A driver taking an online defensive driving course in Texas, highlighting how often defensive driving can be taken for ticket dismissal and insurance savings.

How Much Speeding Tickets in Texas Can Cost You

Here's How Much Speeding in Texas Can Cost You

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Texas, and it can come with significant consequences. Whether you’re running late for work, not paying attention to the speed limit, or simply enjoying the open road a little too much, getting caught speeding in Texas can be a costly mistake. From fines and court fees to insurance hikes and potential license suspension, speeding in Texas can take a big bite out of your wallet.

At Get Drivers Ed, we’re here to help drivers understand the financial and legal impacts of traffic violations and how to avoid them. In this blog, we’ll explore how much speeding in Texas can cost you, the factors that influence those costs, and how taking a defensive driving course can help reduce the impact of a speeding ticket.

1. How Speeding Fines Are Determined in Texas

Basic Fine Structure for Speeding Tickets

The cost of speeding in Texas varies depending on how much over the speed limit you’re driving and where the violation occurs. As a general rule, the base fine increases with the severity of the violation. For example, fines typically start at around $200 for driving up to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. The fines increase significantly if you're caught driving more than 10 miles per hour over the posted limit.

  • 1-10 mph over the limit: Fines typically range from $185 to $250.

  • 11-15 mph over the limit: Fines can range from $210 to $300.

  • 16-20 mph over the limit: Fines increase to $240 to $400.

  • 21-25 mph over the limit: You could face fines of $270 to $500 or more.

In school zones or construction zones, the fines are higher due to the increased risk of accidents in these areas. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines exceeding $500, depending on the speed and location. In construction zones, fines can double, especially if workers are present.

Additional Costs: Court Fees and Surcharges

In addition to the base fine, Texas drivers will also be responsible for court costs and state surcharges. Court fees can add anywhere from $50 to $150 to your ticket, depending on the jurisdiction. State surcharges, part of the Driver Responsibility Program, can apply to more severe speeding violations, such as driving over 95 mph or accumulating multiple speeding tickets.

If you accumulate 6 points or more on your driving record due to traffic violations like speeding, you’ll be required to pay a surcharge to keep your license. This can range from $100 to $200 per year, depending on the number of points on your record.

2. Speeding and Your Insurance Rates

How Speeding Affects Your Insurance Premiums

One of the biggest hidden costs of speeding in Texas is the impact it has on your auto insurance premiums. A single speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates by as much as 20% to 30%, depending on your driving history and the severity of the offense. For drivers already paying high insurance premiums, this could add hundreds of dollars to their annual insurance bill.

Insurance companies view speeding violations as an indicator of risky driving behavior, which makes you more expensive to insure. The more tickets you accumulate, the higher your premiums will go. Multiple speeding violations can result in even steeper increases or, in some cases, a policy cancellation.

At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean driving record to keep your insurance rates low. Learn more about our defensive driving course here, which can help you avoid costly speeding tickets and the long-term financial impact they carry.

Avoiding Insurance Rate Hikes with Defensive Driving

One way to mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance rates is by taking a state-approved defensive driving course. Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course, which can help offset the increased premiums caused by a speeding ticket.

In some cases, completing a defensive driving course can also help you dismiss the ticket altogether, preventing the violation from appearing on your driving record. This not only saves you money on fines but also keeps your insurance rates from skyrocketing.

3. Points on Your Driving Record

How Texas's Point System Works

Texas uses a point system to track traffic violations. When you receive a speeding ticket, points are added to your driving record, which can lead to penalties if you accumulate too many points. For speeding violations, the following points are typically added to your record:

  • 2 points for driving 10-24 mph over the speed limit.

  • 3 points for driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit.

These points remain on your driving record for 3 years, and if you accumulate 6 points or more during that time, you’ll be required to pay additional surcharges.

Consequences of Accumulating Points

In addition to the state surcharges, accumulating too many points on your driving record can lead to license suspension. If you reach the point threshold, you may be required to attend a mandatory defensive driving course to avoid suspension. In some cases, repeat offenders may face license suspension for up to 90 days, making it difficult to commute, work, or take care of daily responsibilities.

At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a comprehensive Texas defensive driving course that can help you reduce points on your record and avoid license suspension.

4. How Defensive Driving Can Save You Money

Dismissing a Speeding Ticket with Defensive Driving

In Texas, drivers are often allowed to take a defensive driving course to have a speeding ticket dismissed, as long as they meet certain eligibility requirements:

  • You have not completed a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in the past 12 months.

  • The violation was not for driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit.

  • You were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the violation.

By completing a state-approved defensive driving course, you can avoid paying the full fine, prevent points from being added to your driving record, and keep your insurance rates from increasing.

At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a state-approved Texas defensive driving course that is easy to complete online. This course can help you dismiss your speeding ticket and save money on both fines and insurance premiums.

Long-Term Savings with Defensive Driving

Even if you haven’t received a speeding ticket, taking a defensive driving course can provide long-term financial benefits. Many insurance companies offer discounts of 5% to 10% for completing a defensive driving course, which can add up to significant savings over time.

Additionally, the skills you’ll learn in a defensive driving course can help you become a more cautious driver, reducing your chances of getting future tickets or being involved in accidents. This proactive approach can lead to long-term savings by keeping your driving record clean and your insurance rates low.

Conclusion: Speeding in Texas Can Be Expensive—But It’s Avoidable

Speeding in Texas can result in hefty fines, increased insurance premiums, and points on your driving record that lead to long-term financial consequences. However, by understanding the risks and taking steps to improve your driving habits, you can avoid the high costs associated with speeding violations.

At Get Drivers Ed, we’re committed to helping drivers stay safe and informed on the road. By taking our Texas defensive driving course, you can dismiss a speeding ticket, save on insurance, and keep your driving record clean. Don’t let a speeding violation cost you more than it has to—sign up for our course today and drive smarter!



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