How Many MPH Over the Speed Limit is a Felony?
In the United States, speeding is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. However, the question remains: how many miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit is considered a felony?
What Constitutes a Felony?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a felony. In the United States, a felony is a criminal offense punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are typically classified as crimes of moral turpitude, which means they are considered serious and harmful to society.
Speeding Laws by State
Each state has its own unique speeding laws, with varying speed limits and penalties. While some states have more lenient laws, others are much stricter. Here’s a breakdown of speeding laws by state:
| State | Speed Limit | Felony Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 25-70 mph | 80 mph |
| Alaska | 35-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Arizona | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Arkansas | 25-70 mph | 80 mph |
| California | 25-65 mph | 100 mph |
| Colorado | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Connecticut | 50-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Delaware | 20-55 mph | 90 mph |
| Florida | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Georgia | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| Hawaii | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Idaho | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Illinois | 20-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Indiana | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Iowa | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Kansas | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Kentucky | 25-70 mph | 80 mph |
| Louisiana | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Maine | 25-55 mph | 90 mph |
| Maryland | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Massachusetts | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Michigan | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| Minnesota | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Mississippi | 25-70 mph | 80 mph |
| Missouri | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| Montana | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Nebraska | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Nevada | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| New Hampshire | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| New Jersey | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| New Mexico | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| New York | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| North Carolina | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| North Dakota | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Ohio | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Oklahoma | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Oregon | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Pennsylvania | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Rhode Island | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| South Carolina | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| South Dakota | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Tennessee | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| Texas | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Utah | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
| Vermont | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Virginia | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Washington | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| West Virginia | 25-70 mph | 90 mph |
| Wisconsin | 25-65 mph | 90 mph |
| Wyoming | 25-75 mph | 90 mph |
Felony Thresholds
As shown in the table above, the felony threshold varies by state. In general, most states consider speeding over 80-90 mph to be a felony. However, some states have lower or higher thresholds. For example:
- Alabama and Mississippi consider speeding over 80 mph a felony.
- California and Oregon consider speeding over 100 mph a felony.
- Connecticut and New York consider speeding over 90 mph a felony.
Consequences of Felony Speeding
If you’re convicted of felony speeding, you can face severe consequences, including:
- Prison time: Up to 10 years or more in prison, depending on the state and circumstances.
- Fines: Significant fines, often in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
- License suspension: Revocation of your driver’s license for an extended period or permanently.
- Criminal record: A felony conviction on your criminal record, which can impact your future job prospects, education, and personal life.
Tips for Avoiding Felony Speeding
To avoid felony speeding, follow these tips:
- Check speed limits: Always check the speed limit in your area and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Monitor your speed: Pay attention to your speed and slow down if necessary.
- Avoid distractions: Put away your phone and other distractions while driving.
- Drive defensively: Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react accordingly.
- Maintain your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition to help you stay safe on the road.
In conclusion, the answer to the question "How many mph over the speed limit is a felony?" varies by state. While most states consider speeding over 80-90 mph a felony, some states have lower or higher thresholds. To avoid felony speeding, it’s essential to be aware of the speed limits in your area, monitor your speed, and drive defensively. Remember, speeding is a serious offense that can have severe consequences.
