If you are a driver in Texas, you know that traffic tickets are a fact of life. Whether you have received a ticket for speeding, running a red light, or any other traffic violation, it is vital to understand your rights and the possible consequences of a Texas traffic ticket. This blog post will provide an overview of what to expect when you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, including information about the fines, court appearances, the potential consequences of a traffic ticket, and your best options to avoid expensive penalties and increased auto insurance premiums. Are you looking for your best bet without reading further? Consider taking a defensive driving course.

Texas Traffic Tickets and Violations

Traffic tickets are a common occurrence in the state of Texas. These violations can cost you money in fines, and points are added to your driving record, resulting in increased insurance premiums. Texas uses a point system for traffic violations, with each violation assigned a certain number of points. Your driver’s license may be suspended if you accumulate too many points within a certain period.

Certain traffic violations in Texas, such as texting while driving or DUI, carry heavier penalties and increased fines. You always have the right to contest your traffic ticket in Texas. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to have the charges reduced or even dismissed.

If you are found guilty of a traffic violation in Texas, there is a way to reduce the number of points on your driving record. You may be eligible to take an online defensive driving course, which can help reduce your accumulated points.

If you have received a ticket, it’s crucial to understand the traffic laws in Texas and the consequences of breaking them. Taking the necessary steps to contest a traffic ticket or taking an online defensive driving course can help reduce the impact of a traffic violation on your driving record and insurance premiums.

How Much Will My Traffic Ticket Cost Me?

When you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, knowing what to expect regarding fines and other penalties is essential. The cost of a traffic ticket in Texas can vary significantly based on the severity of the violation, the driver’s driving record, and other circumstances.

Fines for minor offenses such as speeding, running a stop sign, or other moving violations can range from $100 to over $500. The penalties can be even higher for more severe offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving. In addition to the ticket cost, drivers may be required to pay court costs and may have to attend driving school or other programs as punishment.

You can visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find out the exact cost and other penalties associated with your traffic ticket. Here, you can look up the specific price and other penalties related to your ticket. Knowing the ticket’s cost and other penalties ahead of time can help you prepare financially and take steps to mitigate the effects of your citation on your driving record.

Types of Texas Traffic Citations

Traffic Violation Associated Fine Court Fees License Points Assessed
Speeding:
1-10 mph over posted limit		 $150 $50 2
Speeding:
11-15 mph over posted limit		 $200 $50 3
Speeding:
16-20 mph over posted limit		 $250 $50 4
Speeding:
20+ mph over posted limit		 $300 $50 5
Failure to stop at stop sign $150 $50 2
Failure to yield right of way $200 $50 3
Running a red light $200 $50 2
Reckless driving $200-$500 $50 2
Driving without a license or insurance $200-$500 $50 2
Driving under the influence (DUI) $2,000-$10,000 $3,000 3-6

Please note that these fines and fees are subject to change and may vary by county. Additionally, accumulating too many license points can result in a suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license.

Additional Traffic Ticket Costs

A traffic ticket in Texas can be more than just the cost of the fine. Drivers may have to pay court costs, administrative fees, and surcharges which can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost of the ticket. Texas also has a Driver Responsibility Program, which adds an annual surcharge for tickets over $100. Depending on the offense, this surcharge can range from $100 to $2,000. A driver receiving multiple tickets in a year can face extremely steep costs.

In addition to the other fees, there is a fee for failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket. This fee can be as high as $250 and can be added to the original ticket’s fine. Drivers who continue to break the law and receive multiple tickets can face even higher administrative fees and other costs— understanding that a traffic ticket in Texas can be much more expensive than just the fine is essential. You should be aware of the additional charges you could face to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your next ticket.

How Will My Traffic Ticket Affect My Driving Record?

Receiving a traffic ticket in Texas can have a significant impact on your driving record and your insurance premiums. Depending on the severity of the violation, points on your record can range from two to six. If you accumulate six or more points within three years, you may be required to attend a defensive driving course. Furthermore, if you reach seven points within three years, your license may be suspended or revoked if you accumulate twelve points within a year.

In addition to the points added to your record, you may also be required to pay a surcharge to the Department of Public Safety. This fee is in addition to any fines associated with the violation. Additionally, you may be subject to a driver responsibility fee if you have multiple violations within a short time.

It is important to note that the consequences of a Texas traffic ticket on your driving record can be severe and long-lasting. As such, it is best to take all necessary precautions to avoid a violation or to contest the ticket if you believe it was issued in error.

What’s the Best Way to Handle a Traffic Ticket?

They saw knowledge is power, which also applies to your Texas traffic violation. Some of the best ways to avoid committing traffic violations include familiarizing yourself with the laws, staying calm and polite if pulled over, and not admitting guilt.

If you do receive a traffic ticket, however, you need to know your options. The most straightforward solution is to pay for the ticket and move on. The benefits to doing so are that you mitigate any late penalties, don’t have to pay to contest the ticket in court, and don’t have to deal with the situation for a protracted time. 

However, paying the ticket does constitute an admission of guilt. Not only will point be added to your license, but you’ll also be looking at some unpleasant increases to your auto insurance premiums.

You can always request your day in court if you believe you have a valid reason to contest the ticket. Preparing your defense with evidence and facts is vital to present it to the court. If you’re facing a serious traffic offense, consider hiring a lawyer. Your chances of successfully contesting your ticket increase dramatically with an attorney, but even then, success is far from guaranteed. On top of that, you’ll then be on the hook for expensive lawyer fees, and you still might have to pay the fine and court costs and face that dreaded increase in your insurance premiums if you lose.

Pleading Guilty or No Contest

Being pulled over for a traffic violation in Texas can be a stressful experience. If you’ve been issued a ticket, you have a few options to consider. Pleading guilty or no contest is one of the most common choices, as it is usually the fastest way to resolve a traffic ticket, as it avoids the need for a trial. However, it is crucial to understand this option’s consequences before deciding.

If you plead guilty or no contest to a Texas traffic ticket, you are admitting responsibility for the offense and will face its consequences. Generally, this means paying a fee and/or taking a driver safety course and having points added to your license. 

Depending on the type of violation, pleading guilty or no contest may also result in license suspension or revocation.

If you plead guilty or no contest to a traffic ticket, it will likely stay on your record for three years. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider all of your options before deciding how to proceed. Consulting a lawyer may help you make an informed decision that is best for your particular situation.

Pleading Not Guilty

Receiving a Texas Traffic Ticket can be a daunting experience. You have the right to plead not guilty, essentially entering a plea of innocence and asking the court to provide you with a trial to prove your innocence. You can present evidence in your defense on the court date or provide testimony. Additionally, you may be able to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

If the court finds you not guilty, they will waive any fines or penalties associated with the ticket. However, if you are found guilty, you must pay the ticket amount and any additional fines or penalties related to the violation.

It is important to note that if you plead not guilty, you may be required to attend a hearing in court and may be found guilty. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential consequences, both financially and legally, before choosing to plead not guilty. We highly recommend consulting an attorney before your hearing if you’re considering pleading not guilty and contesting your traffic ticket.

No matter your decision, taking Texas traffic tickets seriously and understanding the consequences of violating traffic laws is crucial. Fines, penalties, and other legal repercussions can have a lasting impact on your life and livelihood. Therefore, your focus should be taking proactive steps to protect yourself, your finances, and your legal rights.

What Can I Do to Keep My Ticket from Raising My Insurance Rates?

When you receive a ticket, there are several steps you should take to ensure you don’t face further penalties. First, check with your insurance provider to see how your premiums will be affected by the points added to your driving record.

Another option is to consider taking a defensive driving course to have the ticket dismissed. Not all tickets will be eligible for dismissal in this way, so check with the court to see if this is an option for you. If you contest the ticket, ensure you have a good defense ready.

Regardless of whether you contest the ticket, you will need to pay any fines associated with the ticket promptly. Doing so will help you avoid any additional fees or penalties. Also, ask your insurance provider about discounts for good driving, which could help lower your premiums.

Defensive Driving Courses to the Rescue

It has to be clear at this point. Getting a Texas traffic ticket can be a considerable inconvenience and costly. Fines, court costs, and increased insurance premiums can add up quickly and be a financial headache. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the impact of a Texas traffic ticket, and one of the most effective is to take a defensive driving course.

Defensive driving courses can help you become a better and safer driver by teaching you the road rules and building on the safe driving skills you learned in driver education. 

Not only will you graduate as a safer and more confident driver than you began the course, but most Texas courts also allow drivers to take a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic ticket. Dismissing your ticket means you can potentially avoid the costly fines and insurance rate increases that come with it.

Defensive driving courses are offered in person and online in Texas so that you can take them at your own pace. The convenience of online defensive driving courses makes it easy for busy drivers to fit their training into their schedules. By completing a defensive driving course, you can save money in the long run by avoiding costly insurance rate hikes.

If you’ve recently received a Texas traffic ticket, consider taking a defensive driving course. It can help you reduce the points on your license, avoid costly fines, and save money on your insurance premiums.

How to Contact the Court

No matter which option you’re considering to resolve your ticket, the first step is to locate your court’s website or contact information. In Texas, the contact information for the court is available on the Texas Courts website. Once you have the contact information, you can contact the court by phone during normal business hours, typically 8am-5pm. The court’s website can provide valuable information about the court’s procedures, filing deadlines, and contact information.

You can also contact the court by sending a letter to the court’s address. If you prefer, you can also visit the court in person to discuss your case or to file documents. No matter which way you choose to contact the court, it’s important to follow the procedures outlined by the court and to be respectful of the court staff. If you need additional help, you may consider consulting a lawyer or other legal professional.

Check Your Texas Driving Record

Nobody likes getting a traffic ticket, especially in Texas. But if you’re unlucky enough to get one, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. The first step is to check your Texas driving record. Checking your history helps you stay current on any tickets you’ve received and ensure they’re accurately accounted for. Before taking any action, check to ensure your driving record is accurate.

Staying informed is critical to avoid tickets in the future. Monitor your points and ensure you remain within the maximum number of points allowed. If you’ve accumulated too many points, you can take a defensive driving course to help reduce or eliminate the points on your record. Many courts offer payment options for traffic tickets, so be sure to explore the options available. You can appeal the decision if you feel the ticket was issued unfairly.

No matter what, it’s crucial to stay informed about your Texas driving record. This will help ensure that you don’t get any unnecessary tickets and help you take the appropriate action if you do receive one.

The Best Way to Avoid Ticket Penalties in Texas

While you have many options after receiving a traffic ticket in Texas, if you want to avoid excessive fines, license points, and increased insurance premiums, taking a TLDR-approved defensive driving course is your best bet.

You can roll the dice and try to make your case in court but could be responsible for other court-related fees and the real expense of hiring an attorney.

You can pay the fine, but you’ll be looking at potential license penalties, annual fees, and a big bump in auto insurance costs.

So, a defensive driving program is a great option. Courses can be taken online and at your own pace. Best of all, you can mitigate the increase in auto insurance premiums, saving you some serious cash in the long run.