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How much over the speed limit can you go?

I’ve been reading online about speeding. Some sites say you have to stay below the speed limit, others say that you can go five over before getting ticketed—some say that you won’t get pulled over unless you’re 10 mph over the limit! Realistically, how much can you speed without getting ticketed?

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Samuel Todd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
There are definitely lots of competing answers online! Technically, it is illegal to go even one mile per hour over the limit—a police officer could pull you over for going 41 in a 40 zone. In reality, though, most officers won’t ticket you unless you’re going at least five over.
Remember, each officer has some degree of discretion. Some officers might be super strict, and you’ll see flashing lights behind you even if you’re just a few mph over. Other officers are more lenient and won’t pull you over unless you’re going ten over.
Another thing to keep in mind is context. Going eight over in a school zone is very likely to get you a ticket. Going eight over on a five-lane highway? Not so much.
At the end of the day, it’s important to keep in mind that speed limits are posted for a reason. You’re breaking the law if you exceed the speed limit. So it’s probably best to take your foot off the gas—that way, you can get where you’re going without worrying about a ticket!
One more reason not to speed is that traffic tickets are a sure-fire way of raising your monthly insurance payment.
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