Texas Traffic Fines
& Penalty Ranges
Typical fine ranges for the most common Texas traffic violations — speeding, red light, cell phone, and more. Plus how the license-action system works and what to do if you got a ticket.
Read This First — Ranges Only, Not Exact Amounts
The fines below are typical ranges only. Your actual fine depends on the county, the specific court, your driving history, the officer's discretion, and any local surcharges. Court costs and state assessments are added on top of the base fine and can substantially increase the total.
This page is not legal advice. If you've received a citation — especially for reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, or any criminal traffic charge — consult a licensed Texas attorney before doing anything else.
📋Common Texas Violations & Typical Fines
Most-searched violations in Texas. All amounts include the typical base fine; court costs and state surcharges are added on top and vary by county.
| Violation | Typical Fine |
|---|---|
Speeding 1–10 MPH over Doubled in active school zones and construction zones. | $115–$200 |
Speeding 11–20 MPH over Doubled in school/work zones; higher with prior offenses. | $145–$250 |
Speeding 21+ MPH over May be charged as reckless driving above 25 MPH over — consult an attorney. | $200–$400+ |
Running a red light | $200–$300 |
Running a stop sign | $200–$300 |
Seat belt violation Higher fine if a child under 17 is unrestrained. | $25–$250 |
Texting while driving (statewide ban) $200–$500 for repeat offenders. Hand-held use also banned in school zones statewide. | $25–$200 |
Driving without insurance (1st offense) $350–$1,000 for repeat offenses; possible vehicle impoundment. | $175–$350 |
Expired vehicle registration | $100–$200 |
🎯How Texas's License Action System Works
Texas no longer uses the Driver Responsibility Program (repealed September 2019), and Texas DPS does not assess a traditional point system on driver records the way most states do. However, multiple moving-violation convictions can still trigger administrative license action — and individual courts may impose additional surcharges as part of any conviction.
No fixed point threshold, but four or more moving-violation convictions within 12 months (or seven within 24 months) may trigger DPS license review and possible suspension under the Habitual Violator rules.
🎓Traffic School & Defensive Driving
Texas allows a state-approved Driving Safety Course (defensive driving) to dismiss most non-CDL moving violations once every 12 months. Court approval required. Course cost is typically $25–$50 plus court administrative fees.
🛡️The Hidden Cost: Auto Insurance
The fine on the ticket is often the smaller half of what a moving violation costs you. In most cases, a single ticket can raise your auto-insurance premium by 20%–40% for the next 3 years — frequently adding $300–$1,500+ in extra premiums, depending on your insurer, your prior record, and your state's rating rules.
Talk to your insurance agent before deciding whether to pay or contest a ticket — they can usually tell you the actual rate impact, which often makes traffic school (where eligible) the obvious choice even if the fine itself is small.
📝If You Got a Texas Ticket — Three Steps
- 1
Read the citation carefully — don't miss the deadline
Every Texas citation has a court date or response deadline (often 20–30 days). Missing it usually means an automatic guilty finding, additional fees, and a possible bench warrant. Note the court name, the violation code, and the deadline — they're all printed on the ticket.
- 2
Decide: pay, contest, or take traffic school
For minor non-moving violations (parking, expired tags), paying is often the cheapest path. For moving violations that add points or insurance impact, traffic school (where eligible) is often the better total-cost choice. Contesting makes sense when you have evidence the citation is wrong, when the consequences are severe, or when an attorney advises it.
- 3
For serious charges, talk to a Texas attorney
Reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene — these are criminal charges in Texas, not traffic infractions. They carry possible jail time, license revocation, and long-term consequences. Many traffic-defense attorneys offer free initial consultations; the cost of representation is almost always less than the cost of mishandling a serious charge alone.
🔗Official Texas Sources
For exact, current penalties for your specific situation, check the official sources below — these are the same sources Texas courts and law enforcement use:
💰Also Worth Knowing: Texas License Cost
See the complete cost breakdown for getting a Texas driver's license — permit fees, license fees, REAL ID, driver education, and the hidden costs no one tells you about.
View Texas License Cost BreakdownNeed Your Texas Driver's License?
Get the complete step-by-step Texas driver's license guide — requirements, documents, road test tips, fees, and FAQs.
Full Texas Driver's License GuideThis page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic-fine amounts vary by county, court, prior record, and the specific circumstances of each case. Court costs, state surcharges, and assessments are routinely added on top of the base fines listed here and can substantially increase the total amount owed.
Information is sourced from publicly available Texas statutes and DMV publications and may not reflect the most recent amendments. Always verify current penalties at the official Texas source before relying on any number on this page. For any criminal traffic charge — including DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving on a suspended license — consult a licensed Texas attorney.
DriveGuideUSA.com is not affiliated with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), any Texas court, or any law enforcement agency.