How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in California? (2025 Breakdown)
California’s speeding fines might look small on paper, but the total cost can quickly balloon once mandatory surcharges and penalties are added. A $35 base fine can easily top $230 after state and county assessments, fixed court fees and a 20 percent state surcharge. The same multiplier applies to larger base fines, which is why a seemingly minor citation can ultimately cost you over $900.
Overview
Speeding fines in California are composed of:
- A base fine set by the state
- Penalty assessments and surcharges (state, county, DNA fund, court construction, EMS, etc.)
- Administrative fees, which vary by county
- Possible insurance premium increases for 3–7 years
In short: the fine on your citation isn’t the final number you’ll pay.
Fine Breakdown by Speed
| MPH Over Limit | Base Fine | Total with Surcharges | DMV Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–15 mph | $35 | ~$238 | 1 |
| 16–25 mph | $70 | ~$367 | 1 |
| 26+ mph | $100 | ~$490+ | 1 |
| 100+ mph | $500 | ~$900+ | 2 |
Example: A 100+ mph ticket under CVC 22348(b) carries a $500 base fine, but after assessments, you’ll owe close to $1,000—and possibly lose your license.
Additional Penalties
In addition to the fine, you may face:
- Court Fees & County Surcharges – Vary by jurisdiction
- Insurance Increases – A single ticket may raise your premium by 25–37% for 3 years
- Loss of Good Driver Discount – Typically worth 20% off your premium
- Traffic School Cost – $25–$65 (optional if eligible)
👉 Do You Qualify For California Traffic Ticket Forgiveness?
Common Violations
Here are the most commonly cited speeding laws in California:
- CVC 22349(a) – Exceeding 65 mph
Unlawful to drive faster than 65 mph on highways unless posted otherwise. - CVC 22350 – Basic Speed Law
Illegal to drive faster than is safe for conditions, even below posted limits. - CVC 23103 – Reckless Driving
Misdemeanor offense involving willful disregard for safety—carries 2 points.
How to Reduce or Fight the Fine
If eligible, you have two main options:
1. Traffic School
- Removes the DMV point (but not the fine)
- Only allowed once every 18 months
- Not available for tickets over 25 mph, commercial licenses, or misdemeanors
2. Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205)
- No court appearance required
- Submit defense and evidence by mail
- If dismissed, no fine or point is added
- If denied, you can still request an in-person trial
👉 Check if you qualify to fight your ticket →
Final Thoughts
California speeding tickets are deceptively expensive—but they’re not unbeatable.
Most drivers can reduce or dismiss their ticket through traffic school or a TR-205 trial. And now, platforms like ClerkHero make that process easier than ever with AI-generated defenses based on real public court data.
Use Our Traffic Ticket Calculator
Want to estimate your fine and court fees? Try our free, interactive California Speeding Ticket Calculator to see the real cost of your citation in seconds.
Bonus: Speeding Ticket Cost by County
| County | Known Fees or Trends |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | High admin fees; expect higher totals |
| Orange County | Often lower court costs |
| San Diego | Traffic school encouraged for minor violations |
| Sacramento | Strict deadlines; fast license suspensions |
| Riverside | Rural roads trigger many 100+ mph tickets |
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Paul Cohen
Paul Cohen is a legal researcher focused on California traffic law. He writes clear, practical guides to help drivers fight tickets and understand their rights without a lawyer.