How Strict is New York on Speeding and Reckless Driving?

Written by BRIAN MCCREADY (Patch Staff)

A new study by WalletHub has been released regarding the “Strictest and most lenient states on speeding and reckless driving.”

In its research, WalletHub said speed is a factor in 29 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths, and speeding-related crashes costs the national economy $40.4 billion annually.

Also speeding will cost you more money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every time you drive 5 mph over 60 mph it’s costing you 7 percent more for gas.

When it comes to cracking down on speeding and reckless driving New York ranks 23rd overall.

The top 5 strictest states are Colorado, Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, and New Mexico.

New York is ranked 41st for speeding enforcement and 6th on reckless driving enforcement.

Some observations from WalletHub’s research: no states require mandatory jail time for speeding, but if you are found guilty of reckless driving expect to spend at least one day in jail, the report states.

The average cost for a ticket for reckless driving is $742, the lowest is $100 in Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico. The most expensive ticket is $5,000 in Washington.

In New York, speeding is automatically considered reckless driving once you’re 30 mph over the posted speed limit.

Speeding offenses add 12 percent to your insurance costs in New York, and a speeding ticket counts toward a suspension of your license by 36 percent.

For reckless driving offenses in New York, your license will be not suspended after the first offense, and the first offense minimum fine is $300 and the second offense minimum fine is $525.

Read the full report here.