California speeding ticket fines start at $35 for going 1 to 15 miles per hour over the limit, but the total you pay is usually much higher
The base fine in California is $35 for speeding 1 to 15 mph over the posted limit. However, that $35 is only the beginning. California adds court costs, a "penalty assessment" (a state surcharge), and sometimes a county surcharge on top of the base fine. A ticket for going 10 mph over the limit in most California counties ends up costing between $200 and $300 total, not $35.
The exact total depends on three things: how much over the limit you were going, which county you received the ticket in, and whether you have prior violations. The penalty assessment multiplies your base fine by roughly 4 to 5 times, which is why the final bill looks so different from the base fine amount.
Key Takeaways
- Base fines in California range from $35 (1–15 mph over) to $285 (26+ mph over), but penalty assessments and court costs typically triple or quadruple the final amount.
- Your total cost varies by county because each county adds its own surcharges on top of state penalties.
- Speeding 1 to 15 mph over the limit usually costs $200 to $300 total; 16 to 25 mph over usually costs $300 to $500 total.
- Insurance rate increases often cost more than the ticket itself over the following three years.
How the base fine breaks down by speed
California Vehicle Code Section 22349 sets the base fines, which increase with how far over the limit you were driving. The base fine for 1 to 15 mph over is $35. For 16 to 25 mph over, it is $70. For 26 to 99 mph over, it is $100. If you were going 100 mph or more, the base fine is $285, and you may face additional penalties including a possible license suspension.
These base fines have not changed in many years, which is why they seem so low compared to what you actually owe. The real cost comes from what California adds on top.
Penalty assessments and court costs that multiply your bill
After the base fine, California adds a "penalty assessment" that is typically 4 to 5 times the base fine amount. This is a state surcharge, not a fine itself — it is a fee the court collects to fund court operations and criminal justice programs. A $35 base fine becomes roughly $140 to $175 after the penalty assessment alone.
Then your county adds its own surcharges. Los Angeles County, for example, adds an additional county surcharge. San Francisco County adds a different amount. These county surcharges vary widely — some counties add $50, others add $100 or more. By the time you add the base fine, penalty assessment, and county surcharge together, a 10 mph over ticket in most California counties totals between $200 and $300.
If you pay the ticket late or miss a court date, additional late fees and failure-to-appear penalties stack on top of the original amount.
Why your insurance costs more than the ticket
A speeding conviction stays on your driving record for three years in California. During those three years, your auto insurance company can see the violation and raise your rates. The increase varies by insurer and your driving history, but many drivers see their premiums go up by $100 to $300 per year — which means $300 to $900 total over the three-year period.
For some drivers, especially those with clean records before the ticket, the insurance increase is the larger financial hit than the ticket fine itself. This is why some people choose to contest the ticket in traffic court or explore other options — the long-term cost of the conviction can outweigh the cost of fighting it.
Differences between counties in California
Because each county sets its own surcharges, the total cost of the same speeding violation can differ significantly depending on where you received the ticket. A 15 mph over ticket in one county might total $220, while the same violation in another county might total $280. The base fine and state penalty assessment are the same statewide, but the county surcharge is not.
If you received a ticket, the citation itself will show the breakdown of what you owe. The document lists the base fine, each surcharge, and the total due. If the breakdown is unclear, you can call the traffic court listed on the ticket and ask them to explain each line item.
Tickets for excessive speeding (26+ mph over)
Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit carries a $100 base fine, which means the total cost after penalty assessments and county surcharges typically reaches $400 to $600. At this speed level, you may also face a point on your driving record that counts toward a license suspension if you accumulate too many points in a short time.
Speeding 100 mph or more is treated as a misdemeanor in California, not just an infraction. The base fine is $285, but you could face jail time, a license suspension, and a much larger total fine. If you were cited for 100+ mph speeding, you should speak with a traffic attorney about your options.
What happens if you do not pay
If you do not pay the ticket by the due date shown on your citation, California adds late fees and may suspend your driver's license. The court can also refer the debt to a collection agency or report it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which can prevent you from renewing your registration.
If you cannot pay the full amount, most California traffic courts allow you to request a payment plan. You can also request a hearing to contest the ticket or ask the judge to reduce the fine based on financial hardship. These requests must be made in writing or in person at the court listed on your citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate a speeding ticket fine down in California?
You cannot negotiate the fine itself — it is set by law. However, you can request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full, or you can ask the judge to reduce the fine based on financial hardship. You must make this request in writing or appear in court by the date on your citation.
Does a speeding ticket in California affect my license?
A speeding ticket adds a point to your driving record. One point does not suspend your license, but accumulating four or more points in 12 months, six or more in 24 months, or eight or more in 36 months can trigger a license suspension. The DMV reviews your record and sends a notice if you reach these thresholds.
How long does a speeding ticket stay on my California driving record?
A speeding conviction remains on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, it no longer appears on your record and insurance companies cannot use it to raise your rates, though the conviction itself is not erased from your history.
What is the difference between a traffic infraction and a misdemeanor speeding ticket?
Most speeding tickets are infractions, which means no jail time and a fine only. Speeding 100 mph or more is a misdemeanor, which can include jail time, a larger fine, and a license suspension. If you were cited for 100+ mph, the citation will say "misdemeanor" on it.
Can I take a traffic school course to remove the ticket from my record?
California allows you to take an approved traffic school course to mask the conviction from your insurance company, but the point and conviction remain on your driving record. You must request permission from the court before taking the course, and you can typically do this only once every 18 months.