Speeding tickets in Texas are issued when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit, a rule set to keep roads safe. These tickets are meant to stop unsafe driving and reduce accidents by putting a financial penalty on the driver. The exact cost of a speeding ticket in Texas varies, and the final cost can involve more than just the fine.
The Cost of a Speeding Ticket in Texas
It’s difficult to give an average cost for a speeding ticket in Texas because it can vary significantly based on different factors. In general, you should expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars, but the final amount will depend on the details of your violation.
Here are some key factors that affect the cost of a speeding ticket:
- How far over the speed limit you were going: The further over the speed limit you are, the higher the fine.
- Where the ticket was issued: Fines for speeding in Texas are set by municipalities, not by the state. They can be calculated in different ways and with different speed categories.
- Whether you were in a school or work zone: Speeding in school or construction zones comes with much higher fines. In some areas, they can nearly double.
- Other violations: If you were breaking other traffic laws at the same time, such as reckless driving, your fine could increase.
Examples of Ticket Costs by Location
Here are three examples of how basic speeding ticket costs vary in different Texas cities:
| Austin | Dallas | Houston | |
| Type of Pricing | Per mile rate + court costs and/or other fees | Fine + fees | Flat fine |
| Fines | $10 per mile over the speed limit + court costs of $100+1 | $97 to $200 + $134 in fees2 | $224 to $3343 |
Other Costs: Insurance Rates and License Suspensions
A speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates, with Texas drivers typically seeing an average increase of 22%.4 Even one ticket can raise your premiums, resulting in higher bills for years. If you accumulate too many speeding tickets on your driving record, you could also face a license suspension. Getting your license reinstated after a suspension comes with additional fees, adding more to the overall cost of a speeding ticket.
How to Minimize the Cost of Your Speeding Ticket
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the financial impact of a speeding ticket in Texas. If you choose not to contest the ticket in court, typically you will be given the option of taking a state-approved defensive driving course, such as those offered by Ticket School, to help keep the ticket off your record and minimize the cost.
Here are a couple of ways you can benefit from completing a defensive driving course:
- Ticket Dismissal / Reduced fines: In some cases, the court may lower your fine or dismiss the ticket entirely if you successfully complete an approved course.
- Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who voluntarily take a defensive driving course. This can help offset the increase in your insurance premiums after a ticket.
Whether you’re eligible for these benefits depends on the ticket details and your driving history. You can check your eligibility with the court or contact your insurance company to see if completing a course could save you money.
Reduce Fines and Become a More Confident Driver with Ticket School
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Texas, don’t let it cost you more than it has to. Sign up for one of our state-approved Texas driving courses today to minimize your expenses and stay safe on the road.
Sources:
- https://www.traviscountytx.gov/justices-of-peace/jp1/court-costs
- https://dallascityhall.com/departments/courtdetentionservices/DCH%20Documents/OffenseCode_FinesFees_20240516.pdf
- https://www.houstontx.gov/courts/documents/schedule-of-fines-2020.pdf
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/speeding-ticket-rate-increase/