Base fines for speeding violations in California

California speeding tickets cost between $238 and $490 in base fines, depending on how far over the limit you were driving. The state sets these base amounts by statute, but the final bill you receive will be substantially higher because of mandatory assessments and county fees added on top.

For speeds 1 to 15 miles per hour over the limit, the base fine is $238. From 16 to 25 mph over, it jumps to $367. Speeds 26 mph or higher over the posted limit carry a base fine of $490. These figures have remained stable for several years, though they are subject to change by the California legislature.

The base fine alone is rarely what you pay. California law requires courts to add penalty assessments — a state surcharge of 20 percent of the base fine — plus county-level administrative fees that vary by location. A $238 base fine typically becomes $400 to $500 by the time assessments are included.

Key Takeaways

  • Base fines range from $238 for 1–15 mph over the limit to $490 for 26 mph or more over, but the total you owe will be 60 to 100 percent higher after state and county assessments are added.
  • Driving 26 mph or faster over the limit is considered "excessive speed" and carries the highest base fine plus potential license suspension and mandatory traffic school.
  • The final amount depends on which county issued the ticket, because each county adds its own administrative fees on top of the state base fine and assessments.
  • Traffic school completion may reduce the fine or prevent a point from being added to your driving record, but you must request it and pay the school fee separately.

How assessments and county fees inflate the total

The base fine is only the starting point. California Vehicle Code Section 1465.7 requires courts to add a 20 percent state penalty assessment to every traffic fine. On a $238 base fine, that adds $47.60. On a $490 base fine, it adds $98.

After the state assessment, your county adds its own administrative fees. These vary significantly — a ticket in Los Angeles County may carry different fees than one in Kern County or San Francisco County. County fees typically range from $50 to $150 but can be higher in some jurisdictions. Some counties also add a "court operations" fee or a "criminal justice" fee specific to that court.

A practical example: a ticket for driving 20 mph over the limit in California starts at $367 base. Add the 20 percent state assessment ($73.40), then add county fees of $80 to $120, and the total bill lands between $520 and $560. This is why many people are surprised when they receive their citation notice — the amount due is often double the base fine printed on the ticket itself.

Excessive speed penalties and license consequences

Driving 26 mph or more over the posted limit is classified as excessive speed under California law. Beyond the higher $490 base fine, excessive speed carries additional consequences that a standard speeding ticket does not.

A single excessive speed violation adds one point to your driving record with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension or revocation — typically four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months. If you are under 18, the thresholds are lower.

Excessive speed also makes traffic school completion mandatory rather than optional. You cannot straightforward pay the fine and move on; you must complete an approved traffic school course. The school itself charges a separate fee, usually $50 to $200 depending on the provider, and you must pay this in addition to the court fine.

When you can reduce the fine through traffic school

California allows drivers to reduce or dismiss a speeding ticket by completing an approved traffic school course, but only under specific conditions. You must request traffic school before or at your court date — you cannot request it after you have already paid the fine or been convicted.

If the court grants your request, you attend traffic school (online or in-person), pay the school fee separately from the fine, and complete the course within the time the court specifies. Upon completion, the court may reduce the fine or dismiss the ticket entirely, depending on the judge's discretion and your driving history. The ticket will not appear on your driving record if dismissed, which protects your insurance rates.

You are not automatically may have access to to traffic school. The court can deny your request if you have attended traffic school within the past 18 months, if you were driving in a construction zone, or if the judge determines other factors make you ineligible. Always contact the court listed on your citation to ask whether traffic school is an option in your case.

Differences between speeding and reckless driving charges

A speeding ticket is not the same as a reckless driving charge, though officers sometimes cite both on the same ticket. Reckless driving under California Vehicle Code Section 23103 is a more serious offense that can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time up to 90 days, or both. Reckless driving also adds two points to your record instead of one.

An officer may cite you for reckless driving if they believe you were driving at a speed that endangered others, not merely exceeding the posted limit. Excessive speed alone does not automatically become reckless driving, but the two are sometimes charged together. If you receive both citations on the same ticket, you should understand that the reckless driving charge is the more serious one and carries greater consequences.

How speeding tickets affect insurance rates

A speeding conviction typically raises your car insurance rates by 10 to 40 percent, depending on your insurer and driving history. The increase usually lasts three to five years from the date of conviction, though some insurers explore it for longer.

If you successfully complete traffic school and the ticket is dismissed, the conviction does not appear on your record, and your insurer may not see it at all. This is one of the strongest reasons to request traffic school if you are offered the option. However, if you straightforward pay the fine without traffic school, the conviction stays on your record and your insurer will likely increase your rates at your next renewal.

Payment options and what happens if you do not pay

You can pay a California speeding ticket by mail, online through the court's website, in person at the courthouse, or by phone if the court accepts phone payments. The citation itself will list the court's contact information and payment methods. Payment is typically due within 30 days of receiving the ticket, though the exact important date is printed on your citation.

If you do not pay by the important date, the court may issue a failure-to-appear warrant, suspend your driver's license, or refer the debt to a collection agency. The DMV can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. These consequences compound the original fine and make the situation more difficult to resolve. If you cannot pay in full, contact the court to ask about payment plans or fee reductions based on financial hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fight a speeding ticket in California?

Yes. You can request a court date and contest the ticket in front of a judge. You have the right to see the evidence against you, cross-examine the officer, and present your own evidence. Many people represent themselves, though you can also hire an attorney. The burden is on the prosecution to prove you were speeding beyond a reasonable doubt.

Does a speeding ticket in California show up on my record permanently?

A speeding conviction stays on your driving record for three to seven years, depending on the severity. If you complete traffic school and the ticket is dismissed, it does not appear on your record at all. If you are convicted without traffic school, it remains visible to insurers and potential employers who run background checks during that period.

What is the difference between a warning and a citation?

A warning is a verbal or written notice with no fine or court appearance required. A citation is an official ticket that requires you to appear in court or pay a fine. Once an officer hands you a citation, you have a legal obligation to respond — ignoring it creates additional problems.

Can I negotiate the fine amount with the court?

You can request a reduction based on financial hardship, but the court is not required to grant it. Contact the court and explain your situation. Some courts have hardship programs or payment plans. You can also request traffic school, which may reduce or dismiss the fine entirely if the court approves your request.

Do I have to disclose a speeding ticket to my insurance company?

Yes. Insurance companies run driving record checks and will find the conviction. If you do not disclose it and they discover it later, they can cancel your policy or deny a claim. If the ticket was dismissed through traffic school, there is nothing to disclose because it does not appear on your record.