Indiana speeding ticket fines start at $25 for going 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit, and increase with how much faster you were going

The fine you pay depends on how many miles per hour over the posted speed limit you were traveling. Indiana law sets a base fine for each speed range, then allows the judge to adjust it based on the circumstances — whether you were in a school zone, whether you have prior violations, or whether the officer notes aggravating factors.

The state does not publish a single "speeding ticket cost" because the amount is not fixed. A ticket for going 6 to 10 mph over the limit costs less than one for going 26 to 30 mph over the limit. Court costs, which the judge adds on top of the base fine, also vary by county.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana speeding fines range from $25 for 1 to 5 mph over the limit to $500 or more for speeds 31 mph or higher over the limit.
  • The judge can increase the fine if you were speeding in a school zone, a construction zone, or if you have prior violations on your record.
  • Court costs and administrative fees are added to the base fine and vary depending on which county court handles your ticket.
  • Paying the fine by the due date shown on your ticket is usually the fastest way to resolve it, though you have the right to contest it in court.

How Indiana calculates the base fine for each speed range

Indiana Code § 9-21-5-3 sets the base fines in these ranges. For speeds 1 to 5 mph over the limit, the base fine is $25. For 6 to 10 mph over, it is $50. The fine increases by $25 increments for each 5 mph bracket, up to 26 to 30 mph over the limit at $200. For speeds 31 mph or higher over the limit, the base fine is $500.

These are the minimums the judge can impose. The judge has discretion to increase the fine based on the facts of your case. If you were speeding in a school zone during school hours, or in a construction zone with workers present, the judge can add to the base fine. If you have prior speeding violations within the past five years, the judge may also increase it.

Court costs and fees added to your fine

On top of the base fine, the court adds administrative costs. These cover the cost of processing your ticket, maintaining the court system, and other county expenses. The amount varies by county — some charge $50 to $100 in court costs, while others charge more. You will see the total amount due on your ticket or in the court paperwork.

If you pay late or miss your court date, additional late fees or failure-to-appear charges may be added. These can range from $25 to $100 depending on the county and the circumstances.

Speeding in school zones and construction zones costs more

If you were speeding in a school zone during school hours (typically 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school days), Indiana law allows the judge to double the fine. So a ticket for going 6 to 10 mph over the limit, which normally carries a $50 base fine, could become $100 in a school zone.

Construction zones with workers present also carry enhanced penalties. The judge can increase the fine for speeding in an active work zone, and if your speeding caused an accident or injury, the penalties are steeper still.

What happens if you have prior speeding violations

If you received a speeding ticket within the past five years, the judge can increase your current fine. Indiana does not have a formal "point system" that automatically raises fines, but the judge considers your driving history when setting the penalty. A second or third violation in five years will likely result in a higher fine than a first offense.

Repeat violations can also affect your insurance rates and your driving record. After three violations in five years, you may face license suspension. It is worth understanding the long-term cost of a ticket beyond just the fine itself.

How to pay your ticket or contest it in court

Your ticket will show a due date and instructions for payment. Most Indiana counties allow you to pay online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Paying by the due date closes the case and avoids additional late fees.

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, if the speed limit sign was obscured or the officer's radar was faulty — you have the right to request a court hearing. You must request this in writing before the due date shown on your ticket. At the hearing, you can present your side of the story, and the officer must present evidence of the violation. The judge then decides whether to uphold the ticket, reduce it, or dismiss it.

How a speeding ticket affects your driving record and insurance

A speeding conviction stays on your Indiana driving record for five years. During that time, your insurance company can see it and may raise your rates. The increase varies by insurer and by how much over the limit you were going, but even a single speeding ticket can raise your premium by 10 to 30 percent.

If you accumulate multiple violations, you risk license suspension. Indiana suspends licenses for drivers who receive three moving violations (including speeding) within five years. A suspension typically lasts 30 to 90 days, depending on the circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to traffic school to reduce my fine or remove the ticket from my record?

Indiana does not have a formal traffic school program that removes tickets from your record or reduces fines. However, some courts may offer a deferred prosecution agreement, where you pay court costs and attend a defensive driving course, and the ticket is dismissed if you stay violation-free for a set period. Ask the court handling your ticket whether this option is available.

What if I was speeding because of an emergency?

You can explain the circumstances to the judge at a court hearing. While an emergency does not automatically excuse speeding, the judge may consider it when deciding on the fine. You will need to present evidence of the emergency — for example, a hospital admission record if you were rushing someone to the emergency room.

How long do I have to pay my ticket?

The due date is printed on your ticket. It is typically 10 to 30 days from the date of the violation. If you miss the due date, contact the court when ready to avoid additional penalties and a potential license suspension.

Will my insurance rates go up after a speeding ticket?

Most insurance companies will increase your rates after a speeding conviction. The amount depends on your insurer and your driving history, but increases of 10 to 30 percent are common. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts that may offset part of the increase.

Can I dispute a speeding ticket if I think the radar gun was wrong?

Yes. At your court hearing, you can question whether the officer's equipment was properly calibrated and maintained. The officer must prove the ticket is accurate. If you have evidence that the radar was faulty or the officer did not follow proper procedures, the judge may dismiss the ticket.