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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

PMB (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:24PM

With every single issue cyber trucks have, did you ever think it was possible your speedometer is off?
Pretty sure they were having issues with their odometer not reading mileage correctly either

TheManintheCas… (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:33PM

I think this is a case of play stupid games, win stupid. I mean, I'm not saying I've never done a boat to speed limit before but I at least know not to pass a state trooper wild speeding. That just doesn't seem like a good idea. In fact, unless the state trooper is going significantly below the speed limit and just don't pass them.


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Nick (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:34PM

There's no way you could measure speed accurately to the single second. Supposing it was .95 sec. It would make all the difference but it would still measure a second. Need to time over a much longer distance for any accuracy. The cybertrucks speedo is wrong. Pay the fine and keep to 70 like you're supposed to.

Jim (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:40PM

I agree with the author that passing the officer was foolhardy. Passing a law enforcement officer at ANY speed over the speed limit is asking for trouble because, in his mind, you're thumbing your nose at him. You'll get a ticket for even the most insignificant of violations. The author didn't mention what i would consider a second mistake--I'm ASSUMING, possibly unfairly, that he was camped out in the passing lane. Anyone who does that habitually should be pulled over and given some badly-needed instruction on driving etiquette and safety. Lastly, when you're driving the most polarizing vehicle in the history of planet Earth, this sort of thing comes with the territory.

Stephen w Vanwinkle (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:43PM

Hell yes he should pay the ticket and maybe spend a couple days picking up trash on the side of the road.

Mp (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:50PM

I live in GA. He probably wasn't targeted specifically because he was in a Cybertruck. He was most likely targeted because he had an out of state tag which made him an easy mark, being in a Cybertruck was just the cherry on top because he probably knew that the driver was using autopilot and not paying attention.

Tim Wood (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:51PM

It is possible the cyber truck was doing 89, it is a Tesla and who knows if the speedometer is accurate. My old Honda Civic was off

Gary Tucker (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:58PM

I Believe that the driver has incredibly poor taste in trucks, but other than that it appears he was targeted if the information is factual. The date of the citation may also reflect the desire to meet quotas to fill the Georgia state coffers?...
As far as the officers reason for targeting him I would say it was more likely because of the license plates being from another state, especially if it is from the north rather than the lousy taste in vehicles! Of course exceeding the speed limit and passing a police car isn't probably the best thing to do... I know an officer who always says, " Nine is fine, Ten you're mine!...
As far as letting it go and paying the fine...Well, Your history, how many points and how much your insurance will go up could be a factor as to if it is worth while. Then again, you are driving a Tesla, so cost may not be a factor? You might consider a nice subdued colored pickup, perhaps a diesel or hybrid Ford, Dodge or Chevy the next time!
Never 😔 assume that there aren't other reasons than speeding for being pulled over! I highly recommend a good dashcam! I don't know if they make one that would gauge your speed, many map services warn you about speed traps and tell you what your speed is in order to compare to your odometer.
With all the states contemplating ticket issuing traffic cameras, this could go either way? You can try not to speed?... Everybody could and they will still find a way to get into your wallet! In Michigan they are planning on making state Parks and recreation stickers s part of all vehicles registration, regardless as to whether or not you use these facilities!
I have more than one vehicle, I resent having to purchase for all of my vehicles, They are not all going to the park!

David Stonr (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 3:58PM

Entitled guy is quibbling at this point. At 12 or 19 over the speed limit, they could have added several other items like reckless endangerment, etc.

What id**t passes Hwy Patrol speeding blatantly. He deserves the ticket. If he challenges for the detail, he'll get court costs on top of a ticket...

Tom Thumb (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:10PM

REALLY?!?! This has to be fiction. No way could someone be so dumb to both buy a Cybertruck and then pass a State Patrol doing 12 miles over the posted speed limit. Only in MAGAtland can people be so self-entitled and stupid at the same time.

MichaelB (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:10PM

He should have set the cruise control for 70. He is not entitled to speed because he is driving a cybertruck...

Jade johnson (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:11PM

Definably targeted for being a cyber truck owner. I'm sick of this crack. Can't people see all the good elon has done. I wish I could thank him personalby ... With my mouth.

James Hinds (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:15PM

In the state of Georgia this is a bit of a racket and they know it and we know it and they don't care. This happened to my wife who is not a speeder. She was clocked as a super speeder and literally I have never seen her drive that fast ever in my life. She and my daughter both denied she was going that fast because she was on cruise control but what are you going to do when the cop says he's right and you're wrong. Personally, I think he clocked the wrong person because my wife is always getting passed on the highway. I got it reduced to just below the threshold and paid it.

Miguel Munoz (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:22PM

Yeah it didn’t have anything to do with the make of the vehicle, you don’t pass a full grown bear on the highway or any highway, just a little common sense. Of course most people don’t know the rules of the road.

Joshua Collins (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:28PM

So they got caught speeding and now they're crying about it on the Internet.

Lucky you weren't in Virginia: anything over 80 is criminal.

Jacqueline (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:29PM

I am the daughter of a motorcop and was successful in winning many traffic violations but this over the limit but under the officers guess is one I’ve gone in front of a judge to argue pacing isn’t accurate.

The outcome was the judge liked my argument but said I admitted speeding so he can’t find me not guilty.
The speed limit is the law and the judge can not let you slide for the speed if you admit going over the posted limit.

Appearing in person the judge may agree to drop the charge to speeding instead of excessive speed by arguing the officer can’t accurately pace your speed if he had to be looking at the road. My ticket was for 78 mph but my MB dash computer showed my average speed had been 72 for 98 % of the trip when I was ticketed. I also said the cop and I traveled over 4 miles side by side before he slowed and stopped me.

Joel (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:29PM

I think he's driving a Cybertruck, so extra 250 Is like 2.50 to most of us. Consider it some bad luck and he was speeding. Don't speed.

Rita Houston (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:32PM

Gee, I was under the impression that GA was a Red state... This guy must've been unlucky and found the one Democrat cop in the state...

Adam Townsend (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:34PM

I know for a fact they target people especially out of state. They immediately give you a court date and know that it will cost you $100s of dollars just to go back to Georgia to fight it. I tried contacting the traffic clinic and they wanted over $500 to fight it with no guarantees. They never told me about the super speeder fine until I got it in the mail, after I already paid the ticket. You can only pay for the ticket through a third party service which also charges you. The officer that pulled me over forgot to give me the form to sign at the end and also filled out the information wrong about where my tag was from. He also couldn’t speak correctly when approaching my vehicle it was late at night but having mistakes like that shows me that I would rather drive longer than to go through that horrible state again. Both times on my trip to Indiana I got pulled over only in Georgia for “speeding” and got the super speeder both times. My 15 year streak ruined by them and now I have issues at the dmv because of them.

SB (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:37PM

Sounds like another arrogant CT driver. Buddy!! You were speeding either way and news flash maybe, like everything else on a CT, your cruise control or speedometer isn't working correctly! We know the odometer can be reset to zero. The cop know how fast he was going, so he knows you were at least going 85 mph.

Wisdom of ages (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:37PM

Sounds like the Tesla has a faulty speedometer which would be par for the course with a cyber truck. The other thing that strikes me is that a guy that's spends $100,000 for a terrible looking piece of crap truck is squawking about a $200 ticket. Pennywise and pound foolish.

OldeSidekick (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:39PM

It's Georgia. You'll never win in court. Truth matters less than perception. You might ask for the daily calibration record on the radar and the radar unit's speed recording. But, if you do, never drive in GA again...

Johnny Angel (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:42PM

why do you believe the Cybertruck speedometer reading. You have CT's coming back from service with altered odometers. Tesla can program it to say anything they want. You might want to see about getting it checked for accuracy

Al (not verified)    May 19, 2025 - 4:46PM

It must be n8ce to feel comfortable setting your speed limit at 82 in a 70 and feel like you're in the right.