder fee within 120 days of notification results in:

Suspension of driving privileges in Georgia.
An additional $50 reinstatement fee to lift the suspension.

Out-of-state drivers are subject to the same requirements. Non-payment can lead to suspension of driving privileges in Georgia, and the DDS will report the suspension to the driver's home state licensing authority, which may impose further penalties.

Notification Process

After a qualifying speeding conviction, the DDS sends a Super Speeder notification via first-class mail to the address on record. It's crucial to keep your address updated with the DDS to ensure timely receipt of such notices.

Payment Methods

Super Speeder fees and reinstatement fees can be paid through the following methods:

Online: Via the DDS Online Services.
By Mail: Send a check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to DDS, along with a copy of the Super Speeder notice, to:

Department of Driver Services CSLR P.O. Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013
In-Person: At a DDS Customer Service Center. Bring the Super Speeder notice and be prepared to pay with cash or credit/debit card. Note that checks and money orders are not accepted in person.

Impact on Driving Record and Insurance

While a Super Speeder designation does not add additional points to your driving record beyond those from the original speeding violation, it can have other consequences:

Insurance Rates: Insurance companies may view Super Speeder convictions as indicators of high-risk behavior, potentially leading to increased premiums.
Driving Record: The conviction remains on your driving record, which can affect future employment opportunities, especially those requiring driving responsibilities.

Defensive Driving Courses

Completing a state-approved defensive driving course may help mitigate some consequences of a speeding conviction. Benefits can include:

Point Reduction: In some cases, points from the original violation may be reduced.
Insurance Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses.

For more information on defensive driving in Georgia, refer to Defensive Driving Techniques for Georgia Roads.

Additional Resources

For further details on related topics, consider exploring:

Staying informed about Georgia's traffic laws and penalties can help you make safer driving decisions and avoid costly violations.