Driving Too Fast for Conditions in Lexington, SC

Understanding a Too-Fast-for-Conditions Citation

Too fast for conditions is a criminal traffic offense in South Carolina. It carries a fine and driver's license points just like a speeding ticket, but there is no requirement that you were exceeding a posted speed limit. The law is contained in S.C. Code §56-5-1520, which makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle at a greater speed than is "reasonable and prudent." Often times, drivers are cited with this offense after a traffic accident when the police can't actually determine what or why an accident occurred.

This is despite the fact that under South Carolina law, "[n]o police officer in investigating a traffic accident shall necessarily deem the fact that an accident has occurred as giving rise to a presumption that a violation of a law has occurred." (S.C. Code §56-5-6170) Anyone who pleads guilty, no contest or is convicted by the court will face a court fine, license points, and a likely increase in their insurance rates, as the insurance company charges higher premiums for drivers who are considered to be at risk of causing an accident.

Defending Against Charges of Reckless Driving in Lexington

Anytime someone is charged with too fast for conditions there are likely defenses that can be raised at either a bench trial or a jury trial. Oftentimes, commercial drivers and those with other tickets on their record will find it worthwhile to retain counsel for this offense. When we meet for a free consultation, we can review your case to determine whether you need to hire an attorney and to discuss strategies that may be used in your case.

If you have received a South Carolina too-fast-for-conditions ticket and believe that you may be interested in retaining a Lexington criminal defense lawyer, you are invited to reach out to the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC by phone or through this website. Although we are able to accept traffic court cases throughout South Carolina, we primarily practice in Lexington and Richland counties and other nearby areas.