Need For Speed: 10 Places With The Most Expensive Speeding Tickets & The 10 Cheapest
Need For Speed: 10 Places With The Most Expensive Speeding Tickets & The 10 Cheapest
Do The Crime, Pay The Fine
Speed limits are usually universal, but the penalties aren’t. One country might fine you thousands for driving too fast, but another might charge you less than a hot dog. Here, we’re counting down ten countries with sky-high fines and ten where the ticket might not even ruin your lunch plans.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland’s speeding fines are based on the driver's wealth and the severity of the speeding. In 2010, a driver faced a potential $1 million fine for driving 170 km/h over the limit. Another driver was fined $290,000 for driving 57 km/h over the limit in a 50 km/h zone.
2. Finland
Fines are often linked to the offender's income, meaning high earners can face exorbitant penalties. While a minimum fine for speeding exists (e.g., €200/$227.37 for drivers of motor vehicles), exceeding the limit significantly results in fines calculated as a portion of the driver's monthly net income.
3. Norway
Traffic violation fines are notably high in Norway. Getting over the limit by over 20 km/h can result in fines starting from approximately €490 ($557.06). For speeds above the limit of 50 km/h, fines can begin at around €1,000/$1,140.30.
Gunnar Ridderstrom on Unsplash
4. Northern Territory (Australia)
Going beyond the speed limit by 45 km/h and above can result in a fine of $1,000 AUD/ $649.40 USD and six demerit points. Driving more than 30 km/h but less than 45 km/h over the limit incurs a $600 AUD ($386.42 USD) fine and four demerit points.
5. France
In France, exceeding the limit by less than 20 km/h results in a €68/$77.54 fine and one point deduction, but going 40-49 km/h over incurs a €135/$153.94 fine and four points deduction, with potential license suspension for higher speeds.
6. Germany
Fines increase based on how much the speed limit is exceeded, both within and outside city limits. For example, exceeding the limit by 41-50 km/h outside a city can cost you €320, which is about $363.65, two penalty points, and a one-month driving ban.
7. United Kingdom
The minimum penalty is £100 ($135.36) and three penalty points. However, if the case goes to court, the fine can be a percentage of the driver's one week's earnings, up to £1,000/$1,353.60 (or £2,500/$3,384 on a motorway).
8. Quebec (Canada)
Fines start at $30 CAD, which is $21.83, plus an increment based on how much the limit is exceeded. For instance, speeding 40 km/h over in a 50 km/h zone can result in a $190 CAD ($ 138.26) fine. It is doubled for driving even faster, reaching $380/$276.53.
9. Virginia (United States)
While speeding fines vary by state, Virginia has some of the highest. Driving 20 mph or more beyond the limit or exceeding 85 mph is considered reckless driving and can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor with potential jail time and fines up to $2,500.
10. Japan
Fines for speeding increase with the amount over the limit. Exceeding the limit by less than 15 km/h on regular roads can result in a ¥9,000 or $63.12 fine. However, exceeding 40 km/h or more on expressways can lead to penalties as high as ¥100,000/$701.30.
Now, let’s cruise into the cheapest corners of the world where getting a ticket is not a big deal when it comes to the price.
1. Paraguay
Based on reports, the "top fine" for speeding on regular roads can be as low as $0.17 USD equivalent. Although this is the maximum reported, it strongly hints at the potential for minimal fines for minor speeding.
2. Cuba
Cited as having the lowest "top fine" in North America, Cuba's 60 peso penalty translates to roughly $3.36 USD. This suggests that while there's a limit, minor speeding infractions likely fall well below this modest amount.
Persnickety Prints on Unsplash
3. Czech Republic
On motorways in Europe, the Czech Republic reportedly has the least expensive starting fine at around €19, or $21.59, for going over the 130 km/h limit. A relatively small price to pay for a bit of extra velocity on the open road.
4. North Dakota (USA)
In at least one instance, exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph in North Dakota resulted in a mere $15 fine. However, speeding laws and fines vary significantly across different states and for different degrees of speeding. This, though, is among the lowest.
Andrew Filer from Seattle (ex-Minneapolis) on Wikimedia
5. Morocco
While not the absolute lowest, a minor speeding fine in Morocco could be around $45 USD, with a potential discount for on-the-spot payment. It’s a relatively moderate penalty, especially if you're quick to settle the bill.
6. Italy
In Italy, fines for driving less than 10 km/h over the speed limit are reported to start at around €35 ($39.79). So, a little bit of speeding might not result in a significant fine, though penalties can increase if you drive faster than that.
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia
7. South Africa
A study by Compare the Market Australia found South Africa has some of the most lenient road rules. While fines aren’t always the cheapest, penalties like speeding tickets tend to be less severe than in stricter countries, usually costing from R250 to R1,000 ($13.94 to $55.79).
8. Albania
Albania reportedly has the least strict driving fines in Europe overall, with a minimum of €20 ($22.73) for driving faster than the limits. Other speeding offenses within the country might also carry relatively low penalties.
9. Kenya
Kenya’s speeding fines are relatively low. Driving 6–10 km/h over the limit costs just $3.80, while 11–15 km/h over costs $22.80. The maximum fine for minor speeding is $76. These affordable penalties make Kenya one of the cheapest countries for traffic violations. These low fees make it one of the more lenient countries for speeders financially.
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is frequently cited as having some of the lowest speeding fines in the world. Minor speeding violations have historically resulted in penalties as low as 100 Bangladeshi Taka (about $0.85 USD), making the financial impact minimal for most drivers.
