The statement "you will only get a speeding ticket if you exceed the limit by 1 or more" is correct in the sense that legally, any speed over the posted limit is considered speeding. However, in practice, many police forces use some discretion or tolerance before issuing a ticket.
Legal Perspective
Legally, you can be fined for exceeding the speed limit by even 1 mph (or 1 km/h), and you are officially breaking the law at that point. For example, if the limit is 30 mph, going 30.001 mph is technically over the limit and punishable by law.
Practical Enforcement
- Some police guidelines recommend a "10% plus 2 mph" tolerance as a guideline for enforcement, meaning if the speed limit is 30 mph, tickets are typically issued from about 35 mph and above. However, this is police discretion and not a legal rule.
- In some cases, like school zones or strict enforcement areas, even 1 mph over can lead to a ticket.
- Speed measurement devices have tolerance levels, and enforcement often takes that into account, but it does not absolve motorists from the responsibility of staying under the limit.
Summary
- You are legally speeding if you exceed the speed limit even by 1 mph.
- Whether you receive a ticket may depend on police discretion, device tolerance, and the specific area or conditions.
- It's safest to assume that any amount over the speed limit can potentially result in a ticket.
Thus, while the statement is technically correct legally, practical enforcement varies with discretion and circumstances.
