Bike Seizure for Speeding - Different Sate Tolerances

[dcharge]

I was wondering what the laws are for speeding and in which states you could have your bike seized for going a bit fast. I don't really go that fast, but are there states where I really should toe the line on the speed limit, and are there others where I can go a bit over the limit? I am planning a ride from ND to TX, and then to MT, so i'm going to be going through several different states. I'd kinda like to know where 'no' means 'no'. Are you guys aware of which states are more or less tolerant?

BTW - I'm a Canadian member - will leave on my trip from Regina, SK (to Minot, ND, then Austin, TX) and then I'll be returning to my home in Lethbridge, AB (via montana). The states I'd like to know about are ND, SD, NB, KS, OK, TX, CO, WY, MT, but perhaps a complete listing would be helpful.

Thanks all

 

[joedrum]

i dont have that info .....but this leagleized stealing by the gov is just over the top

 

[RckRagman]

I know this isn't going to help you on this specific trip, but I can add a couple of contributions towards the "complete listing" if one gets started.
Here in Massachusetts, one can usually get away with 10mph over the speed limits on the major highways and about 5mph over within city/town limits (with the exception of Ashby, MA - if the posted limit is 30, don't be doing 31)...
New Hampshire is pretty close to the same thing as far as the major highways are concerned, and most cities/towns...most of the limits around MA and NH are 65 for the highways, but most people hover around 70 or 75. I guess as long as you're just keeping up with the traffic flow, they don't say too much. They go after the ones doing 80+ and/or are weaving in and out of traffic, crossing lanes unsafely, etc...
Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[dcharge]

Thanks, Rick - that's the kinda thing I like seeing - we can have this as a record of what goes on all over and then anyone with the question can find it again.
Cheers

Dic

 

[dan filipi]

Good thread.

25 or so years back my brother got nailed for 90 in NM on the Interstate, we were actually doing 105.
The cop said he'd give us a break because it was late evening no traffic and 95 and up is impound, 110 and up was arrest and impound.
May not be as forgiving these days though. He drives around NM now because he never paid the ticket but I bet there's a statute of limtations on that.

Ca. pretty much goes by the basic speed law of "driving at a safe speed" and with the flow although the state needs money now and they're cracking down. Boy, don't speed in front of a school (25 mph) or run a red light. Those are over $400 now.
Passing a school bus with red lights flashing is over $600!

There should be a site to search these rules state by state. I'll have a look around.

Edit: Here's one site https://www.mit.edu/~jfc/laws.html
and another https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limi ... ted_States

It doesn't look like either of those state what speed is cause for seisure but I bet if the basic guidelines are followed you'd be OK.

 

[dcharge]

I did find this one table with multiple links to all 50 states - it's a bit tough to work it out, but the 'on the ground' interpretations can vary, that's why I thought I'd ask you guys n gals
https://www.mit.edu/~jfc/laws.html

This one has limits and helmet law info as well:
https://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/PrintLaws.html

Dic

 

[scdmarx]

With the economy the way it is here, I would advise you to get real comfortable with the speed limits. Everybody wants your money these days and local government is really not much more than organized crime. That's how they stay afloat. It's not about right and wrong, truth and justice, good sense and lunacy. It's all about the money. Learn to think like that and you'll be much better off.

 

[danf]

If you are riding in a different Country it would be wise to follow the speed limit anyway, now if your going to Austin be real careful riding thru Dallas and from Dallas to Austin it can be almost a nightmare, people fly and come up on you like crazy people in a flippen hurry, no regard for the speed limit, or your fellow driver, I haul butt just to stay alive man, they are nuts here in Texas, and I'm from here, Cops can give tickets all day long here..The big rigs man they are everywhere....And traffic will stop on a dime, just like that.. Be very careful coming down I-35 ...

 

[detdrbuzzard]

before you leave make sure you have your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. in michigan to not have your proof of insurance is a $150 ticket even if your insurance is valid

 

[Retroyz]

You would not get your bike seized in Minnesota.

 

[MSGT-R]

California: 15 over the posted limit, unless you really torque-off the Patrolman, then it could be less..

 

[dan filipi]

California: 15 over the posted limit, unless you really torque-off the Patrolman, then it could be less..

15 over is seizure here??

 

[slabghost]

I think she meant you can get away with 15 over the limit unless the cop is already torqued. As a general rule I stay within 5mph of posted limits except in little towns. There I go the limit or less. Never over. I haven't gotten a ticket in almost 20 years.

 

[OldWrench]

A friend of mine just got nailed for 79 on the freeway, speed limit 65. He said he was actually doing 85. The highway patrolman told him he was cutting him a brake because 15 over the limit is now reckless driving and they can impound if the officer chooses to do so. He said 100 mph is automatic go to jail now.

Just a side note, I live close to Yosemite Park and the federal parks are really tough on speed limits and their fines are outrageous. Friend got nailed in the park for 32 in a 25 and it was 250 bucks, ouch.

I ride within 5 of the speed limit and haven’t had a ticket for many years.

 

[AApple]

In Texas, it's "Nine yer fine, 10 yer mine..." They usually allow up to 10 mph over the posted limit, depending on the jurisdiction.
No insurance is an immediate impound of the vehicle anywhere in the state, by law.
According to my attorney, and local officers, speeding is the ONLY traffic violation that does NOT have arrest as an option, unless you're doing 100mph or more. In other words, you can be arrested for not using a turn signal when turning/changing lanes, but not for speeding 80 in a 65 zone.(School zones may be the only exception to that, but I ain't sure...and I ain't gonna find out, either! :nea: )

My Escort Passport 8500 is my bestest friend! :mrgreen:

 

[MSGT-R]

California: 15 over the posted limit, unless you really torque-off the Patrolman, then it could be less..

15 over is seizure here??

Sorry for the delay.. 15 over the limit, and the CHP can impound your car.
If you tick the patrolman off during the ticket writing process (being un-cooperative or combative), he can arrest you and have your car impounded at his descression. Most of them will give you a break and write the ticket for slightly less than 15 if your courtious and cooperative. That, and it's a PITA to go through the impounding procedure.