How Much Is a Traffic Ticket in Texas?
Short answer
Most Texas moving violations, including speeding, running a stop sign or red light, and failure to yield, carry a $1 to $200 fine. Each court picks the amount. If you're convicted, about $126 in state court costs is added, so a typical ticket runs $225 to $325 before any insurance increase. Some tickets have their own ranges, and several can be dismissed for much less. The table has every common one.
Texas ticket fines by violation
| Violation | Fine set by law | Defensive driving can dismiss it? | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (under 25 over) | $1 – $200 | Yes | Transp. Code §542.401 |
| Speeding 25+ mph over or 95+ mph | $1 – $200 | No | Transp. Code §542.401 |
| Running a stop sign / rolling stop | $1 – $200 | Yes | Transp. Code §§544.010, 542.401 |
| Running a red light | $1 – $200 | Yes | Transp. Code §§544.007, 542.401 |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | $1 – $200 | Yes | Transp. Code §§545.151–.156, 542.401 |
| Texting while driving, first offense | $25 – $99 | Yes | Transp. Code §545.4251(e) |
| Texting while driving, repeat | $100 – $200 | Yes | Transp. Code §545.4251(e) |
| No seat belt (you, 15 or older) | $25 – $50 | Usually | Transp. Code §545.413(d) |
| Passenger under 17 not buckled | $100 – $200 | Usually | Transp. Code §545.413(d) |
| Expired registration | Up to $200, or dismissed for up to $20 if you renew in time | No, use the renewal dismissal | Transp. Code §§502.471, 502.407 |
| No insurance, first offense | $175 – $350, or dismissed if you had insurance that day | No | Transp. Code §§601.191, 601.193 |
| No insurance, repeat | $350 – $1,000 | No | Transp. Code §601.191(c) |
| Reckless driving | Up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail | No | Transp. Code §545.401 |
Fines are the ranges in the statute; your court picks the amount. Court costs are added on a conviction. In a construction or maintenance work zone with workers present, the minimum and maximum fines double (Transp. Code §542.404). "Defensive driving can dismiss it" assumes you meet the other eligibility rules: a Texas license, no CDL, and no course in the last 12 months.
The fine is the small part
Paying a ticket is a guilty or no-contest plea. The conviction goes on your driving record, and insurers can rate it for about three years. A 10% to 15% increase on a typical premium adds up to several hundred dollars, more than the fine. Work out your real cost.
For an eligible moving violation, the cheaper path is usually defensive driving: you pay the court's fee instead of the fine (most commonly $144), take a $28 course, and the ticket is dismissed and kept off your record. How ticket dismissal works.
Can't afford the fine? Tell the court before your answer date. The judge must consider your ability to pay and can allow payments, community service, or a waiver (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 45A.252–45A.257).
Frequently asked questions
How much is a traffic ticket in Texas?
Most moving violations, including speeding, running a stop sign or a red light, and failure to yield, carry a fine of $1 to $200 under Transportation Code §542.401. Each court sets its own amount inside that range. On a conviction, roughly $126 in state-mandated court costs is added on top, so a typical ticket costs about $225 to $325 before any insurance increase.
How much is a ticket for running a stop sign in Texas?
The fine is $1 to $200, set by the court, plus court costs if you are convicted. A rolling stop is the same offense as not stopping at all. It is a moving violation, so it can usually be dismissed with defensive driving.
How much is a ticket for expired registration in Texas?
Up to $200. But the court can dismiss it for a fee of no more than $20 if you renew by the 20th working day after the ticket or before your first court date, whichever is later, and show proof.
How much is a no insurance ticket in Texas?
$175 to $350 for a first offense and $350 to $1,000 after that, plus court costs. If you actually had insurance on the day you were stopped, show the court proof and it must dismiss the charge.
Are fines doubled in Texas construction zones?
Yes, when workers are present and the ticket says so on its face. Both the minimum and the maximum fine double. Seat belt and a few equipment offenses are excluded.
Can I get the fine reduced if I can't afford it?
Yes. The judge must ask whether you can pay, and can allow payments over time, community service, or a full or partial waiver (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 45A.252–45A.257). Ask the court before your answer date.
Last updated September 25, 2026. Fine ranges from the Texas Transportation Code sections cited, checked on statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Court-cost estimate per the Office of Court Administration cost charts, as used in our ticket cost calculator. Typical defensive driving court fee from Road Ready Safety's research of Texas courts. Not legal advice.