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Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C.
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Racine Speeding Violation Attorney

Were you given a speeding ticket in Racine or Kenosha? Call today for a free consultation with an attorney at Cafferty & Scheidegger.

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Is A Speeding Ticket Really A Big Deal?

Throughout the U.S., speeding is one of the most common traffic violations. Speeding tickets can have a significant impact on your finances. Not only are you liable for the fine, but your insurance rates will also increase. Additionally, your driver’s license may also be suspended if you receive a speeding ticket. While many people would rather “just pay the ticket” and face the consequences, paying the fine is not the only option. You have the right to fight the ticket.

Racine and Kenosha Speeding Ticket Attorney

To mitigate the consequences of receiving a speeding ticket, you need an experienced Wisconsin speeding ticket attorney who is familiar with the laws related to speeding tickets and other traffic violations in Wisconsin. Our companion traffic site has a focused Wisconsin speeding ticket defense guide for drivers comparing points, insurance impact, and reduction options. The legal staff at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., will help you resolve the case with the least possible financial impact.

Wisconsin Speed Limits

The law at a glance

§ 346.57 lists Wisconsin speed restrictions. In addition to fixed and posted speed limits, drivers in Wisconsin must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent given road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions. Drivers must also slow down under certain circumstances, including when:

  • Crossing an intersection
  • Crossing a railway grade crossing
  • Approaching and going around a curve
  • Driving on a narrow or winding road
  • Passing school children
  • Construction workers are present
  • Pedestrians are present
  • Special hazards exist
  • Certain weather or road conditions require it

The number of rules related to speeding restriction makes it easy inadvertently to exceed a speed limit. If you do, a police officer may issue you a ticket.

Ticket defense map

What has to be checked before paying a speeding ticket?

Paying a speeding ticket is a conviction. Before that happens, check the alleged speed, measurement method, point exposure, CDL status, work-zone or school-zone doubling, insurance impact, and whether the case can be amended to a non-moving violation.

§ 346.57Speed restrictions and work-zone doubling § 343.32Point-based license suspension Trans 101Wisconsin demerit-point schedule 49 CFR § 383.51CDL serious traffic violations

Consequences for Your Driving Record

If you receive a speeding ticket, in some cases, you can simply make it go away by paying the fine listed on the back of the ticket. However, you will have to plead guilty to the offense of speeding. The consequence may be that points will be added to your driving record. These may cause your insurance rates to increase and may even result in your driver’s license being suspended.

We Will Challenge Your Speeding Violation

If you receive a speeding ticket, do not simply throw it into your glove compartment or write a check for the fine. You may have options beyond pleading guilty or no contest and paying the fine. At Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., we have years of experience successfully defending clients in Wisconsin traffic courts who have received speeding tickets, as well as other types of traffic violations.

Contact an Experienced Racine Speeding Violation Attorney

From our offices in Racine and Kenosha, our defense lawyer team defends the rights of drivers who are charged with state driving offenses throughout Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties in southeastern Wisconsin. At Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., we have years of experience in successfully defending clients in Wisconsin traffic courts. Contact the firm to arrange an initial consultation with an experienced speeding violation attorney right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points does a speeding ticket put on my license in Wisconsin?
Under Wis. Admin. Code Trans 101, speeding violations assess demerit points based on how far over the limit: 1-10 mph over = 3 points; 11-19 mph over = 4 points; 20+ mph over = 6 points. Accumulating 12 points in 12 months triggers a license suspension under § 343.32.
What is 'unreasonable and imprudent speed' in Wisconsin?
Under § 346.57(2), Wisconsin drivers must operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions, regardless of the posted limit. You can be cited for going 30 mph in a 35 mph zone during an ice storm, or for driving the posted limit in heavy fog. Defense often turns on what conditions were actually documented.
How much does a speeding ticket cost in Wisconsin?
Fines scale with speed: typically $175-$225 for 1-10 mph over, $250-$300 for 11-19 mph over, and $300+ for 20+ mph over, plus state surcharges. Work-zone speeding and school-zone speeding are double under § 346.57(5m). Insurance-rate increases over a 3-year period often exceed the fine itself.
Can a speeding ticket be reduced?
Yes. Most Wisconsin traffic courts accept amendments to a non-moving violation (faulty-equipment or parking-equivalent forfeiture) that carries no demerit points and minimal insurance impact. Negotiating the amendment requires appearing in court or retaining counsel who can appear for you.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket?
For minor tickets with no aggravators, you may be able to handle it pro se. Retain counsel when: (1) you hold a CDL, a personal-vehicle speeding ticket 15+ mph over can trigger federal disqualification; (2) you are near the 12-point suspension threshold; (3) work-zone or school-zone doubling applies; (4) a collision or injury is involved; or (5) you want the charge amended down for insurance reasons.
Can a speeding ticket become reckless driving in Wisconsin?
Yes, particularly at high speeds. Wisconsin officers and prosecutors regularly charge speeds of 100+ mph, or speeds combined with weaving, lane changes, or other endangering conduct, as criminal reckless driving under § 346.62 rather than as a civil speeding forfeiture. The reckless-driving misdemeanor carries up to 90 days jail and a permanent criminal record. Defending the charge often involves negotiating it back down to a § 346.57 forfeiture.
How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Wisconsin?
Demerit points fall off after 12 months for purposes of the 12-point suspension calculation under § 343.32. The conviction itself remains visible on the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for 5 years, which is what insurance carriers and employer driving-record checks see. Speeding tickets are civil forfeitures, so they do not appear on criminal background checks or CCAP.
Should I plead guilty to a speeding ticket?
Almost never as a first response. Paying the ticket is a guilty plea: points attach, insurance rates rise, and any related civil claim has a built-in admission. Most Wisconsin traffic courts will accept an amendment to a non-moving violation (faulty equipment, parking-equivalent forfeiture) carrying no demerit points. The savings on insurance over 3 years usually dwarf the cost of legal help.
What is the speeding fine in a Wisconsin work zone?
Doubled. Under § 346.57(5m), speeding fines in posted work zones with workers present are doubled, and a similar doubling applies in school zones during posted school-zone hours. A 15 mph over violation that would normally cost roughly $250 becomes $500+ in a work zone, plus higher insurance impact because most carriers surcharge work-zone speeding more aggressively.
Can a speeding ticket disqualify my CDL?
Yes. Under 49 C.F.R. § 383.51, speeding 15+ mph over the limit is a 'serious traffic violation' for CDL holders, in any vehicle (including a personal car). Two serious violations within 3 years = 60-day CDL disqualification; three within 3 years = 120 days. Speeding 30+ mph over the limit, or excessive speed in the company of other violations, can be charged as reckless driving and treated as a major violation triggering 1-year disqualification.

Why Choose Cafferty

Free Consultation

From our offices in Racine and Kenosha Wisconsin, the criminal defense lawyers at Cafferty & Scheidegger defend the rights of people charged with state and federal criminal offenses throughout Southeastern Wisconsin (Racine, Kenosha, Walworth). If you or a loved one is charged with a crime, contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Racine criminal defense attorney right away. For urgent matters, you are welcome to call or text us 24 hours a day at (262) 632-5000.

We Defend You

The attorneys at Cafferty & Scheidegger have excellent knowledge of the state and federal court system throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. They are aggressive trial lawyers that are recognized for integrity and hard work. Our law firm’s strength lies in our exceptional pre-trial investigation and case preparation. We come to the prosecutor’s office prepared with the facts and ready to help you get the best possible outcome for your charges. Our priority is always to keep you out of jail and avoid a conviction on your record, whenever possible.

Proven Experience

The dedication of the team at Cafferty & Scheidegger to client service and their record of success has earned them listings as Wisconsin Super Lawyer® from 2008 - 2026. In addition, their reputation for high standards has earned them an AV Distinguished rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Cafferty & Scheidegger is backed by more than 32 years of trial skills and courtroom experience.

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