Texas Traffic Tickets: Fines, Penalties & How to Handle Them
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Most people get a traffic ticket at some point in their lives. Getting a ticket in Texas can be stressful and frustrating. It may also come with financial and legal consequences, depending on the circumstances and your driving record. Staying informed can help you respond effectively.
The state provides resources to help drivers pay, contest, or even dismiss certain Texas traffic tickets. When you understand the different types of violations, potential penalties, and available resources, you can make more informed decisions and advocate for yourself when you receive a ticket.
Types of Traffic Tickets in Texas
There are two main categories of traffic violations in Texas: moving and non-moving. Moving violations are those that occur while your vehicle is in motion, while non-moving violations occur while your vehicle is stationary.
Common types of moving violations include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Distracted driving
- Driving without insurance
Examples of common non-moving violations include:
- Illegal parking
- Obstructed license plates
- Equipment violations (broken taillights, missing mirrors, etc.)
- Failure to display proof of insurance or a valid driver's license (when requested by law enforcement)
Fines and Penalties for Texas Traffic Tickets
In Texas, traffic violations may result in monetary fines, license suspensions, and jail time, depending on the type and severity of the offense and previous violations on your record. Those with outstanding traffic tickets in Texas usually face higher fines for additional violations.
Penalties aren’t uniform across the state. Fines vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the violation. Here’s a general overview of fines associated with common traffic tickets in Texas:
| Driving Violation | Fines and Penalties |
|---|---|
| Speeding | $150-$300 (higher in school and construction zones) |
| Tailgating | Up to $500 |
| Failure to yield | $50-$200 (higher if the violation results in an accident) |
| Running a red light or stop sign | $200-$250 |
| Reckless driving | Up to $200 for first-time offense |
| Illegal parking | $60-$200 (higher in fire lanes and handicap spaces) |
| Driving without insurance | $175-$350 for first-time offense |
| Driving without a license (or suspended license) | $100-$200 for first-time offense |
| Failure to display license plates | Up to $200 |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | *Up to $2,000 for first-time offense; up to $10,000 and time in jail for repeated offenses |
*Learn more about Texas DUI laws.
How Traffic Tickets Affect Your Driving Record
Texas operates on a points system. Traffic offenses may add points to your record, depending on the type of conviction. Generally speaking, convictions for moving violations will result in points on your record, while non-moving violations won't.
Typically, you'll receive either two or three points depending on the severity of the offense:
- Two points: Most moving violations that do not result in a traffic accident
- Three points: Most moving violations that result in a traffic accident
Traffic tickets in Texas can have a significant impact on your driving record. In most cases, incurring six or more points over a three-year period can result in serious consequences, such as:
- Surcharges: You may be required to pay an annual surcharge to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Surcharges generally begin at $100 for six points, with an additional $25 for each additional point.
- License suspensions: You may incur a suspended license in Texas for up to 12 months if you have more than four moving violation convictions. More than seven violations may result in longer suspensions (up to 24 months).
Paying a Texas Traffic Ticket: What You Need to Know
If you've been convicted of traffic tickets, Texas law requires that you pay fines to the applicable Municipal Court by the date displayed on your ticket. If you fail to pay the fine by the specified deadline, you may incur additional fines. You can generally pay your fine online, in person, or by mail.
How to Dismiss a Texas Traffic Ticket With Defensive Driving
Here’s how to contest a traffic ticket in Texas:
- Request a hearing with the court listed on the ticket.
- Enter a “not guilty” plea and present supporting evidence in court.
- Await the judge’s decision.
The court may dismiss your ticket if you take a defensive driving course provided by Texas traffic schools, as long as you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You have not completed a defensive driving course in the last 12 months.
- You have a valid non-commercial Texas driver’s license. You can determine whether your license is valid with the Texas driver's license status check.
- You have committed a minor traffic violation.
- You receive approval from the court prior to taking the course.
Keep in mind that you'll still be required to pay the fine associated with your traffic citation. However, completing a defensive driving course may stop points from being added to your record.
How Texas Traffic Tickets Impact Your Car Insurance Rates
Your driving record can have a serious impact on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies may raise your rates based on the number of points on your record and the severity and frequency of violations.
Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Traffic Ticket
If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket in the state of Texas, it’s important to be fully informed about your Texas car insurance options so you don’t end up paying more than you need to. EverQuote allows you to compare auto insurance rates based on your location, information, and needs, helping you find the best coverage for the best price.