It’s never fun to get pulled over for speeding, even less so when it happens to you while you’re driving in a rental car. Here’s what you should do if you get a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania.
How Much Are Speeding Fines in Pennsylvania?
Traffic ticket fines are uniform throughout Pennsylvania. This means a speeding is penalized the same, whether you are fined in Bucks County or in Erie.
For posted speed limits under 65 mph, drivers pay a minimum $35 for exceeding it. This would apply to driving in an urban area with speed limits of 35 mph, 25 mph in a residential district or other areas where the speed limit is 55 mph.
For posted speed limits 65 mph or higher, the fine starts at $42.50. Pennsylvania highways often have speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.
Fines increase by $2 per mile if you are speeding by more than 5 mph over the posted limit. So if you’re going 10 miles over the 65 mph speed limit, you’d pay an extra $10.
How to Handle a Speeding Ticket in a Rental
Unlike parking tickets and toll violations, which are typically tied to the vehicle, a speeding ticket is generally tied to the driver. If a police officer pulls you over, you’ll be able to handle the fine on your own. There’s a good possibly the rental company won’t ever find out. From there, you can pay the fine or fight it. Going to traffic school or taking a defensive driving course online may also be an option for avoiding points on your record.
There is one way the rental company could find out about the issue. Getting caught by a speed camera that takes a photo of the plate would mean that the rental company would be notified of the fine—and pass on to you at a later date with an added fee. If you receive a notice in the mail about a fine triggered by a speed camera, pay it immediately to avoid dealing with collections agencies or you could end up on the Do Not Rent list.
How to Pay a Speeding Ticket in Pennsylvania
You’ll have to pay for a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania even if you don’t live there, as states disclose out-of-state violations to one another. The quickest way to handle the ticket is to pay for it as soon as possible by following the directions printed on the ticket itself, which usually includes information for paying online or by phone. You can also pay in person at the court denoted on the ticket.
If you choose to contest the ticket, you will have to do so with the specific Pennsylvania municipality that oversees the traffic laws where you were driving—not the rental car company. In some cases you may be able to do this online. That information will be available through the same municipal court listed on your ticket. However, going this route could require showing up in court and paying additional fees in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between renting a car domestically and internationally?
Cars made in domestic are generally cheaper, but they offer fewer features than cars made abroad.
International cars can be more expensive, but they offer greater comfort and safety equipment like air conditioning, seatbelts, antilock brakes, and so on.
It is important to consider how much you travel each day when choosing the right car.
If you’re traveling for more than 100-miles, you might consider renting a local (domestic) car as they are typically cheaper.
You should consider an international model if your driving will involve a lot of driving in cities or going off-road.
Can I rent an American car if I’m not from the United States?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted permission to rent vehicles in the United States for non-American citizens. Some countries may have a visa waiver program. You must also have valid documentation, such as a passport or proof of insurance. Additional information about this topic can be found at the DHS Website.
What documents do you need to drive in Europe and why?
You will need all documentation for each country you visit.
Additionally, you will need copies of your passport and driving license as well as an insurance policy. You will need your insurance policy to protect you when driving in Europe.
In some countries you might also need proof of ownership. This includes registration papers or a bill of sale.
Drivers in some countries must have a valid driver’s license from their country of origin.
Statistics
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- If you’re a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
External Links
enterprise.com
avis.com
autoslash.com
sixt.com
How To
12 Things You Should Learn About Renting a Car in Europe
What are my top tips for renting a car to travel in Europe?
There are many things to know before you drive off when you rent a car Europe. It really depends on which type of rental vehicle you choose. Here’s a list of must-know tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
- Your insurance policy. Check your auto insurance coverage before you take to the roads. Check out our guide on how to find cheap car insurance abroad.
- You will need the correct documents. You’ll need a driver’s license from your own country, plus several identification cards (passport, visa, etc.) to prove where you’re going and why. You should have these documents in hand so that you don’t miss deadlines.
- Road Rules. Pay attention to signage indicating speed limits, one way streets and pedestrian crossings. Driving in another nation could lead to accidents or fines.
- Parking rules. Many cities require drivers to park in designated areas only. Before arriving in town make sure you read the parking regulations.
- Gasoline. Gasoline prices can vary depending on where you live and what country you are in. However, it is generally three times more expensive than gas back home.
- Insurance requirements. Some countries require additional liability insurance for rentals over 3 years old. Check with your rental company about specifics.
- GPS navigation systems. These GPS navigation systems are growing in popularity among travelers. However, if you don’t know how to use them properly, you can bring along a map with you and ask for directions.
- Radio stations. The radio station in the region you’re visiting might play music that sounds foreign to you. Do not worry, just press “0” and the frequency will change to English.
- Seatbelts. European countries make seat belts mandatory.
- Road tolls Road tolls in Europe are very common. Most are payable at meters located at major intersections.
- Speeding tickets. Speeding is strictly prohibited across large parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain.
- Tipping. Tipping is not as common in Europe as it is in North America. Tipping is not a common practice in any part of the world. Instead, consider giving a round number such as 10%- 15%.
