What Georgia charges for speeding violations
Georgia speeding fines depend on how far over the limit you were driving and whether you were in a school zone or construction zone. The base fine for speeding starts at $0 and increases by $1 for each mile per hour over the limit, up to a maximum of $200 for the base fine alone. A ticket for going 10 mph over the limit costs less than one for going 30 mph over.
The total amount you pay is not just the base fine. Georgia adds court costs, surcharges, and fees that vary by county and by the specific court handling your case. These additions often equal or exceed the base fine itself. A speeding ticket that starts at $50 in fines can easily total $150 to $300 once all fees are included.
School zone and construction zone speeding carry double the base fine. If you were speeding in a school zone during school hours, or in a marked construction zone, the fine structure doubles before court costs are added.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's base fine for speeding is $1 per mile per hour over the limit, capped at $200, but court costs and surcharges nearly always double the total amount you owe.
- Speeding in a school zone or construction zone doubles the base fine before any court costs are added.
- The exact total depends on which county court handles your ticket, because each county sets its own court costs and fees.
- You can pay the fine, contest the ticket in court, or request a defensive driving course to potentially reduce points on your license.
How court costs and fees add to your bill
Georgia law requires courts to add a court processing fee to every traffic ticket. This fee ranges from $25 to $50 depending on the county. On top of that, the state adds a Georgia Surcharge of $100 for any moving violation, including speeding. Some counties also add a local option fee of $25 to $50.
A ticket for going 15 mph over the limit in a regular zone might show a $15 base fine, but once you add a $35 court fee, a $100 state surcharge, and a $25 county fee, your total is $175. The same violation in a school zone would double the base fine to $30, bringing the total to $190.
You receive an itemized ticket that lists each charge separately. Read it carefully to understand what you are paying for. If the court costs listed seem unusually high, you can ask the court clerk what each fee covers — some fees fund specific programs like victim information or courthouse operations.
Speeding in school zones and construction zones
Georgia doubles the fine for any speeding violation that occurs in a marked school zone during school hours or in a marked construction zone. The doubling applies to the base fine only, not to court costs and surcharges, but it still significantly increases what you owe.
School zone speeding is enforced between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days. The school zone must be clearly marked with signs. If you were ticketed in a school zone, the ticket should state the time and show that it was during school hours. Construction zone speeding applies in any marked work zone, regardless of time of day.
If you believe you were not actually in a school or construction zone, or that the zone was not properly marked, this is a detail you can raise if you contest the ticket in court. The officer's report and photos from the scene become evidence.
How speeding violations affect your insurance and driving record
A speeding ticket adds points to your Georgia driving record. The number of points depends on how far over the limit you were driving. Going 1 to 10 mph over adds 2 points. Going 11 to 20 mph over adds 3 points. Going 21 to 30 mph over adds 4 points. Speeds 31 mph and above add 6 points.
These points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. If you accumulate 15 points within 24 months, Georgia suspends your license. Insurance companies can see your driving record and often raise your rates after a speeding ticket, sometimes by $100 to $300 per year for three years.
The points and rate increase happen whether you pay the fine or contest it in court. However, if you complete an approved defensive driving course within a certain time frame, Georgia allows you to remove up to 7 points from your record. This option is available only once every five years.
Paying your ticket or requesting a court date
You have two main paths after receiving a speeding ticket: pay the fine or contest it in court. Your ticket shows a due date, usually 30 days from the date of the violation. Paying by the due date closes the case.
To pay, you can mail a check to the court address listed on the ticket, pay in person at the courthouse, or pay online if the court offers it. Some courts accept payment by phone. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation.
If you want to contest the ticket, you must request a court date before the due date. Write to the court listed on your ticket and request a trial. Include your name, ticket number, and the date of the violation. The court will send you a new date to appear. You do not need a lawyer, but you can hire one if you choose.
Defensive driving course as an alternative
Georgia allows you to take a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record. This option is available only if you have no other moving violations within the past 12 months and you have not taken a defensive driving course within the past five years.
The course is typically four to eight hours long and can be taken online or in person. You pay the course provider directly, usually $50 to $100. After you complete the course, you submit proof to the court. The court then removes up to 7 points from your record, though the fine itself does not change.
Taking the course does not erase the ticket or the fine, and it does not prevent your insurance company from seeing the violation. However, removing points from your record can prevent license suspension and may help with future insurance rates. Ask the court whether the course is available for your specific violation before you enroll.
What happens if you miss the payment important date
If you do not pay by the due date and do not request a court date, the court issues a failure to appear charge. This is a separate offense that can result in a suspended license, additional fines, and a warrant for your arrest.
If you miss the important date by accident, contact the court when ready. Explain that you did not receive the ticket or that you missed the date. The court may give you extra time to pay or reschedule your court date. Do not ignore the ticket — the consequences compound quickly.
If you cannot afford to pay the full amount by the due date, call the court and ask about a payment plan. Many Georgia courts allow you to pay in installments over several months. You must request this before the important date passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a speeding ticket dismissed if the radar gun was not calibrated?
Radar calibration records are evidence you can request in court. If the officer cannot produce proof that the radar gun was properly calibrated, the judge may dismiss the ticket or reduce the charge. You must request this evidence before your court date and raise the issue during trial.
Does paying the fine mean I admit guilt?
Yes. Paying the fine is treated as a guilty plea. If you pay, the violation goes on your record and your insurance company will see it. If you want to contest the ticket, you must request a court date instead of paying.
How much will my insurance go up after a speeding ticket?
Insurance rate increases vary by company and your driving history. Most insurers raise rates by $100 to $300 per year for three years after a speeding ticket, though some charge more. Contact your insurance agent for a specific estimate based on your policy.
Can I take a defensive driving course if I already paid the ticket?
Yes, you can still take the course after paying, and the points will be removed from your record. However, you cannot get a refund of the fine you already paid. The course only removes points, not the fine itself.
What if I was speeding because of an emergency?
Georgia law does not provide an emergency exception to speeding limits. However, you can explain the circumstances to the judge if you contest the ticket in court. The judge has discretion to reduce the fine or dismiss the case, but this is not may provide.