Speeding Ticket in Texas: Costs & Penalties

Getting a speeding ticket in Texas can be expensive and frustrating, especially if you rely on your vehicle for work. Many small business owners in industries like landscaping, handyman work, and food trucks spend a lot of time on the road. If you’re not careful, a single speeding ticket can cost you hundreds of dollars—and that’s just the beginning.

It’s important to understand how much a speeding ticket in Texas can potentially cost you. Fines vary by location. Be advised that tickets may also raise your insurance rates and even lead to license suspension if you get too many.

How much is a speeding ticket in Texas?

The cost of a speeding ticket in Texas depends on how fast you were going and where you got the ticket. Each city and county have their own fines. At the time of publishing, the Houston ticket fees are as follows:

1 to 5 mph over the limit – $224
6 to 9 mph over the limit – $234
10 to 14 mph over the limit – $259
15 to 19 mph over the limit – $284
20 to 29 mph over the limit – $309
30+ mph over the limit – $334

If you’re caught speeding in a school or construction zone, the fines may be higher. These fees may change, so it is important that you check with your city or county website for accurate fine costs.

Additional fees

On top of the fine, you may have to pay:

Court costs
Administrative fees
Surcharges if you have multiple violations

These extra charges add up quickly, making the total cost much higher than just the fine itself.

How a speeding ticket affects insurance rates

A speeding ticket may also possibly increase your auto insurance rates as much as 13% in Texas. The more tickets you have, the higher your rates can go.

Here are some tips to help minimize the impact:

Some drivers may be eligible to take a defensive driving course to keep the ticket off their record.
Keep a clean driving record

Other Consequences of Speeding Tickets

If you’re caught speeding more than 25 mph over the limit, you could face reckless driving charges, which come with higher fines and possible jail time.

Court Appearances

For serious speeding violations, you may have to appear in court. If that happens, here’s what to expect:

You’ll need to decide whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If you plead not guilty, you may have to dispute the ticket in court, possibly with the help of an attorney.
If you have multiple violations on your record, the judge may possibly suspend your license.

Texas Moving Violation System

Since 2019, Texas has had a moving violation system that tracks driving offenses. Your license could be suspended if you have:

4 or more moving violations in 12 months
7 or more moving violations in 24 months

If your license gets suspended, you might need to pay additional fees or take a driving course to get it reinstated.

Hiring an Attorney

If you have multiple speeding tickets or face serious charges, hiring a lawyer may help you navigate the court system. But attorneys can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee they can get the ticket dismissed.

What to Do After Getting a Speeding Ticket in Texas

You have several options after getting a ticket:

Pay the fine – This is the easiest option, but it adds points to your record and could raise your insurance rates.
Take a defensive driving course – If eligible, this can keep the ticket off your record.

How to Avoid Speeding Tickets

The best way to avoid the hassle and expense of a speeding ticket is to drive within the speed limit. Here are some simple tips:

Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed. Make sure you read your vehicle’s manual about using cruise control in different weather conditions.
Pay attention to speed limit signs, especially when entering a new area.
Leave early to avoid rushing and speeding.
Slow down in school and construction zones, where fines are higher.

Driving within the speed limit is important and lawful. Avoid hefty fines and possibly higher insurance rates by paying attention to traffic signs. if you get a traffic violation and want to check your auto insurance options, call Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana) at 214-764-8868 or visit an office near you.

Disclaimer:

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.