Texas Traffic Ticket Guide
Got a Traffic
Ticket in Texas?
Don’t pay it yet. Texas traffic tickets carry points, surcharges, and insurance consequences. With the right approach, many tickets can be dismissed entirely.
Texas is one of the largest states in the country — and one of the most active for traffic enforcement. Citations are common on I-35, I-10, I-45, Highway 290, and throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin metro areas. Texas law allows drivers to take Defensive Driving to dismiss a ticket — but you must act before the deadline and meet eligibility requirements.
How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Texas?
Texas speeding fines are set by state statute and vary based on how far over the speed limit you were traveling. Court costs and local surcharges can significantly increase the total amount owed.
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine | With Court Costs | School/Work Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 mph over | $30–$100+ | ~$150–$300+ | $50–$200+ |
| 11–15 mph over | $100–$150+ | ~$300–$450+ | $200–$300+ |
| 16–20 mph over | $150–$200+ | ~$450–$600+ | $300–$400+ |
| 21–25 mph over | $200–$300+ | ~$600–$800+ | Must appear in court |
| 26+ mph over | $300+ | ~$800+ | Must appear in court |
| Reckless Driving | Up to $200 | ~$600+ | Class B misdemeanor |
In Texas, you can request defensive driving dismissal — but time is limited. You must request it before your appearance date, pay a fee, and meet eligibility requirements. Don’t pay the fine until you know if you qualify for dismissal.
Points on Your Texas License
Texas uses a points system to track driving behavior. Accumulating too many points within a set time period results in license suspension or revocation.
| Violation | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moving violation in TX | 2 pts | |
| Moving violation resulting in accident | 3 pts | |
| 6+ pts in 3 years | DPS surcharge | $100/yr + $25/pt over 6 |
| Reckless driving | 2 pts + criminal | Class B misdemeanor |
| DUI / DWI | 2 pts + criminal | License suspension, surcharge |
| Passing stopped school bus | 2 pts | $500–$1,250 fine |
| Speeding in construction zone | 2 pts | Double fines |
| Texting while driving | No pts | $25–$99 fine (1st offense) |
When Is Your License Suspended?
How to Handle a Texas Traffic Ticket
After receiving a Texas traffic citation, you typically have a limited time to respond. You have three main options:
Attorney tip: For tickets that don’t qualify for defensive driving — or if you want to avoid even paying the court fee — a Texas traffic attorney can often negotiate a deferred disposition or dismissal. Deferred disposition keeps the ticket off your record entirely if you stay violation-free for 90–180 days.
Texas Traffic School: What You Need to Know
Texas allows drivers to take a 6-hour Defensive Driving Course (DDC) to dismiss a qualifying traffic ticket once every 12 months. The course can be completed online at your own pace. Upon completion, the ticket is dismissed and no points are added to your record.
How to request it: Before your appearance date, contact the court (in person, online, or by mail) and request permission to take defensive driving. You’ll pay a fee (typically $10–$25 to the court) and have 90 days to complete the course and submit your certificate.
You may NOT be eligible if: You were driving a commercial vehicle, the violation was in a construction zone, you were speeding 25+ mph over the limit, or you have already taken defensive driving in the past 12 months.
Texas Traffic Ticket FAQ
Your citation includes an appearance date. You must respond — pay, appear in court, request defensive driving, or retain an attorney — before that date. Failure to appear results in an FTA warrant and license suspension.
Yes. Texas participates in the Driver License Compact and shares conviction data with other states. Out-of-state drivers who receive Texas tickets should respond promptly, as FTAs can trigger license suspension in their home state.
Texas banned automated red light cameras statewide in 2019. All previously operating camera programs were shut down. Any camera-based fine you receive from a Texas municipality is not legally enforceable — you are not required to pay it.
A Texas moving violation typically raises insurance rates by 20–40% at renewal. Points stay on your record for 3 years. Texas average insurance is around $1,800/year — a ticket could add $360–$720/year. Dismissing the ticket through defensive driving avoids all insurance impact.
Ignoring a Texas traffic ticket results in an FTA warrant being issued, your license suspended, and additional fees added. Texas courts actively pursue unpaid citations — a warrant can lead to arrest during any future traffic stop.
No. Texas CDL holders cannot use the Defensive Driving Course to dismiss tickets received while operating a commercial vehicle. Federal law requires full reporting of all commercial driving violations.
Find a Traffic Attorney Near You in Texas
Traffic ticket defense is local — laws and court procedures vary by county, and an attorney who practices in your courthouse will know the judges, clerks, and local processes that matter most.