Speeding tickets in the US vary significantly depending on the state, how far over the speed limit you were going, and whether it was your first offense. In 2025, a typical speeding ticket costs anywhere from $90 to over $500 — but in some states, it can exceed $1,000 for major infractions like going 30+ mph over the limit or speeding in school or construction zones.
What you need to know:
- The average US speeding ticket costs between $90 and $250 for minor infractions.
- In states like Virginia, California, and Georgia, fines for going 20+ mph over the limit can exceed $500.
- School zone, construction zone, and repeat offense tickets are significantly more expensive.
- Speeding tickets often come with court fees and possible insurance rate increases.
Below, we break down the average costs by state, how speeding fines escalate based on how many miles per hour you were over the speed limit, and what to expect if you’re caught speeding in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and more.
Average speeding ticket cost by state in 2025
| State | Example Fine (10–15 mph over limit) | 20+ mph Over |
|---|---|---|
| California | $238 | $490+ (up to $900 in some cases) |
| Texas | $173 | $255–$500 (30+ mph: up to $1,000) |
| New York | $150 + $88 surcharge | $300+ (plus possible 6 points on license) |
| Georgia | $145–$325 | $500+ (plus Super Speeder fee of $200) |
| Florida | $129–$204 | $294+ (school zones add more) |
| Virginia | $125–$250 | $350–$1,000 (30+ mph: reckless driving) |
| Illinois | $120 | $140–$375 |
| Arizona | $150–$250 | $350+ (civil speeding ticket) |
| North Carolina | $100–$200 | $250–$500 |
| Ohio | $150 | $250–$350 |
How speeding ticket costs are determined
- How fast you were going: 10 mph over is a minor infraction; 20+ can lead to criminal charges in some states.
- Location: Tickets in school zones or construction zones are often doubled.
- Previous offenses: Repeat speeding tickets within a short timeframe often come with steeper penalties.
- Court and processing fees: Many states add mandatory surcharges of $50 to $100+ per ticket.
State-specific speeding ticket examples
California
Speeding 1–15 mph over the limit typically costs $238. Going 16–25 mph over is about $367, and 26+ mph over can cost $490–$900, especially in Los Angeles or San Diego. Speeding 100+ mph may come with a $1,000+ fine and license suspension.
Texas
Speeding fines in Texas vary by county but average $173 for 10–15 mph over, and up to $500–$1,000 for going 25+ mph over. School zones carry enhanced penalties. A 15 over speeding ticket in Texas costs roughly $210.
New York
A first-time speeding ticket for 10 mph over the limit costs around $150 plus an $88 surcharge. Go 21–30 mph over, and you’re looking at $300+ and 6 points on your license. Speeding in NYC or with a camera ticket may cost more.
Georgia
A speeding ticket in Georgia for 15–19 mph over runs $145–$325. Going 20+ over triggers the Super Speeder fee — an extra $200 on top of your original fine. In total, you could pay $500 or more.
Virginia
Speeding 15 mph over the limit costs around $250, but 20+ mph over can result in a reckless driving charge with fines up to $1,000. For example, a 30 mph over speeding ticket in Virginia is a criminal offense.
How much is a lawyer for a speeding ticket?
Hiring a traffic lawyer to fight a speeding ticket costs between $200 and $500 on average. In serious cases (e.g., criminal speeding), attorney fees can exceed $1,000. However, a good lawyer may help reduce fines or keep points off your license.
Additional costs and consequences
- Insurance increases: A single speeding ticket can raise your car insurance premiums by 10–25%.
- Points on license: Many states assign 2 to 6 points per ticket. Accumulating too many may lead to license suspension.
- Traffic school: Some states let you take driving school to avoid points. Cost: $30–$100.
Speeding in special zones
- School zone tickets: Often double the standard fine. In Texas, fines can exceed $300 for going 10 over in a school zone.
- Construction zone speeding: Many states double fines or add mandatory minimums.
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