Texas Traffic Violations: The 2026 Guide to Fines & Penalties
Feb 24, 2026
TLDR Texas Traffic Violations: The 2026 Guide to Fines & Penalties provides a clear breakdown of the state's driver point system, typical fines, and the long-term financial impact of a ticket. For eligible drivers, completing a state-approved Texas defensive driving course is the most effective way to dismiss a ticket, avoid points, and prevent costly insurance increases.
Understanding the Texas Driver Point System
The Texas Driver Responsibility Program assigns points to your driving record for moving violations, which can lead to surcharges and license suspension. Points typically remain on your record for three years and are a primary factor insurance companies use to justify rate increases.- Point Values: Most moving violations add 2 points to your license. A conviction for a moving violation that resulted in a crash adds 3 points.
- Surcharges: Accumulating 6 or more points in a 3-year period triggers an annual state surcharge of $100, plus $25 for each additional point over 6.
- Suspension Risk: Your license can be suspended if you accumulate too many points, making point prevention through a defensive driving course crucial.
2026 Texas Traffic Fines & Penalties for Common Violations
Fines for traffic violations in Texas vary by county but are set within state guidelines; the base fine is often just the starting cost, with court fees and potential surcharges significantly increasing the total amount you owe.| Violation | Typical Fine Range (Base) | Points Added | Additional Penalties/Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (1-10 mph over) | $170 - $200 | 2 | Likely insurance rate increase; possible state surcharges. |
| Running a Red Light | $270 - $300 | 2 | High collision risk; major insurance impact. |
| Failure to Stop at Stop Sign | $270 - $300 | 2 | Considered a serious moving violation. |
| Driving Without Insurance | $350 - $1,000 | 0 | License suspension and vehicle impoundment possible. |
| Illegal Cell Phone Use in School Zone | $200 - $500* | 0 | *Fines are doubled in active school zones. |
The True Cost of a Speeding Ticket
A $200 speeding ticket is just the beginning. With added court costs, the total can exceed $300. If points are assessed, you may also face annual state surcharges and insurance premium increases totaling hundreds of dollars over three years, making dismissal through a defensive driving course a financially smart choice.How to Dismiss a Texas Ticket with a Defensive Driving Course
To dismiss an eligible ticket and avoid points, you must get court permission, complete a state-approved 6-hour course, and submit your certificate by the court's deadline. This process prevents the violation from affecting your driving record.- Request Permission from the Court: Contact the court listed on your ticket before your response deadline to request permission to take a defensive driving course for dismissal. You will likely need to pay a court administrative fee.
- Enroll in a State-Approved Course: Choose a state-approved provider. For example, the 6-hour course from SafeDriver.com or OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com is 100% online and costs $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.
- Complete the Course and Final Exam: Finish the course material and pass the final exam at your own pace. The course is designed to be completed in one sitting or broken into segments.
- Submit Your Certificate to the Court: Mail or hand-deliver your official Certificate of Completion to the court clerk by their strict deadline to finalize the dismissal and ensure no points are added.
Common Traffic Ticket Resolution Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Ticket or Missing Your Deadline
Failing to respond to a citation by the "Response Due" date results in a default conviction, additional fines, a possible warrant for your arrest, and license suspension. Always address the ticket immediately.Mistake 2: Assuming You're Not Eligible for Defensive Driving
Many drivers incorrectly assume they aren't eligible. If you have a valid Texas license, the violation is a minor moving offense, and you haven't taken a course in the last 12 months, you are likely eligible. Always verify with the court.Mistake 3: Paying the Ticket Without Exploring Options
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt, which automatically adds points to your driving record and signals to your insurance company that you are a higher-risk driver, leading to premium increases for years.How to Know If You Successfully Resolved Your Ticket
The success of your ticket resolution is measured by long-term savings and a clean record. * Primary KPI: No Points on Record. Check your official driving record with the Texas Department of Public Safety 30-60 days after your court deadline to confirm no points were assessed. * Secondary KPI: Insurance Rate Stability. Your auto insurance premiums should not increase at your next renewal cycle due to the violation. * Tertiary KPI: No Surcharges. You should not receive a Driver Responsibility Program surcharge notice from the state for points related to the dismissed ticket.Conclusion: Your 5-Point Checklist for Handling a Texas Ticket
- Action Item 1: Review your ticket immediately and note the "Response Due" date and court contact information.
- Action Item 2: Contact the court to confirm your eligibility for a defensive driving course dismissal and any associated court fees.
- Action Item 3: If eligible, enroll in a state-approved 6-hour course from a provider like SafeDriver.com.
- Action Item 4: Complete the course and submit your Certificate of Completion to the court clerk before the deadline.
- Action Item 5: Verify your driving record weeks later to ensure no points were added and your resolution was successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Traffic Violations: The 2026 Guide free?
No, Texas Traffic Violations: The 2026 Guide is not mentioned as a free resource. For state-approved defensive driving to dismiss a ticket, you can take the 6-hour course at SafeDriver.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.What is the fine for speeding in Texas?
The fine for speeding in Texas varies by county and how much you exceeded the limit, but you can often dismiss the ticket by taking a state-approved defensive driving course like the one from SafeDriver.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees.Does a Texas ticket affect my insurance?
Yes, a Texas ticket can affect your insurance rates if points are added to your record. You can prevent this by taking a state-approved defensive driving course, like the one offered at SafeDriver.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.Can I take a Texas defensive driving course?
Yes, you can take a Texas defensive driving course, and you can complete it 100% online through state-approved providers like SafeDriver.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.Citations
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/students/taking-a-course.html