Not only is speeding dangerous, but if you get a ticket in Texas, it's also pretty expensive! It’s hard to nail down an average cost for a speeding ticket in Texas, since each municipality has its own fee system, and the fee structure is all over the board. But, here's a look at a few examples:
In Travis County, they charge by the mile. It’s $10 per mile over the speed limit ($20 if you’re in a school zone), and you’ll also have to pay court costs. But if you were going over 94 miles per hour, you’ll have to call the court to find out how much you owe.
In many other counties, speeding tickets use a flat fee system. For example, Bell County charges drivers $177 for going 1 to 5 miles over the speed limit, with a sliding scale that increases based on how fast you are driving. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 25 MPH or more can expect to pay a fine of $336.
Houston has some of the highest speeding fines in the state, with charges varying depending on how fast you were going and the zone. Here, fines range from $224 for going 1-5 miles per hour over the speed limit to $534 for going 30+ miles per hour over the speed limit in a construction zone when workers are present.
Beyond the Fines: The True Cost of a Speeding Ticket in Texas
While the fines may be enough to make you think twice before exceeding the speed limit, unfortunately, the costs don't end there. Too many infractions can eventually lead to a license suspension. Generally, you can expect the reinstatement fees to cost about $100 to $125.
Once you're convicted of speeding, you can also expect your car insurance to go up by an average of $168 per year for several years.
With the total cost of a speeding ticket in Texas averaging well over several hundred dollars, it's smart to avoid dishing out your hard-earned cash to pay for being a lead foot. This is especially true for first-time offenders who previously had a clean driving record. But, if you got a speeding ticket in Texas, don’t worry. There may be some things you can do to bring down the cost.
What to do After Getting a Speeding Ticket in Texas
If it’s your first time getting a speeding ticket in Texas you’re probably not 100% sure what to do. Dealing with a ticket isn’t convenient, but there are a few important steps to take.
1. Read the Ticket First
The ticket should have information telling you what step to take next. Usually, the options are to pay the fine or contest the ticket. If it isn’t clear what you need to do, call the phone number on the ticket for more information.
2. Decide if You Are Going to Contest the Ticket
In Texas, you can contest a speeding ticket. That means you can make your case before a judge for why the speeding ticket is inappropriate and should be dismissed.
Some drivers will choose to contest their tickets on their own. In court, the judge will ask the driver how they plead. If the driver pleads not guilty and the officer who gave them the ticket doesn't show up, the ticket is typically dismissed along with any fines or penalties. This is a best-case scenario because if the officer shows up, you’ll need to make your case to the judge.
The second option is to hire a lawyer to contest the ticket on your behalf, and if necessary, go to court. The reason people choose this over self-representation is because lawyers are experienced and tend to have a better chance of getting a ticket dismissed. If that’s the case, you won’t have to pay the ticket, but you will have to pay legal fees.
3. Consider Taking a Defensive Driving Course
A state-approved defensive driving course is an alternative for drivers who don’t plan to contest their ticket in court. Drivers can take a defensive driving course online or offline in a classroom to:
Reduce the fine for the speeding ticket.
This option is available for first-time speeding offenders who don’t want to go to court and simply want to have the ticket dismissed.
Reduce the Impact of Your Texas Speeding Ticket
Even the safest drivers get a speeding ticket from time to time. If you're one of the drivers that had a clean driving record before getting a speeding ticket, look into your defensive driving options. Taking the course will keep the points from being added to your license, and it costs much less than paying for the actual ticket.
Keep safe behind the wheel, pay attention to speed limit signs, and know your rights if you are given a traffic citation for speeding. You may be eligible to take our Texas defensive driving course using your phone, tablet, or computer.
Updated 05/24/24