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.
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.