They’re not just burning rubber; they’re also setting fire to their finances.
Wealthy individuals, dubbed “super speeders,” are facing hefty fines for their penchant for speeding in luxury vehicles. Last year alone, these drivers amassed over $10 million in speed-camera fines. Alarmingly, one persistent offender continues to drive despite accumulating $90,000 in fines, as revealed in a recent analysis.
The term “super speeders” is awarded to those who manage to collect a minimum of 16 speed-camera tickets within a single year. According to a study conducted by Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets, these drivers are often behind the wheel of expensive, late-model cars.
“Super speeders are splurging millions to race through your neighborhood in brand new luxury cars,” commented Ben Furnas, the executive director of the organization. The group utilized city traffic data to compile their findings.
Among these high-octane offenders, one driver has already paid a staggering $70,536 in speeding fines while cruising in a 2022 BMW X5. Meanwhile, another driver, piloting a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, owes an eye-watering $93,714 in fines and continues to roam the streets.
Another, the driver of a 2024 MercedesâBenz GLSâClass, owes a jawâdropping $93,714 — and is still on the road.
While only about 25% of vehicles on city streets are luxury brands, a whopping 40% of super speeders drive luxury cars, the group said.
Among the 1,000 worst offenders, 52% are in luxury vehicles, with the most common types being BMW, MercedesâBenz and Audi.
The average super speeder has paid off more than $4,890 in fines, fees and penalties. But on-average the rich speeders still owe $1,266, according to the analysis.
Some 950 super speeders have already paid off $10,000 or more.
Furnas argued proposed legislation in Albany called âStop Super Speedersâ âwill save lives and even save money for super speeders themselves — most of whom are spending thousands more on speeding tickets than they would on a speed limiter.â
