Find out how much over the speed limit is a felony, what laws apply in different states, and when speeding turns into a serious offense.
Have you ever been driving on the highway with the music up and the windows down, and then you looked at your speedometer and saw that you were way above the limit? Been there before. I will never forget the day I went from driving without a care in the world to holding the wheel like my life depended on it.
Let me show you a picture.
They drove from Southern California to Vegas. The roads ran through the desert, there wasn’t a single car in sight, and the weather was perfect. It was the kind of setting that makes you feel like you’re in a car ad. I wasn’t attempting to be dangerous; I was just lost in thought and vibing when I looked down and saw I was traveling 102 mph in a 70 zone.
Now sure, there were no cars around—but that doesn’t mean it was safe. Some of the most dangerous highways in the country run through wide-open spaces like that, where high speeds and sudden mistakes can lead to serious consequences.
My stomach sank. I slowed down right away, but I couldn’t stop thinking, “Was that just a normal speeding ticket?” Or something far worse? Is it possible that I could go to jail for this?
That moment made me look up how much over the speed limit is a crime, and I was shocked by what I found. If you’re asking the same thing, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s get into the details of when speeding becomes a crime, how it changes from state to state, what the penalties are, and what to do if you get caught.
Article Breakdown
In traffic law, what is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Let’s get the legal terms straight before we talk about speed metrics. Infraction:
- This is the type of ticket that most speeding tickets are. You were traveling 10 to 20 mph over, and you’ll probably just receive a fine and maybe a raise in your insurance.
- More serious: misdemeanor. Think of speeding or driving recklessly, which usually means going too fast or doing anything risky. You could go to jail or even court.
- Felony: This is where things get serious. Felony speeding usually means going very fast, doing it again and again, or hurting or killing someone. A felony implies you will always have a criminal record, you might go to prison, and the effects will last for a long time.
So, where is the line? Let’s break it down.
Quick Answer: When is speeding a crime?
There isn’t one rule for the whole country, but here’s the gist:
In most U.S. states, driving 30–40 mph over the speed limit may qualify as criminal or reckless driving, which can escalate to a felony under certain conditions.
However, it’s not just about how fast you’re going. It also depends on:
- State laws (and some are much stricter than others)
- Whether anyone was injured or killed
- Whether you were driving under the influence
- Location (school zone, construction area, etc.)
- Your driving record (repeat offenders = harsher consequences)
When people inquire how much over the speed limit is a felony or how quickly over the speed limit is a felony, they truly want to know what the legal limits are that lead to those more serious charges.
People often wonder how much over the speed limit is a crime because they think there is a universal amount. But there are a lot of things that affect it.
Let’s look at a few instances from different states to see how different things may be.
How Speeding Laws and Felony Charges Are Different in Each State
Virginia
Let’s start with a state known for having some of the toughest laws. In Virginia, you can be charged with careless driving—a Class 1 misdemeanor—for any of the following:
- Going more than 20 mph over the speed limit, or
- Driving faster than 85 mph, no matter what the sign says
This isn’t a felony by itself, but if you hurt or kill someone while speeding or if you do it again, it can become a felony.
That is a great example of how being over the speed limit is a crime that depends on more than just statistics. It also depends on how you act and what happens.
Arizona
Driving 85 mph anywhere in Arizona, or 20 mph over the limit in any zone, is a crime called “criminal speeding.” But if you hurt someone or have a history of speeding, it could be aggravated criminal speeding, which is when felony penalties come into play.
People often want to know if going 20 mph over the speed limit is a crime. In Arizona, it may not be automatic, but it could get you closer to a significant criminal penalty based on your driving record or the situation.
The state of California
In California, speeding alone normally doesn’t get you a felony unless
- it’s with reckless driving, DUI, or
- Causes harm or death
For example, hitting someone while going more than 100 mph? You could be charged with vehicular manslaughter, which is a felony.
Texas
Texas considers speeding too fast to be reckless driving, which is a crime. But if you add street racing, running from the police, or DWI to it, you’re in a criminal area.
So, what did you learn? If two drivers are doing 100 mph, one might get a citation and the other might have a felony record, depending on where they are and what else transpired.
When Speed Becomes a Crime: Scenarios That Cross the Line
Let’s get out of the legal textbook for a second and talk about real-life scenarios. These are situations where speeding becomes a felony, or at least very close to it.
1. You Were Drag Racing on Public Roads
This one’s a no-brainer. Street racing isn’t just reckless—it’s illegal in all 50 states. In many cases, it’s considered felony reckless driving, especially if it results in injury or property damage.
2. You Caused a Crash While Speeding
It doesn’t matter if it was just a “little accident.” If someone gets hurt, the stakes skyrocket. Prosecutors can (and often do) charge this as vehicular assault or vehicular manslaughter, both of which are felonies.
This is one of the clearest answers to is speeding a felony—it absolutely can be when harm or danger is involved.
3. You Were Speeding While Drunk
Speeding under the influence can turn a routine traffic stop into a serious criminal charge. If you injure someone while speeding and driving drunk, that’s felony DUI in many states.
4. You Were Driving Through a School or Construction Area
Speeding in these zones often leads to enhanced penalties. In some states, going 25 mph over in a school zone is enough for a reckless driving charge—especially if children are present.
So when you’re asking how much over the speed limit is a felony, know that it’s not just about the number. It’s about where you are, what else you’re doing, and who gets hurt.
Consequences of Felony Speeding
Okay, so you’re thinking: What happens if I actually get charged with felony speeding?
Here’s the hard truth:
Jail or Prison Time
Felony speeding could land you in state prison—not just a weekend in county jail. Sentences can range from 1 to 10 years, depending on the severity.
Hefty Fines
We’re talking thousands of dollars, not a couple hundred. Some states impose fines up to $10,000 for felony-level offenses.
Suspension or Revocation of License
You’ll almost definitely lose your driving privileges, either temporarily or permanently.
Criminal Record
A felony stays on your record for life. That means issues with:
- Jobs
- Housing
- Loans
- Even traveling abroad
Skyrocketing Insurance Rates
If you thought your premium was high before, buckle up. A felony driving conviction can double—or even triple—your insurance costs.
So the next time someone wonders, how many mph over the speed limit is a felony, they need to realize the consequences go way beyond just speed—it’s the aftermath that matters most.
My Own Wake-Up Call (And What I Learned)
Remember that 102 mph road trip I mentioned earlier?
Luckily, I slowed down in time and never got pulled over. But that moment stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking: What if I had caused an accident? What if there was a cop around the bend?
It inspired me to dig deep, and now I never look at speeding the same way. It’s not just about getting a ticket—it’s about understanding the actual legal and personal consequences. And honestly? No destination is worth ruining your life over a few minutes saved.
And now, when friends ask me how much over the speed limit is a felony, or even things like is 15 mph over the speed limit a felony or is 25 mph over the speed limit a felony, I have more than just a guess. I have a cautionary tale and cold, hard facts to back it up.
What Should You Do If You’re Facing Felony Speeding Charges?
First off, don’t panic—but don’t delay either. Time matters.
1. Contact a Lawyer ASAP
Look for an attorney who specializes in traffic or criminal law in your state. A good lawyer can often:
- Reduce charges from felony to misdemeanor
- Negotiate lighter penalties
- Help avoid a conviction altogether
2. Gather All Documentation
This includes:
- Citation/ticket
- Police report
- Dashcam footage (if you have it)
- Witness info (if applicable)
3. Show Up to All Court Hearings
Failing to appear only makes things worse. Show the judge you’re taking it seriously.
4. Consider Defensive Driving Courses
Sometimes, completing a court-approved course can reduce penalties. It also shows responsibility.
And remember: how much over the speed limit can you go isn’t just a curious question—it’s a potentially life-changing one.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Is 30 mph over the limit a felony?
A: Not automatically. It might be classified as reckless driving or a misdemeanor unless paired with other factors (e.g., DUI, injury).
Q: Can you go to jail for speeding?
A: Yes. Jail time is possible for criminal speeding, reckless driving, or felony-level offenses—especially if injury or harm is involved.
Q: Is felony speeding common?
A: Not super common, but not rare either—especially in states with strict driving laws or among repeat offenders.
Q: What’s the fastest you can go before it becomes a felony?
A: It varies. Some states charge felony reckless driving at 100+ mph, others consider factors like location, prior offenses, or intent.
Q: How much over the speed limit is a felony in [my state]?
A: Great question. Since laws vary by state, it’s best to check your local DMV or traffic court website—or better yet, speak with a lawyer familiar with your area.
Key Takings:
- Here’s the bottom line: Speeding isn’t just a ticket—it can be a life-altering event.
- I get it. We’ve all been late to work, rushing to the airport, or caught up in the music with a heavy foot. But the risks—both legal and personal—aren’t worth it.
- If you’re already facing a serious charge, get legal help right away. And if you’re just here out of curiosity, consider this your sign to slow down a little next time you’re on the road.
- Because, as I learned that day on the desert highway, you’re never as far ahead as you think. But you’re always one decision away from changing everything.
Additional Resources:
- Is 15 Over the Speed Limit Considered a Felony? – Legal Clarity: Covers when driving over the limit transitions from a simple ticket to a misdemeanor or more serious charge. It explains that going 20–30+ mph over can often result in reckless driving charges.
- How Much Over the Speed Limit is a Felony? – The Educated Felon: Explains that speeding becomes a felony mainly when it causes serious injury or death, though extremely excessive speeding (e.g., 100+ mph) may be prosecuted harshly even without an accident.
- Can You Go to Jail for Going 30 Over? – Legal Clarity: Highlights how exceeding the speed limit by 30+ mph can lead to jail time in states like Virginia and California, where such behavior is considered reckless driving.
