Final answer:
The charges for violating speed limit laws can vary and may include fines, court fees, and increased insurance rates. Driving just over the limit might not result in a ticket, but significant violations will. Legal and social attitudes towards speed limits also affect how these laws are enforced and perceived.
Step-by-step explanation:
The extent of charges for violating speed limit laws can vary widely depending on how much over the limit you're driving, the specific laws of the jurisdiction where the violation occurs, and any additional factors such as the presence of schools or construction zones. For instance, driving at 31 mph in a 30 mph zone in Jacinto City, Texas, might not lead to a ticket due to possible speedometer inaccuracies and enforcement leeway. However, driving significantly over the limit or in a reckless manner, such as in the scenario where a driver creates a 100-foot skid mark by braking rapidly, could indeed result in a ticket, with the officer potentially using the length of the skid mark as evidence of speeding.
Charges for speeding violations typically start with a base fine that increases as the amount by which the speed limit was exceeded rises. Additional costs can also be associated with these violations, including court fees, increased insurance rates, and, in some cases, mandatory driving courses. In some situations, drivers may choose to fight the speeding ticket in court, especially if they believe they have evidence, like vehicle performance data or environmental conditions, that could demonstrate their speed was within legal limits or that the speeding was justified.
There are both practical and legal considerations when dealing with speed limits. The de facto speed limit, or the threshold that might trigger a traffic stop, may be slightly higher than the de jure speed limit posted on signs. Moreover, social attitudes such as what is described as 'DWE' can influence how traffic laws are perceived and adhered to by the public. However, these are separate from the actual legal consequences of violating driving laws.