Is Driving 100 mph a Felony?
Driving 100 mph can be a serious offense, but is it a felony? The answer is not a simple yes or no. In the United States, the legality and severity of driving 100 mph vary from state to state. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of high-speed driving and explore the differences in laws and penalties across the country.
State-by-State Laws
While some states have laws specifically prohibiting speeds above 100 mph, others do not have a specific limit. Here is a breakdown of the laws by state:
| State | Speed Limit | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 70-80 mph | Class C Felony (up to 10 years in prison) |
| Alaska | 80 mph | Class B Misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail) |
| Arizona | 75 mph | Class 1 Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail) |
| Arkansas | 75 mph | Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| California | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Colorado | 75 mph | Class 2 Misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail) |
| Connecticut | 65-85 mph | Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Delaware | 65-85 mph | Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Florida | 70-90 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail) |
| Georgia | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Hawaii | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Idaho | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Illinois | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Indiana | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Iowa | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Kansas | 75 mph | Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Kentucky | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Louisiana | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Maine | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Maryland | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Massachusetts | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 2.5 years in jail) |
| Michigan | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Minnesota | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Mississippi | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Missouri | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Montana | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Nebraska | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Nevada | 75 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail) |
| New Hampshire | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| New Jersey | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| New Mexico | 75 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| New York | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| North Carolina | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| North Dakota | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Ohio | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Oklahoma | 75 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Oregon | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Pennsylvania | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Rhode Island | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| South Carolina | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| South Dakota | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Tennessee | 70-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Texas | 70-85 mph | Class C Misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail) |
| Utah | 75 mph | Class B Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail) |
| Vermont | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Virginia | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Washington | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| West Virginia | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Wisconsin | 65-85 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
| Wyoming | 75 mph | Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) |
As you can see, the penalties for driving 100 mph vary widely across the states. Some states consider it a felony, while others consider it a misdemeanor. Additionally, the penalties can range from fines and community service to imprisonment.
Consequences of High-Speed Driving
Driving 100 mph can have serious consequences, including:
- Fatalities: High-speed collisions can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Serious Injuries: Even if you survive a high-speed collision, you may suffer serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries.
- Property Damage: High-speed collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles, buildings, and other property.
- License Suspension: If you are convicted of high-speed driving, you may face license suspension or revocation.
- Fines and Fees: You may be required to pay significant fines and fees related to the offense.
Conclusion
Driving 100 mph can be a serious offense, and the consequences can be severe. While some states consider it a felony, others consider it a misdemeanor. It is essential to understand the laws and penalties in your state and to drive safely and responsibly at all times. Remember, high-speed driving can have serious consequences, including fatalities, serious injuries, property damage, and legal penalties.
