Speeding Ticket in Texas: What You Need to Know About Fines, Points, and Penalties
Getting a speeding ticket in Texas can be a costly and stressful experience. Not only do you have to pay a fine, but you may also face points on your license, higher insurance rates, and other penalties. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about speeding tickets in Texas, including fines, points, and penalties, as well as your options for fighting your ticket.
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Fines for Speeding Tickets in Texas
The amount of your speeding ticket fine in Texas will depend on how fast you were going over the speed limit. Here are the fines for various speeding violations:
- Driving 1 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit: $1 per mph over the limit, plus court costs and fees
- Driving 11 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit: $2 per mph over the limit, plus court costs and fees
- Driving 16 to 25 miles per hour over the speed limit: $4 per mph over the limit, plus court costs and fees
- Driving 26 miles per hour or more over the speed limit: $200 to $1,000, plus court costs and fees
It’s important to note that these fines are just the base amount. With additional fees and surcharges, your total fine can be much higher.
Points for Speeding Tickets in Texas
In addition to fines, Texas also assigns points to your license for speeding violations. The number of points you’ll receive depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit:
- 2 points for driving 1 to 15 miles per hour over the limit
- 3 points for driving 16 to 25 miles per hour over the limit
- 4 points for driving 26 miles per hour or more over the limit
If you accumulate too many points on your license, you could face a license suspension. Here’s how many points it takes to get your license suspended in Texas:
- 4 points in 12 months
- 8 points in 18 months
- 12 points in 24 months
Penalties for Speeding Tickets in Texas
In addition to fines and points on your license, you may also face other penalties for speeding in Texas. Some of the possible penalties include:
- Increased insurance rates
- Mandatory Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) fee
- License suspension or revocation
- Community service
- Jail time (for excessive speeding or repeat offenses)
The severity of your penalties will depend on a variety of factors, including how fast you were going over the speed limit, whether you have any prior traffic violations on your record, and whether you caused an accident.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Texas
If you receive a speeding ticket in Texas and you believe you were wrongly accused, you have the right to fight your ticket in court. Here are some tips for fighting a speeding ticket in Texas:
- Request a hearing: When you receive your ticket, you’ll have the option to either pay the fine or request a hearing. If you believe you have a strong case, it’s worth requesting a hearing.
- Gather evidence: If you plan to fight your ticket, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your case. This could include photos, witness statements, and any other relevant information.
- Hire an attorney: A traffic attorney can help you build a strong case and may be able to negotiate a reduced fine or even get your ticket dismissed.
- Show up to court prepared: If you do decide to fight your ticket, make sure you show up to court prepared and ready to present your case. Dress professionally and be respectful to the judge and other court officials.