If you’re convicted of a traffic violation in Texas, you’ll normally have to pay a fine. Eligible drivers can get their ticket dismissed by taking a defensive driving course. And, if you opt to contest your ticket and win, you won’t have to pay a fine.
Below are the fines and other penalties for common traffic violations. However, depending on the situation, judges have the power to deviate from these fine amounts. It’s also important to note that fine amounts might be increased for violations in school and construction zones and violations involving accidents.
What Are the Fines & Points for Texas Speeding Tickets?
Below, we explained how the speed limits work in Texas and the possible penalties you'll face for a speeding ticket.
Texas Has Two Types of Speed Limits
Texas has two types of speed limits: prima facie and basic. With prima facie limits, you might be able to beat the ticket if you can show—despite exceeding the speed limit—you were driving a safe speed. So, the posted limit is presumed to be the maximum safe speed unless you can prove otherwise. Basic speed limits prohibit motorists from driving faster than is reasonable under the circumstances. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 545.351 (2024); Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 545.352 (2024).)
Penalties for Texas Speeding Tickets
Standard fines for speeding. The penalties for speeding citations vary depending on the type of violation and where you receive the ticket. However, fines for speeding tickets generally range from about $130 to $300 depending on the amount by which the driver exceeded the speed limit or safe speed.
Fines for speeding in school or work zones. Fines are more expensive for speeding tickets in school and construction zones. These enhanced fines generally range from about $220 to $500.
Traffic school. You can’t get your ticket dismissed with a defensive driving course if you get caught exceeding the speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more, going at least 95 miles per hour, or speeding in a construction zone. (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 45.051 (2024); Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 45.0511 (2024).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Texas?
Below, we briefly explain Texas's stop sign and stop light laws and the penalties for violations.
Texas's Stop Sign and Stop Light Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. Right turns on red are allowed so long as the driver makes a complete stop first. Typically, stop sign and red light violations carry the same penalties. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 544.007 (2024); Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 544.010 (2024).)
Penalties for Running a Stop Sign or Red Light in Texas
The fines for running a red light or stop sign in Texas generally range from about $150 to $275.
What Are the Fines & Points for Texas Distracted Driving Tickets?
Like most other states, Texas has distracted driving laws. Below, we explain what these laws prohibit and the penalties for distracted driving tickets.
Texas's Texting and Cell Phone Restrictions for Drivers
Texas’s distracted driving law prohibits most electronic device use (apart from talking on a phone) while operating a vehicle. Distracted driving is a secondary violation—meaning the officer must have some other reason (like speeding) for pulling you over. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 545.4251 (2024); Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 545.424 (2024); Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 545.425 (2024).)
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Texas
Generally, the fine for distracted driving is $25 to $99 for first violation and $100 to $200 for second violation.
What Are the Fines, Points, & Jail Time for Unlicensed Driving in Texas?
Generally, all Texas motorists must have a valid license in their possession while driving. However, there is a range of penalties depending on the circumstances of the violation. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 521.021 (2024); Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 521.025 (2024).)
Driving Without a Valid License in TX:
- Fine - Up to $200
- Jail - None
Driving Without a License in Possession in TX (Second Offense Within a Year):
- Fine - $25 to $200
- Jail - None
Driving Without a License in TX (Third Offense Within a Year):
- Fine - $25 to $200
- Jail - 72 hours to 6 months
Driving with No License in Possession in TX:
- Fine - $10 (dismissal fee with proof of valid license)
- Jail - None
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in TX:
- Fine - Up to $500
- Jail - None
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in TX with No Proof of Insurance or a Prior Driving While Suspended:
- Fine - Up to $2,000
- Jail - 180-day maximum
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in TX with No Insurance and Caused an Injury / Accident:
- Fine - Up to $4,000
- Jail - 1-year maximum