Dangerous Excessive Speeding in Florida

Florida treats speeding differently depending on how far above the posted limit a driver is alleged to be traveling. While most speeding tickets are civil traffic infractions, certain high speed violations are prosecuted under Florida’s dangerous excessive speeding law. These cases are not just a ticket. They are classified as criminal offenses that carry mandatory court appearances, the possibility of jail time, and the risk of a permanent criminal record.

At SuperSpeederLawyer.com, we represent drivers accused of dangerous excessive speeding under Florida Statute 316.1922. Our role is to protect clients from the harshest criminal consequences, preserve their driving privileges, and build a defense that challenges the state’s evidence at every step.

Call today for a free consultation or upload your ticket to speak with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.

What Is Dangerous Excessive Speeding in Florida?

Dangerous excessive speeding is defined by Florida statute as driving a motor vehicle at an alleged speed far beyond the posted limit in a way that endangers public safety. It is treated as a criminal misdemeanor, unlike civil infractions that cover traditional speeding tickets.

The law was created as a new law to address certain high speed violations where prosecutors argue that the driving behavior shows a willful or wanton disregard for safety. Unlike civil traffic infractions, dangerous excessive speeding requires a mandatory court appearance and moves through the criminal justice system.

When Does Speeding Become a Criminal Offense?

The line between ordinary speeding tickets and a dangerous excessive speeding charge is determined by speed and circumstances. A driver convicted of going 15 mph over in light traffic may only face a fine. A driver accused of going 40 mph over the posted speed limit in traffic, however, faces harsher consequences under the dangerous excessive speeding law.

Florida courts view extreme speed as reckless behavior in itself. Driving at 100 mph, for example, is often prosecuted under the super speeder law, which treats it as more than just a traffic ticket.

Penalties Under Florida’s Dangerous Excessive Speeding Law

The penalties for dangerous excessive speeding vary based on whether it is a first conviction or a subsequent conviction.

First offense

A first offense still requires a mandatory court hearing and can result in:

• Fines and court costs
• Driver’s license suspension
• Possible jail time
• A criminal record

Second or subsequent offense

For a second or subsequent conviction, enhanced penalties apply. These include:

• Mandatory license revocation in some cases
• Harsher criminal penalties including longer jail time
• Increased fines and probation conditions

For subsequent offenses, prosecutors argue that the driver’s record shows a pattern of dangerous driving, making the likelihood of harsher consequences much higher.

Civil Traffic Infractions vs. Dangerous Excessive Speeding

Civil traffic infractions cover most speeding tickets. These are punishable by fines and points but do not result in a criminal conviction. Dangerous excessive speeding cases are different. They are criminal charges, prosecuted in criminal court, and they can create permanent criminal records. Unlike civil traffic infractions, these cases require a mandatory court appearance.

Criminal Consequences of Conviction

Being found guilty of dangerous excessive speeding under Florida law creates lasting criminal consequences. These may include:

• Jail time of up to one year
• Criminal convictions on your record
• Long-term driver’s license suspension
• Professional licensing issues if your occupation requires a clean record
• Increased insurance premiums as you are labeled a reckless driver or high risk driver

Unlike standard speeding tickets, a dangerous excessive speeding conviction is not just a fine — it follows you through the criminal justice system.

Reckless Driving vs. Dangerous Excessive Speeding

Reckless driving is a separate charge under Florida traffic laws, but prosecutors often argue that excessive speeding itself is reckless behavior. A reckless driving charge requires proof of willful or wanton disregard for safety. Dangerous excessive speeding can be charged alongside reckless driving when speeds are extremely high or a car accident results from aggressive driving.

Florida Statute 316.1922

Florida Statute 316.1922 is the statute that defines the super speeder law and the dangerous excessive speeding law. It lays out that certain high speed violations require mandatory court appearances, allow for license suspension or revocation, and expose a driver convicted of the charge to criminal penalties.

The Role of the Florida Highway Patrol

The Florida Highway Patrol frequently conducts enforcement actions targeting extreme speed. Using radar, laser, and aircraft speed reading methods, they identify drivers well above the posted limit. Alleged speed is documented in reports and presented as prosecution’s evidence in court. These methods are not always accurate, and our defense strategies often involve questioning calibration records, officer training, and the conditions under which the reading was taken.

Defense Strategies for Dangerous Excessive Speeding

Defending against a dangerous excessive speeding law charge requires looking at every detail of the stop and evidence. Strategies may include:

• Arguing necessity defense if driving behavior was unavoidable in an emergency
• Challenging whether the stop was constitutional
• Exposing flaws in radar or laser calibration and speed reading accuracy
• Presenting witness testimony to counter the state’s narrative
• Demonstrating that the case should have been charged as a civil infraction rather than a criminal offense

With the right criminal defense strategy, it is possible to reduce charges, avoid jail time, and protect your license.

Impact on Driving Record and License

A conviction under the dangerous excessive speeding law places a criminal mark on your driving record. This can lead to driver’s license suspension, mandatory license revocation for repeat offenders, and long-term increases in insurance premiums. For commercial drivers, the consequences are even more severe, as losing a license can mean losing a career.

How These Cases Affect Your Future

The long-term consequences go beyond the immediate criminal penalties. A dangerous excessive speeding conviction can harm professional licensing, make you appear irresponsible to employers, and label you as a reckless driver. For Florida drivers who depend on their vehicles for work or family responsibilities, the impact can be devastating.

Questions We Hear From Clients

Protecting Your Rights in Criminal Court

If you are facing criminal charges for dangerous excessive speeding, you need more than reassurance. You need a defense plan. Our criminal defense attorneys work to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and push for reductions to civil infraction status. Unlike civil traffic infractions, these cases carry criminal penalties and lasting consequences, so legal counsel is essential.

Contact a Florida Dangerous Excessive Speeding Lawyer

At SuperSpeederLawyer.com, our role is to protect drivers accused under Florida’s dangerous excessive speeding law. We fight to keep cases from turning into permanent criminal records, protect driver’s licenses from suspension or revocation, and challenge the state at every turn.

Call today for a free consultation or upload your ticket to speak with an attorney about your case. With experienced criminal defense on your side, you do not have to face the criminal justice system alone.