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I Had My Tesla Cybertruck on Cruise at 82 MPH and A GA State Patrol Gave Me a Ticket For Going 89 MPH, Says Anything Over 85 Is a ‘Super-Speeder’ Fine

Did a Georgia State Patrol target a Tesla Cybertruck? Brantley's Cybertruck was on cruise control, but the officer said he was going faster than the CT said. He now has a super-speeder fine and risks losing his license. Here is his unbelievable story. 
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Author: Denis Flierl
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Was this Tesla Cybertruck targeted by the Georgia State Patrol?

"I was given a 'super-speeder' ticket in Georgia. The State Patrol officer said I was going 89 mph when my Tesla Cybertruck was on cruise control at 82 mph. Now, I risk losing my license." 

Brantley May says that in a Tesla Cybertruck Owner's Facebook post. He thinks the Georgia State Patrol unjustly targeted him for speeding excessively in his Tesla Cybertruck. Check out his story, and let us know what you think. 

First, imagine driving your Tesla Cybertruck on a rural interstate highway in Georgia, and you have your cruise control set at 82 miles per hour. However, the speed limit is 70 miles per hour. 

You spot a State Patrol car ahead of you in the left lane, and it's going the same speed as you are. The officer pulls into the right lane to let you pass him. After you pass him, he returns to the left lane, turns his lights on, and pulls you over.

Now, the State Patrol officer says you are going 89 miles per hour and gives you a "super-speeder" ticket, anything over 85 miles per hour. However, your cruise was set at 82 mph. You risk losing your license if you don't pay the ticket and the extra fine. 

Was the Patrol officer's radar malfunctioning, or was this a case of a Tesla Cybertruck being unfairly targeted by the Georgia State Patrol? Brantley's story certainly raises some questions.

Here is what Brantley says.

"I'm driving through Georgia, and this officer gave me a ticket for going 89 miles per hour, but we are going the same speed. I will show you what happens in my dash cam video."

"The Georgia State Patrol car brakes and slows to leave the passing lane. So, I thought, okay, that's nice, he's getting out of the passing lane, and I'm on cruise control by the way. It's set at 82 miles per hour. So, I'm maintaining the same speed. I'm not speeding up or changing speeds." 

"Soon after, the officer turned his lights on and pulled me over. So, the officer is behind me, my Cybertyruck is on autopilot, and I still have it on cruise control, at 82 miles per hour. " 

"He comes up to my window, and the officer tells me I was going 89 miles per hour, and anything in Georgia over 85 miles per hour is considered a 'super-speeder' fine." 

"I said, No, I was on cruise control, going 82 miles per hour, being honest, so I was going 82, but he refuted that and said no, you were going 89 mph. He explained that my super-speeder fine means paying an additional fine since I was doing an excessive speed." 

"If I don't pay it, my license will be suspended, and a warrant will be out for my arrest. So, I’m like sheesh, okay."

Brantley Calculated His Speed Using His Dash Cam Video 

"So, what I did, was to just calculate how fast I was going using the video footage from my truck. So, I calculated my speed based on the 40-foot distance between the end of each white divider line on the highway from end to end and how long it takes to travel between them."  

"I passed the first line that's 40 ft, the second 80 ft, and the third line 120 ft. It took exactly one second. If you do the math, 120 feet in one second is 81.8 miles per hour. So, I was only going 82 miles per hour." 

Does Brantley Pay the Fine or Fight It In Court?

"Now, I have to drive back up to Georgia to present my case or I can just pay the ticket or have my license suspended and a warrant out for my arrest. 

What is the speed limit in Georgia on a rural interstate divided highway?

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The speed limit in Georgia is 70 miles per hour on a rural interstate, 65 miles per hour on an urban interstate or a multi-lane divided highway, and 55 miles per hour in all other areas.

Brantley was driving his Tesla Cybertruck on a rural interstate highway, so he was going 12 miles per hour over the legal speed limit. He admits to that. However, he was going 82 miles per hour. 

What is a "super-speeder" fine in Georgia?

The super speeder fine in Georgia is an extra $200 penalty added to speeding tickets. This fine is assessed in addition to any other fines and court costs related to the initial speeding violation. Super speeders are drivers exceeding 75 mph on a two-lane road or 85 mph on any other road or highway. So, the officer was being truthful with Brantley.

However, the officer's radar did not calculate his speed correctly, or Brantley was targeted because he was driving a Tesla Cybertruck. What do you think?

Conclusion

The Georgia State Patrol baited Branley. The officer pulled over to let the Cybertruck pass him. This was Branley's first mistake. He should have slowed to the legal speed limit, 70 miles per hour, and pulled into the slower traffic lane.

Branley's second mistake was to pass the officer, not slow down, and he maintained his speed, which was 12 miles per hour over the speed limit. Any State Patrol officer will think you are either flagrantly disobeying the speed limit or not paying attention to what's happening around you. 

Passing a State Patrol officer when speeding is just asking for trouble. Arguing with him was his third mistake after he passed the officer and did not even attempt to slow down. 

Does Brantley have a case where he can prove he wasn't going 89 miles per hour? 

He probably does, but it will take a day in court, hiring an attorney, and paying the extra court costs. Brantley should bite the bullet and pay the additional $200 super-speeder fine and $150 for going 19 mph over the posted speed limit. So, he'll have a $350 speeding ticket plus the additional court costs related to the initial speeding violation.

So, it was an expensive lesson for Brantley.

The Georgia State Patrol officer claims Brantley was speeding at 89 miles per hour, a significant violation leading to a 'super-speeder' ticket. However, Brantley insists his cruise control was set at 82 mph. The stakes are high, with Brantley risking his license and being arrested if he doesn't pay the fine.

In the Facebook post comments, Mark Gabriel Martinez says, “Scenarios like this are just better not to push your luck with law enforcement (even though you were going with the flow of traffic or above the speed limit a bit). I’d slow down to the speed limit or less than 4 mph above. Not worth the trouble and wasted money.”

Brantley says, “I agree! I was being a little cocky and it backfired.”

What Do You Think?

Was Branley targeted because he drives a Tesla Cybertruck? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck storyMy Tesla Cybertruck Just Drove Itself Back To the Dealer Because of the Heavy Debt I Owe, Come Back Cybertruck

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl 

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Comments

Will (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 11:58AM

The advice to “just bite the bullet and pay the “Super Speader” ticket" is very poor advice, and shows a lack of understanding of the totality of the situation.

First, hiring a lawyer is not necessary if you understand what you are doing. It’s not hard, and I have done it several times and traffic courts are used to pro se defendants in their courts. Some even have resources to assist you in defending yourself.

Second, getting this traffic violation down to an infraction at his actual speed of 83 mph is very easy. This will save a lot of money right from the start. Possibly getting the ticket tossed out due to the discrepancy between the officer’s stated measured speed and his actual speed being so significant is a very likely outcome. The court costs are less than ticket + associated court / state fees.

Third the total cost of a super speader ticket is far more than just the fine and associated court / state fees. A super speeder ticket will increase your insurance premiums significantly for the next 5 to 10 years. Making it highly important to challenge every super speeder ticket. Even if the only outcome is having the ticket reduced to a standard infraction, or reduction of points on your driving record. Both situations will reduce or eliminate the increase in insurance premiums over the next 5 to 10 years. The court fees will be but a mere fraction of the total in increased insurance premiums over the next 5 to 10 years. Making it a no brainer decision to challenge the ticket as standard of practice.


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Stefan Bartelski (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 12:00PM

What he should do is pay the fines but then submit an ethics complaint against the LEO, submitting the video evidence that he was only driving at 82 mph. That will teach the officer not to target Tesla vehicles!

Ethics complaints can usually be filed online, without involving a lawyer or court, either at the state level (Highway Patrol) or county level (local police department). Most LEOs do an excellent job under difficult circumstances, but there are a few bad apples, who need to be held accountable.

Glenn (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 12:02PM

I think there are more options and this article has a bias. Why isn't the cyber truck malfunctioning not an option?

Z (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 12:05PM

Really? With the MULTIPLE and VARIOUS issues these vehicles have had and dozens of recalls you really think there's no way possible that the cruise control or speedometer might have an issue? 😅😅😅

SamIam (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 12:17PM

He was targeted for being an idiot who happens to be driving a Cybertruck. You NEVER pass a police officer while speeding. EVER.

Kate Layne (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 12:55PM

Oh please spare me, targeted because you were driving the ugliest vehicle currently on the road. Your ugly vehicle is also BIG. 70 MPH isn't fast enough for you? I can abide with setting the cruise control 5 miles over the speed limit, but you set yourself to 12mph over a pretty generous speed. Fight the mega speeder portion, but quit your whining. You weren't targeted because you drive an ugly vehicle, you were targeted because you are operating an oversize vehicle at a dangerous speed on a public. Highway. POOR POOR PITIFUL YOU

James Roby (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 12:55PM

Your article never mentioned the accuracy of the Tesla's speedometer. We know Tesla has been accused of altering odometer readings in several cases to cause warranty to expire earlier. Very possible driver was going 89 with speedometer showing 82. Speeding no matter which.

Russell (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 1:37PM

Well, not withstanding the possible inaccuracy of the speedometer, setting your cruise control to 82 mph when the speed limit is 70, you're kind of asking for trouble.

Philip Dressel (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 2:47PM

Umm expensive noo his cybertruck is $100k plus he will be fine and he can afford to fight it in court let's not let upper people walk over people stand the up for yourselves

Your mom (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 2:58PM

The driver is probably full of shit about his "calculations" the cyber trucks speedometer and cruise are probably inaccurate considering how crappy the production quality is with those electric turds. Also pretty sure he can afford the ticket unless he broke from buying and overpriced dumpster.

Marshall (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 3:00PM

You don't need an attorney for traffic court. A few hours reading up on how to properly submit evidence and request a bench hearing. That's it. You can easily win this case...a win being having the fine reduced to simple speeding... if you dot your i's and cross your t's

Conan (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 3:02PM

lol, I don't care that this guy is driving a Tesla, but passing a cop while speeding - even if THEY are speeding - is always a dumb move. This guy tempted fate. Maybe the cop's radar was off or something, but at least the basic ticket here is 100% on him.

Common Sense (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 3:23PM

Why would you ever pass a state trooper on the highway when you are already going above the speed limit? That's like daring him to do his job and pull you over for speeding. Then complain about being pulled over for passing a state trooper while going 82 in a 70?? Here's a tip I learned when I was 16 and just got my license. Don't pass state troopers on the highway while you are going faster than the posted speed limit, they will write you a ticket for speeding.

TJ (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 3:49PM

It's not a cyber truck thing, Ive been ticketed 3 times in 4 years for going 86-89 when my dashcam footage proved I was going 74. They Lie, it's nothing new and it's not "discriminatory".
(I've been knocked in my Honda Civic)

Tim (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 4:01PM

Branlyy, you played a game of Russian roulette with a police officer thinking you could try to outsmart him! Well how’d that work out for ya? Play stupid games win stupid prizes!
In the current world of laser radar calculation and the ability to do active calculations to vehicles in front of or behind their patrol vehicles with near no miscalculation has been upon us most longer than you’ve been driving by your stance on this ticket and bringing it to this forum. Remember the days of fighting the old radar of tuning fork calibration are gone. And just because you drive a Tesla that has the ability of autonomous driving, with the ability to set a cruise doesn’t make you without fail because of the technology in your vehicle.
Pay the ticket and move on, you tried to be ballsy and pass a cop thinking I’m doing 82! What’s he gonna do?
Well! He’s gonna pull ya over and write ya for 89 and super speeder… that’s what he’s gonna do…
See ya there Beetle Bailey

Matt (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 4:20PM

Splitting hairs. The guy was going way over the limit, which makes his question moot. But even worse, calling it a 'truck' is an insult to actual trucks. Cyber Tonka seems more fitting.

Huck (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 4:22PM

It's less about the money and more about not letting the police and court system get away with a lie. The complacency of "I don't have the time" or "it's only $200" is not helping society. It doesn't matter if the driver was targeted for having a Tesla, being a bad driver, or because he reminded the officer of an ex - facts should still matter.

Joanne Earle (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 4:27PM

He deserves a ticket and I hope it's the super speeder one. It's been well known for over 50 years that you do not speed in Georgia, esp if you are from out of state. My father was tipped off by friends not to speed when we took our first trip to Florida in 1976!! The speed limit is 70. My husband sets the cruise control at 69. You don't need to be doing 12 over the speed limit. What person actually thinks it's a good idea to pass a state trooper esp going 82? Anyone who even owns one of those rolling dumpsters is pretentious and wants attention. So he got some attention. He won't win when he goes to court to present his case. He can argue he was 'only going 82' till he's blue in the face but he will not win and he will probably get the super speeder ticket and lose his license. Let this be a lesson to everyone. Do NOT speed in Georgia.

Becka (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 5:28PM

Dude is whining about a speeding ticket and calling it unjust targeting? Oy... They were *knowingly* speeding at, at least, 12 [TWELVE!], miles per hour. And admitted to it, to boot. Like, dude, you knew what you were doing. Otherwise, why pick 82? And not 75, 80, or 85? Or heaven forbid, the speed limit of 70.

12 or 19... Speeding is speeding, bud. Got what they deserved.

Chad Hampton (not verified)    May 21, 2025 - 6:47PM

I didn't have to read the whole story because this is pure common sense. The speed limit is the limit you are supposed to go. So, anything over that is speeding! Mist states will allow you to go up to 5 mph more but that's in the officer to decide. Anything over that is exactly speeding regardless of how fast the cop is going. I'm a truck driver and through my experience is there are too many dumb people driving and need to use more common sense. I have seen people drive at the same speed as the officer regardless of how fast he's going. So if the officer is going under the speed limit they go that speed. I have seen the officer speed themselves and the car stays behind that officer and don't get pulled over. I am a truck driver and through my experience I have personally passed any cop that goes under the speed limit, in every state, and I have never been pulled over. This guy would've been pulled over regardless of what he was driving because he was speeding. The court may end up dropping the speed the ticket says but speeding is speeding and what does it matter if it's only a couple mph, it's still the same penalty.

Rowboat (not verified)    May 22, 2025 - 6:58PM

Third option:
His speedometer could have been malfunctioning and he could have been going the 89mph. This can also happen if you put a different size of tire on your vehicle and don't properly calibrate the speedometer afterwards

J (not verified)    May 23, 2025 - 6:47PM

Yes, he was targeted, but not for driving a Cyber Truck. He was targeted for not slowing down upon seeing the cop and PASSING THEM while speeding! WTF is wrong with this guy?