Criminal Speeding Laws by State: Complete 50-State Guide

Criminal speeding is a serious traffic violation that goes beyond the scope of a simple speeding ticket. While most speeding tickets are considered civil infractions that result in fines and points, certain speeding behaviors cross the line into criminal territory. In these cases, drivers may face misdemeanor or even felony charges, with penalties including jail time, probation, steep fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Understanding what constitutes criminal speeding in your state is essential to avoid life-altering consequences and to stay safe on the road.

What Is Criminal Speeding?

How To Obtain Traffic Camera Video Footage of A Street Racer

A Frightening Encounter on PCH

Driving with family should be routine, not terrifying. Yet one night in El Segundo, California, I was stopped at a red light near the Chevron Refinery at El Segundo Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) with my 12-year-old son when an alarming event unfolded.

As the light turned green, a small black car, possibly a BMW, rocketed past us going well over 100 miles per hour. The engine’s fumes lingered in the air as it disappeared down PCH, likely turning into Manhattan Beach.

For a split second, I thought about the what ifs: what if that driver had lost control and plowed into us while we sat motionless? What if someone had been pulling out of the Chevron station? The incident was a chilling reminder of the dangers of street racing and reckless driving on busy Southern California roads.

Could a Camera Have Captured It?

After calming down, I wondered: could any traffic cameras in the area have captured this street racer? I checked PhotoEnforced.com and cross-verified with Google Street View. To my surprise, there were no speed cameras or red-light cameras at that intersection.

That realization sparked another question: if a business or the city did have video cameras and I was able to get footage showing the car and its license plate, could this evidence be used to prosecute reckless driving?

Can You Legally Obtain Traffic Camera Video?

Here’s the challenge: access to traffic camera footage is limited. Many drivers believe they can simply request video from city or highway cameras, but it’s rarely that easy.

• Ownership of cameras varies. Some are managed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), others by the City of El Segundo, and some by private businesses.

• Strict release rules. Public agencies often require a formal legal process before releasing footage. Private businesses may require subpoenas or police involvement.

• Time sensitivity. Many traffic cameras overwrite footage quickly, sometimes within 24 to 72 hours. Acting fast is essential.

Without legal help, obtaining footage on your own is usually slim to none. Most agencies will only release video directly to law enforcement officers or through a court order.

Using Camera Footage in Prosecution

If police are willing to pursue the case, traffic or security camera footage can become valuable evidence. Capturing a license plate number or a clear view of the vehicle can support charges such as:

• Reckless driving

• Exhibition of speed (street racing)

• Criminal speeding (see criminal speeding laws by state)

Still, every case depends on jurisdiction, availability of footage, and whether prosecutors believe it’s strong enough for court.

Why Doesn’t El Segundo Have More Cameras?

What troubled me most was learning that El Segundo doesn’t have red-light cameras, speed cameras, or even license plate readers at one of its busiest intersections.

I’m not arguing for ticket-issuing cameras on every corner. But basic traffic monitoring systems could help police track patterns of reckless driving and provide valuable evidence when incidents occur.

License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras are already used in many cities across California to record cars entering and exiting certain areas. They help with stolen vehicle recovery, criminal investigations, and yes, tracking street racers. See more:

• License plate reader cameras

• What is an ALPR?

It seems reasonable for a city like El Segundo—located next to freeways, the beach, and a refinery—to consider this technology.

Steps You Can Take if You Witness a Street Racer

If you’ve experienced something similar, here are practical steps you can take:

1. Stay safe first. Do not chase or engage with the driver.

2. Document details. Note the car’s color, make, model, and direction of travel.

3. Check nearby businesses. Gas stations, refineries, or shops may have exterior cameras.

4. File a police report. Share all available information. If footage exists, police can request it.

5. Act quickly. Many video systems overwrite in days, not weeks.

While you may not personally obtain the footage, your report could help authorities secure it before it’s gone.

The Bigger Picture: Street Racing as a Growing Epidemic

What happened in El Segundo is part of a larger global problem. Street racing and reckless driving have surged in popularity, fueled by:

• Social media challenges glamorizing stunts and high-speed driving.

• Wide, open roads in suburban and industrial areas with little enforcement.

• Lack of visible deterrents like cameras or frequent patrols.

Sadly, the consequences are often deadly. Innocent drivers and pedestrians are killed each year by racers treating public streets like drag strips.

For more on how to report unsafe driving, see Can you report dangerous driving?.

Why Obtaining Footage Matters

Even if you can’t personally download traffic camera video, pushing for more accountability is critical. Cameras act as both:

1. Deterrents. Knowing an intersection is monitored discourages reckless driving.

2. Evidence tools. They give police and prosecutors what they need to hold dangerous drivers accountable.

As cities weigh privacy concerns against safety, experiences like mine show that a lack of monitoring leaves communities exposed.

Final Thoughts

That night in El Segundo could have ended very differently. I was lucky. My son was lucky. But next time, someone might not be.

So, how can you obtain traffic camera video of a street racer?

• On your own, chances are low.

• With police cooperation or legal representation, it’s possible.

• Acting quickly and reporting details is essential.

Ultimately, the bigger solution lies in cities installing more traffic monitoring cameras, ALPR systems, and enforcement technology. Until then, street racers will continue to exploit unmonitored roads, leaving families like mine vulnerable.

Map of Where Street Racing Occurred in El Segundo & Where Cameras Should Be

Street Racing Caught on Camera in Denver

Based on the blogs I am reading.  When it comes to highway traffic cameras and red light cameras, your chances of obtaining a copy of the video without the help of an attorney are unfortunately slim. You’re most likely going to be dealing with a number of public and private entities that have specific requirements when it comes to releasing the footage. Some highway traffic cameras are owned by DOT  while others are owned by the city. 

A Closer Look at SR-22 Insurance Cover

It is expensive and stressful to deal with a legal case after being arrested or having your license suspended for a DUI. Obtaining a letter from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directing you to collect your SR-22 document is even worse.

First-time offenders have a difficult time getting to know the definition of the term SR-22 Insurance. Also knowing its use is a challenge for all first-time offenders. 

What is an SR-22? 

It can also be called an SR-22 bond, SR-22 insurance, an SR-22 form, or a Certificate of Financial Responsibility.

It is proof that you have the minimum required liability auto vehicle insurance that is required in that state-Once you have provided this certificate, the authorities will notify the State's Department of Motor Vehicles that you have what is required and financially responsible to drive in that state. 

Uses of  A SR-22 insurance. 

Despite being commonly associated with DWI offenses or DUI offenses, there are other occasions when an SR-22 license will be required. They include:

1-After being involved in a reckless driving instance.

2-When caught driving a car without the right insurance cover.

3-When your license has been revoked or suspended.

4-When you have been involved in multiple violations or at-fault accidents.

5-Repeated traffic offenses. 

How To Get An SR-22 Certificate. 

If you are in possession of an insurance cover, you can consult your insurance service provider on the requirements needed to add the SR-22 policy to your existing insurance cover.

Not every insurance company offers SR-22 insurance. This will help those that are new in the market when looking for an insurance company to join or seek insurance services such as SR-22. 

The insurance company after adding your new cover will get in touch with your state to file the SR-22 form. To expedite the process, the insurance company can opt to file the form electronically instead of by mail. 

How Much Does An SR-22 Cost? 

In most states, the filing fee for SR-22 insurance costs around $15-$25 dollars. As long as the insurance policy hasn't expired, the fee is paid only once and will only be renewed after the insurance policy has expired-after three consecutive years.

Drivers that need the SR-22 insurance are charged more than the other drivers since they are considered high-risk targets. The filing fee is however much cheaper than the SR-22 fee.

Different rates are charged by different companies to individuals who go looking for an SR-22 license. To get the best rates, it is advisable to get a list of all insurance providers and compare their SR-22 rates. You will be able to pick a policy that is affordable and that best suits your needs. 

How Long Does An SR-22 Insurance Last. 

A driver is required to maintain an SR-22 file for three consecutive years. Different states have different SR-22 requirements but three years is the average time.

An insurance company is required to inform the DMV in case there is an interruption on the insurance cover. This subsequently means that you are no longer in compliance and hence not insured. 

Failure To Maintain An SR-22 Insurance Cover. 

Failure to make a payment or cancel your insurance policy during the three years has some repercussions. Normally you should hold onto your non owner SR-22 car insurance for three years.

Some of the repercussions of canceling an SR-22 Insurance cover includes:

1-The suspension of your vehicle registration.

2-The suspension of your license.

3-More money to pay for the extra fines.

4-Extra fees for registration and reinstating your insurance policy cover.

5-Higher premiums when purchasing new insurance covers.

When holding an SR-22 be sure to practice safe driving measures and follow all driving guidelines provided by the State to prevent you from paying fines, being arrested, or having your license suspended or revoked.

Good driving behavior will help improve your insurance premiums and also set you on a good driving record.

Ignoring the required terms will only cost you more money and waste your valuable time.

For more details visit your state department office to get more information on the SR-22 regulations and get in touch with an insurance company.

6 Tips to Prepare Your Teen Child for Driving

Raising and understanding a teenager is one of the biggest challenges for parents nowadays. When your child reaches adolescence age, he goes through a lot of changes. This is the age when he meets his first love. Moreover, this is also the period when he will establish and end relationships, loudly expressing his emotions and opinions. Furthermore, one of the biggest dreams of a child, when he becomes a teenager, is taking the driver’s license and start driving. Having his own car and driving to and from different places gives teens the independence they are looking for. However, this is a period which brings a lot of concerns to parents. It is very important that your teen learns how to drive both for his safety but also for you as his parent. So, if you don’t know how to prepare your teen child for driving, keep reading this article and learn how to do it.

1. Set clear rules

You should set-up some clear rules and boundaries with your teen child before he starts the driving lessons. As this is a very serious situation, you should create a sort of contract with your child where you display each party’s obligations and benefits. For example, you can establish whether your child is allowed to take his friends with the car or travel during the night. What is more, you should check with the local authorities whether there are specific restrictions that apply to teen drivers. In addition, you should be very open with your son or daughter and clearly explain your expectations, detailing also the consequences that might appear in case he breaks the rules.

2. Practice makes it better

Driving is not something which should be treated with superficiality and your teen child should know this very well. Even though everything goes very well during the driving lessons, he will need hours of practice to master this skill. On the other hand, you should also show your child that you trust him. You can take an active role in teaching your child the tips and tricks you use while you are on the road and don’t overreact when he makes mistakes while driving. Your child should feel relax while driving with you on his side. In addition, you should carefully choose the driving school based on their experience in working with teens and availability to offer driving lessons on various types of road and diverse driving conditions.

3. Stress the importance of safe & prepared driving

Safety should be your teen child’s first priority. Therefore, you should stress how important it is to wear seatbelts because it's the law, and its a matter of life and death.  Know where the hazardous intersections are located and try to avoid them.  Explain to your child how easily he can be distracted by electronic devices while driving. For example, you can ask him to turn his phone off so that he won’t be tempted to answer phone calls or text messages. The marketing manager of one of the most popular college writing services recommends that parents should take their children to behind-the-wheels lessons regularly and help them learn from their mistakes.

4. Driving while tired can be extremely dangerous

Fatigue is one of the major causes of car accidents. Sometimes, it is even more dangerous than a drunk driver. Whenever your teen child goes out with the car, you should carefully check if he is well-rested, isn’t upset, and doesn’t have any distractions around him which could put him in danger. Moreover, you should establish together with him a maximum hour when he is allowed to drive at night. Whenever he passes this hour, he should either come at home immediately or stop in the city where he is and get a room to rest. This will help your teen child stay disciplined and follow healthy sleeping habits which will help him react faster when they encounter unusual situations on the road.

5. Give your teen driver a reliable vehicle

Even though your teen child has the necessary skills and makes you trust his abilities, you should also put some efforts from your side. Before giving your teen child a luxurious car that will offer him the necessary comfort, you should first think of his safety. Therefore, when you choose the car for your child, you should check if it is in good condition and works perfectly. Furthermore, you should also teach your teen child how to operate the mirrors, safety systems, knobs, seat, and other car features which can keep him safe.

6. Track the progress

Teaching your teen child how to stay safe on the road is just the beginning. This doesn’t mean that once he learns how to drive, your work and responsibility is done. You should be permanently available to discuss any issues that he has on the road. For example, you can have a regular meeting weekly where you can discuss the situations he encountered while driving and give him advice on how to handle that situation the next time. Furthermore, you can travel with him as the passenger during the first drives and encourage him that he does a great job. Finally, you should set a balance between being over-protective and acting as a responsible parent. You can use several devices to track his speed on the road or check where he goes. However, you should use them only if your child feels comfortable with him and you have a prior discussion about this topic.

It is very important that your child learns to drive on warm weather and in a calm environment. He doesn’t need stress and pressure during driving lessons so that he can stay focused on the road and learn all the tips and tricks presented by the trainer. As a parent, you should put all your efforts into providing your car a safe car and advise him whenever he encounters an uncommon situation.