Can the Police Really Ticket You for 1 MPH Over the Speed Limit?

When it comes to traffic laws, every driver hopes they can avoid tickets for even the smallest infractions. However, if you're found to be going 1 mph over the speed limit, can the police actually issue a ticket? The answer is yes, but the likelihood is much less than you might think.

Understanding Speed Limits and Ticketing Discretion

Going just 1 mph over the speed limit is typically not something that would result in a speeding ticket. Most law enforcement officers use their discretion when deciding whether to issue a ticket and a minor overage like 1 mph is often deemed too trivial to warrant a citation, especially if you are driving safely and not creating any hazards.

When a Ticket Is Issued for 1 MPH Over

However, there are some situations where even a small infraction might be ticketed. For example, in areas with strict speed enforcement, such as school zones or construction zones, there might be less tolerance for even minor speeding. Additionally, if an officer decides to pull you over, they might choose to issue a ticket if they believe it is warranted, particularly if there are other contributing factors like poor weather conditions or erratic driving.

Historical Examples of Strict Enforcement

Historically, there have been instances where even small infractions led to tickets. A notable example comes from the early 2000s in Bridge City, Texas. On Highway 87, the speed limit decreased from 55 mph to 45 mph at the Cow Bayou Bridge. If drivers didn't slow down as they approached the bridge, the Bridge City Police Department (BC PD) would use radar to clock their speed at the top of the bridge, even if it was 55 mph. Many drivers found themselves receiving tickets for speeds just a few miles per hour over the limit.

A class was held to help drivers void these tickets. The instructor, a Texas Trooper, asked the group where all the tickets had come from. Out of the 85 people in the class, 75 had received tickets for 49 mph or over. When the Trooper asked for volunteers, 45 people raised their hands, indicating they had received tickets for 50 mph or over, while 10 people volunteered for tickets below 50 mph. Among those 10, only 3 were for 1 mph over the limit. This stark contrast highlights how rare it is for an officer to issue a ticket for just 1 mph over the speed limit, given the benefit of discretion in their role.

Lessons from Speed Enforcement

While the majority of drivers understandably hope that a 1 mph over the speed limit infraction will go unnoticed, it's important to note that police do retain the authority to issue tickets for such infractions. However, the practical realities of police work and the need to prioritize serious traffic safety issues generally mean that minor violations like these are not a high priority.

Conclusion

In summary, while it's best to stick to the posted speed limits to avoid any potential issues, the likelihood of being ticketed for 1 mph over the speed limit is generally much lower compared to more significant speed violations. As with all things related to traffic laws, it's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and drive responsibly.