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Speeding Ticket Calculator

Estimate your speeding fine for all 50 US states — including court fees, surcharges, and license points.

Free Tool No Signup Required All 50 States Updated June 2026

50

States Covered

$0

Cost to Use

30s

To Estimate

10k+

Drivers Helped

1

Step 1 of 4 — Select Your State

How to use this calculator

  1. 1 Select your state from the dropdown
  2. 2 Enter your speed and posted speed limit
  3. 3 See your estimated fine instantly
  4. 4 Check your state's specific rules below

How It Works

Get your speeding ticket estimate in under 30 seconds.

1

Select Your State

Choose from all 50 US states. Our fine data is sourced from state DMV and court fee schedules, updated for 2026.

2

Enter Your Speed

Input the posted speed limit and your actual speed. Select the road type — school and construction zones carry multiplied fines in every state.

3

Get Your Estimate

Instantly see your estimated fine range, license points, and reckless driving risk — plus a link to your state's full laws and what to do next.

How Much Is a Speeding Ticket?

A speeding ticket in the United States typically costs between $150 and $500 for a standard highway violation — but the actual amount depends heavily on your state, how far over the limit you were driving, and the type of road. Many drivers are surprised to discover that the fine on the citation is only the starting point: court fees, administrative surcharges, and road-type multipliers can double or triple the base amount by the time the ticket is settled.

The average speeding ticket cost across all 50 states is roughly $150–$300 for going 10 mph over the limit on a highway, including typical court fees and surcharges. That figure climbs to $300–$500 at 20 mph over, and at 25–30 mph over you may enter reckless driving territory in many states — where criminal misdemeanor charges replace the civil fine entirely.

What Factors Determine Speeding Ticket Cost?

Miles Per Hour Over the Limit

Every state charges a base fine plus a per-mph fee for each mile per hour above the posted limit. Going 5 mph over might cost $150; going 30 mph over in the same state could reach $500 before any surcharges are applied. Use the speeding ticket calculator above to see the exact per-mph rate for your state.

Road Type

School zones and construction zones dramatically multiply the fine. Most states double fines in active construction zones, and school zone fines are typically 2–2.5× the highway rate. Louisiana triples school zone fines when children are present — the highest multiplier in the country.

State-Specific Surcharges

Court fees and mandatory surcharges vary widely and are often larger than the base fine itself. California's Penalty Assessment system multiplies base fines by 3–4× through layered state and county fees. New Jersey adds a $150/year MVC surcharge for three years once you accumulate 6 points. Georgia's Super Speeder Law automatically adds $200 for speeds of 75+ mph on a two-lane road or 85+ mph anywhere in the state.

Reckless Driving Threshold

Every state sets a speed at which a standard infraction becomes a criminal charge. Virginia treats any speed of 80+ mph as a criminal misdemeanor. Arkansas's threshold is just 15 mph over the limit. Crossing this line means court appearances, potential jail time, and a permanent criminal record — not just a higher fine.

How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Key States?

California speeding ticket cost

One of the most expensive in the nation due to the Penalty Assessment system. Going 10 mph over on a California highway typically totals $285–$399 including all surcharges — roughly 3–4× the base fine. Traffic school is available once every 18 months to mask the ticket from your DMV record.

Texas speeding ticket cost

Texas repealed its Driver Responsibility Surcharge in 2019, simplifying the cost structure. A typical 10 mph over highway violation costs $270–$378. Texas allows a defensive driving dismissal once every 12 months — an approved course removes the conviction entirely.

Georgia speeding ticket cost

Standard violations run $235–$329, but Georgia's Super Speeder Law adds $200 for speeds of 75+ mph on a two-lane road or 85+ mph anywhere — making aggressive speeding among the most expensive in the Southeast.

New York speeding ticket cost

New York's layered system — base fine, $6/mph surcharge, mandatory fees, and the Driver Responsibility Assessment ($100+/year for 3 years over 6 points) — typically totals $235–$329 for 10 mph over, with the long-term insurance cost far exceeding that.

Arizona speeding ticket cost

Arizona charges $15 base plus $6/mph over, with approximately $160 in court costs. A 15 mph over violation typically totals $235–$330. Arizona also operates an extensive photo-radar network — unserved photo tickets do not go on your record.

Ohio speeding ticket cost

Ohio is more moderate at $165–$231 for 10 mph over on a highway. The state enforces actively on the I-70, I-71, I-75, and I-90 corridors and uses a 12-point-in-24-months threshold before license suspension.

Beyond the Fine: Insurance and License Points

The fine is only the beginning of the total speeding ticket cost. A conviction typically raises auto insurance premiums by 20–35%, with that surcharge lasting 3–5 years. A single $250 speeding ticket can generate $1,000–$2,000 in additional insurance premiums over the surcharge period — making the long-term cost far greater than the citation alone.

License points compound the impact further. Most states use a point system where accumulating too many within a set window — typically 12 months to 3 years — triggers suspension, mandatory DMV hearings, or required improvement courses. The speeding ticket cost calculator above shows both the estimated fine and license points for your state, so you can decide whether to pay, contest, or request traffic school.

The Real Cost of a Speeding Ticket

Most drivers focus on the fine on the citation — but that's only a fraction of the total. A typical speeding ticket triggers a chain of costs that can easily reach $1,500–$3,000 over three to five years once insurance increases are factored in.

Court fine & fees $150–$500
Insurance increase (3–5 years) $800–$2,000
Traffic school (if elected) $25–$100
Attorney fee (if contested) $150–$400
Estimated true total cost $1,200–$3,000+

Insurance Impact

A single conviction typically raises auto insurance premiums by 20–35% for 3–5 years. On a $1,200/year policy that's an extra $720–$2,100 over the surcharge period — often 3–8× the fine itself.

Attending traffic school prevents the conviction from appearing on your DMV record, blocking the insurance surcharge entirely.

License Points & SR-22

Accumulating too many points in a short window can trigger suspension hearings or SR-22 insurance requirements. SR-22 status signals high risk to insurers, adding another $500–$1,500/year in premiums for 3 years.

What You Can Do

  • Request traffic school to block the insurance hit
  • Appear in court rather than paying online
  • Consult a traffic attorney for high-stakes charges

Did You Know?

41M

Speeding tickets issued per year

About 1 in 5 licensed US drivers receives a speeding ticket annually — it's the most common traffic enforcement action in the country.

3–5×

True cost vs. the printed fine

When insurance increases and fees are factored in, the lifetime cost of a speeding ticket is typically 3–5× the fine listed on the citation.

$1B+

Collected in CA traffic fines each year

California's Penalty Assessment multiplier system generates over $1 billion annually in traffic fine revenue distributed across state and county funds.

Crash risk at just 10 mph over the limit

Research shows exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph approximately doubles the probability of a serious or fatal crash, independent of other factors.

85%

Of tickets paid without any contest

Most drivers simply pay online — but appearing in court or requesting traffic school produces a better outcome in the majority of first-offense cases.

7 yrs

Longest point lookback (New Hampshire)

Record lookback windows range from 12 months (Oregon) to 7 years (New Hampshire). Knowing your state's window is essential to understanding suspension risk.

Most Expensive States for Speeding Tickets

Estimated fine for going 10 mph over the highway limit, including typical court fees and surcharges. Does not include long-term insurance impact.

# State 10 mph over
1 California $285–$399 View →
2 Illinois $275–$385 View →
3 Louisiana $260–$364 View →
4 Nevada $250–$350 View →
5 New Jersey $235–$329 View →

Fine estimates include typical court costs. Actual amounts vary by county. View all 50 states →

Popular State Calculators

Speeding ticket cost estimates for the most-searched states — select your state for a detailed breakdown.

Speeding Ticket Cost by State

Speeding Ticket Cost by State — All 50 States

Estimated fine for going 10 mph over the speed limit on a highway, including typical court fees and surcharges. Click any state for the full calculator.

State Fine Range
Alabama AL $206–$288 Calculate →
Alaska AK $200–$280 Calculate →
Arizona AZ $235–$329 Calculate →
Arkansas AR $190–$266 Calculate →
California CA $285–$399 Calculate →
Colorado CO $190–$266 Calculate →
Connecticut CT $210–$294 Calculate →
Delaware DE $175–$245 Calculate →
Florida FL $175–$245 Calculate →
Georgia GA $235–$329 Calculate →
Hawaii HI $230–$322 Calculate →
Idaho ID $145–$203 Calculate →
Illinois IL $275–$385 Calculate →
Indiana IN $205–$287 Calculate →
Iowa IA $155–$217 Calculate →
Kansas KS $175–$245 Calculate →
Kentucky KY $218–$305 Calculate →
Louisiana LA $260–$364 Calculate →
Maine ME $170–$238 Calculate →
Maryland MD $260–$364 Calculate →
Massachusetts MA $200–$280 Calculate →
Michigan MI $210–$294 Calculate →
Minnesota MN $175–$245 Calculate →
Mississippi MS $140–$196 Calculate →
Missouri MO $155–$217 Calculate →
Montana MT $130–$182 Calculate →
Nebraska NE $145–$203 Calculate →
Nevada NV $250–$350 Calculate →
New Hampshire NH $180–$252 Calculate →
New Jersey NJ $235–$329 Calculate →
New Mexico NM $140–$196 Calculate →
New York NY $235–$329 Calculate →
North Carolina NC $250–$350 Calculate →
North Dakota ND $110–$154 Calculate →
Ohio OH $165–$231 Calculate →
Oklahoma OK $180–$252 Calculate →
Oregon OR $205–$287 Calculate →
Pennsylvania PA $155–$217 Calculate →
Rhode Island RI $260–$364 Calculate →
South Carolina SC $215–$301 Calculate →
South Dakota SD $120–$168 Calculate →
Tennessee TN $215–$301 Calculate →
Texas TX $270–$378 Calculate →
Utah UT $230–$322 Calculate →
Vermont VT $170–$238 Calculate →
Virginia VA $166–$232 Calculate →
Washington WA $230–$322 Calculate →
West Virginia WV $160–$224 Calculate →
Wisconsin WI $245–$343 Calculate →
Wyoming WY $140–$196 Calculate →

Fine estimates include typical court costs. Actual amounts vary by county. Browse state map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about speeding ticket costs, laws, and what to do after getting a ticket.

How much is a speeding ticket?

A speeding ticket in the United States typically costs $150–$500 for a standard highway violation. The exact amount depends on your state, how many miles per hour over the limit you were going, and road type. Court fees and surcharges often double or triple the base fine — use the calculator above to get a state-specific estimate.

How much is a speeding ticket in California?

A speeding ticket in California costs $285–$399 for going 10 mph over the limit, $360–$504 for 15 mph over, and up to $700+ for 25 mph over — all due to California's Penalty Assessment system that multiplies the base fine by 3–4× through state and county surcharges. Traffic school is available once every 18 months to prevent the violation from appearing on your DMV record.

How much is a speeding ticket in Texas?

A speeding ticket in Texas typically costs $270–$378 for going 10 mph over the limit, including court fees. Texas repealed its Driver Responsibility Surcharge in 2019, eliminating annual surcharges on top of the fine. Texas allows a defensive driving dismissal once every 12 months — complete a state-approved course and the ticket is dismissed with no conviction on your record.

How much is a speeding ticket in Florida?

A speeding ticket in Florida typically costs $175–$245 for going 10 mph over the limit on a highway. Fines escalate significantly at higher speeds, and going 30+ mph over in a school zone requires a mandatory court appearance. Florida's Adjudication Withheld option through traffic school lets eligible first-time speeders avoid points being recorded on their license.

How much is a speeding ticket in Georgia?

A standard speeding ticket in Georgia costs $235–$329 for 10 mph over the limit. Georgia's Super Speeder Law adds a mandatory $200 state fee for anyone convicted of driving 75+ mph on a two-lane road or 85+ mph anywhere in the state — applied automatically upon conviction regardless of driving record. Out-of-state drivers are not exempt.

How much is a speeding ticket in New York?

A speeding ticket in New York typically costs $235–$329 for 10 mph over the limit. New York's Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) adds $100/year for 3 years once you accumulate 6+ points in 18 months — plus $25 per additional point per year. A conviction for going 31+ mph over adds 6 points alone, immediately triggering the DRA.

How many points is a speeding ticket?

A speeding ticket typically adds 2–5 points to your license depending on the state and speed. Going 1–10 mph over generally adds 2 points, 11–20 mph over adds 3 points, 21–30 mph over adds 4 points, and 30+ mph over adds 5 points. Most states trigger a suspension review at 8–12 points within a 1–2 year window. Texas has no state DMV point system.

Can a speeding ticket affect my insurance?

Yes — a speeding ticket conviction typically raises auto insurance premiums by 20–35% for 3–5 years. A single $250 fine can generate $1,000–$2,000 in additional insurance premiums over the surcharge period. Attending traffic school where available prevents the conviction from appearing on your driving record, blocking the insurance surcharge entirely.

How do I fight a speeding ticket?

You can fight a speeding ticket by contesting it at a court hearing, requesting traffic school for a dismissal, or hiring a traffic attorney to negotiate a reduced charge or non-moving violation plea. In many states, a deferred judgment — where the ticket is dismissed after a clean period without further violations — is available for first-time offenders. Appearing in court rather than paying online almost always produces a better outcome.

What happens if I don't pay a speeding ticket?

If you don't pay a speeding ticket, most states add late fees that can double or triple the original fine. Continued non-payment typically leads to a license suspension, a hold on your vehicle registration, and in some states a warrant for your arrest. Most states participate in interstate compacts, meaning an unpaid ticket in one state can cause your home state to suspend your license.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

A speeding ticket typically stays on your driving record for 3–5 years in most states, though this varies. Oregon points expire after 12 months; New Hampshire keeps them for 7 years. For insurance purposes, most insurers look back 3–5 years when calculating your premium. Attending traffic school often prevents the ticket from ever appearing on your record.

What is reckless driving vs speeding?

Speeding is a civil traffic infraction — you pay a fine and receive points. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor in most states, appearing on your permanent criminal record with potential jail time and mandatory suspension. The threshold varies: Virginia treats 80+ mph as automatic reckless driving; most states set it at 20–30 mph over the limit; Arkansas's threshold is just 15 mph over.

How much does a speeding ticket cost on average?

The average speeding ticket cost in the United States is approximately $150–$300 for going 10 mph over the limit on a highway, including court fees. North Dakota averages as low as $110–$154 for a standard violation, while California and Nevada can exceed $350–$500 for the same infraction. The total long-term cost including insurance increases is typically $1,000–$2,000 per ticket.

What is the most expensive state for speeding tickets?

California, Nevada, and New Jersey are consistently among the most expensive states for speeding tickets. California's Penalty Assessment system multiplies base fines by 3–4×. Nevada charges $7/mph over the limit plus $160 in court costs. New Jersey's mandatory MVC surcharge adds $150/year for 3 years beyond the initial fine. Illinois also ranks high with a $75 base fine and mandatory 6-month suspension for going 31+ mph over.

Common Speeding Ticket Questions

Answers to the most common questions drivers have after receiving a speeding ticket.

Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance?

Yes — a speeding ticket can significantly affect your auto insurance premiums. When your insurer runs a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check at policy renewal, any conviction on your driving record is factored into your rate. A single speeding ticket typically causes a 20–30% increase in your annual premium, though the exact percentage depends on how far over the limit you were, your insurer's internal rating guidelines, and which state you live in.

In high-enforcement states like California, Michigan, and New Jersey, the insurance increase for a serious violation can approach 40–50%. First-time offenders with otherwise clean records typically see smaller increases than drivers with prior violations already on file. The surcharge usually remains on your policy for three to five years from the date of conviction — meaning a single $300 fine can ultimately generate $900–$2,000 in additional premiums before it drops off your record.

The single most effective way to avoid an insurance increase is traffic school. In most states, completing an approved defensive driving course prevents the conviction from appearing on your DMV record — so your insurer never sees it and your premium stays unchanged at renewal. Always ask the court about traffic school eligibility when you receive your citation. Use our speeding ticket calculator to estimate your fine and understand the full financial impact before deciding how to respond.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record?

How long a speeding ticket remains on your record depends on both the severity of the violation and your state's rules — and there are two separate records to consider: your DMV driving record and your insurance record, each with its own lookback window.

For insurance purposes, most companies look back three to five years when calculating your premium at renewal. Once the violation ages past that window, the insurance surcharge disappears automatically. Minor violations — going 1–15 mph over the limit — typically affect insurance rates for three years. More serious violations such as going 25+ mph over or reckless driving can impact your rates for five years or longer.

For your official DMV record, most states retain minor speeding violations for three to five years. Serious violations like reckless driving or excessive speeding can remain on your record for seven to ten years. New Hampshire maintains the longest lookback window in the country at seven years; Oregon clears points after just 12 months. If you completed traffic school and had the ticket masked, it generally does not appear on either record. Always verify your state's specific rules with your state DMV before assuming a violation has dropped off.

How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket?

Point assignments vary by state, but a typical speeding ticket adds one to five points to your driver's license depending on how fast you were going relative to the posted limit. In most states, going 1–10 mph over means two points; 11–20 mph over earns three points; 21–30 mph over results in four points; and exceeding the limit by 30+ mph can add five or more points to your record.

School zone violations commonly carry doubled point penalties on top of doubled fines — a school zone offense can mean four to six points where a standard highway violation would earn two to three. Construction zone violations are treated similarly in many states, further accelerating your path toward a suspension threshold.

Accumulating too many points is serious because most states suspend licenses once a threshold is reached — typically 8–12 points within 12 to 24 months. New Mexico suspends at just six points in 12 months; California triggers a review at four points in 12 months or six in 24 months. Note that Texas has no state DMV point system, though courts and insurers still track violations independently. Use the speeding ticket calculator to see estimated license points for your state and violation speed.

Can You Go to Jail for a Speeding Ticket?

For a standard speeding ticket, the answer is no — regular speeding is classified as a civil traffic infraction in every US state, meaning it carries fines and license points but no possibility of jail time. You pay the fine, receive any applicable points, and the matter is resolved without criminal proceedings.

However, the line between a civil infraction and a criminal charge is determined by how fast you were going. Reckless driving — typically triggered at 20–25 mph over the limit in most states — is a criminal misdemeanor. That means potential jail time, a permanent criminal record visible to employers, mandatory court appearances, and near-certain license suspension. Virginia treats any speed of 80 mph or above as automatic reckless driving regardless of the posted speed limit. In Arkansas, just 15 mph over the limit can trigger a criminal charge.

School zone and construction zone violations are treated more seriously in most states, often carrying doubled fines and points, though they typically remain civil infractions unless combined with reckless behavior. If your citation reads "reckless driving" rather than a standard speeding charge, consulting a traffic attorney immediately is strongly recommended — the consequences of a criminal conviction far exceed any savings from self-representation.

What Happens If You Don't Pay a Speeding Ticket?

Ignoring a speeding ticket is one of the costliest mistakes a driver can make. Once a payment deadline passes, most states begin escalating consequences automatically. The first step is typically a late fee added to the balance owed — often equal to 50–100% of the original fine. If the ticket continues to go unaddressed, the court notifies your state DMV, which places a hold on your license renewal and vehicle registration.

Within 30–90 days of non-payment in most states, a license suspension is issued. Once suspended, driving on that license is an additional criminal offense if you are stopped. Many states also issue a bench warrant for your arrest after extended non-payment, meaning any routine traffic stop could result in immediate detention — compounding a minor infraction into a serious legal situation.

In certain states, the unpaid fine is eventually referred to a collections agency, which can report the debt to major credit bureaus and damage your credit score. If you cannot afford to pay the full amount, most courts offer payment plans, reduced fines for low-income drivers, or community service alternatives — all far better for your record and finances than ignoring the ticket. Use the speeding ticket calculator to understand your financial exposure before deciding how to handle your citation.