How much is a speeding ticket in Texas?

A typical Texas speeding ticket costs a few hundred dollars once state fees and court costs are added to the fine. The fine itself is capped at $200 for most speeding tickets. Here is how the total is built, and how to keep the ticket off your record.

How a Texas speeding ticket total is built

Piece	Amount	Source
Fine	$1 to $200, set by the court	Transp. Code 542.401
State traffic fine	$50, even if the court defers the case	Transp. Code 542.4031
State consolidated court cost	$62 on conviction (includes deferred disposition)	OCA cost chart
Local consolidated court cost	$14 on conviction	OCA cost chart
School crossing zone	+$25	Code of Crim. Proc. 102.014
Work zone with workers present	Minimum and maximum fine doubled	Transp. Code 542.404

Each city sets its own fine within the range. As one example, Allen's published schedule lists $237 for speeding up to 15 mph over, $334 for 21 mph or more over and $359 in a school zone, fines and fees included.

What paying the ticket really costs

Paying is a plea, and the conviction goes on your Texas driving record. Texas no longer adds surcharges or points: the Driver Responsibility Program was repealed effective September 1, 2019. But insurers can still see the conviction when they set your rates.

Ways to keep a speeding ticket off your record

Deferred disposition

On a guilty or no contest plea, the judge can put the case on hold for up to 180 days. If you meet the conditions, the case is dismissed and there is no final conviction. It is not available for work zone offenses or to CDL holders, and drivers under 25 with a moving violation must also complete a driving safety course. Courts add their own rules, such as once per year or a limit on how far over the limit you were. Code of Criminal Procedure ch. 45A (formerly art. 45.051).

Driving safety course (defensive driving)

You plead and request the course on or before the answer date on your citation. You are not eligible if you hold or held a CDL, took a course in the 12 months before the offense, or were going 25 mph or more over the limit or 95 mph or more. You must also show proof of insurance. Code of Criminal Procedure ch. 45A (formerly art. 45.0511).

Hire an attorney

An attorney can ask for either option for you, look for a dismissal or a reduced charge, or take the case to trial. That matters most when you are not eligible for the course, such as speeding 25 or more over or a CDL ticket.

Court-by-court deadlines and fees: municipal court guides · what a traffic ticket lawyer costs

Questions, answered

What is the maximum fine for speeding in Texas?

For most traffic violations, including speeding, Transportation Code 542.401 sets a fine of $1 to $200. State fees and court costs are added on top.

Do speeding fines double in a school zone in Texas?

Not by statute. A school crossing zone adds a $25 fine. Fines double in a construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present and the citation says so.

Does Texas still have points or surcharges for speeding?

No. The Driver Responsibility Program was repealed effective September 1, 2019, DPS waived the surcharges and removed previously assessed points. A conviction still goes on your driving record, where insurers can see it.

Can I take defensive driving for any speeding ticket?

No. State law excludes CDL holders, anyone who took a course in the past 12 months, and speeding 25 mph or more over the limit or 95 mph or more.

Sources

Checked 2026-11-10. Court rules and fees change; the court has the final word.