Speeding Ticket Cost in California (Calculator Included)

Getting a speeding ticket in California isn’t just frustrating — it can be expensive, confusing, and costly long-term if you’re not careful. From inflated court fees to insurance premium hikes, the real cost often goes far beyond what’s printed on your citation.

In this guide, we’ll break down what California drivers actually pay, show you how to estimate your cost using a proven formula, and offer a smarter way to fight your ticket online — without going to court or hiring a lawyer.

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How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Cost in California?

Contrary to what most people think, the amount listed on your citation is just the base fine. In California, your total cost usually ends up being 3x to 4x higher after fees and assessments are added by the court.

📊 Base Fine Table (CA Speeding)

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💸 Why the Total Cost Is Much Higher

Here’s why a $70 fine often becomes $280+:

• State Penalty Assessment: 100% of base fine
• County Penalty Assessment: 20% of base fine
• Court Security Fee: $40
• Conviction Assessment: $35
• Other local fees (EMS, DNA Fund, etc.)

Example: A $70 fine turns into $238+ in total costs.

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🏛 County Matters

Some California counties (like Los Angeles and San Diego) impose higher local fees. The same violation in LA could cost you $400+, while it might only be $250 in a smaller county like Tulare.

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🚦 Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator (Manual Version)

Here’s how to estimate your CA speeding ticket total:

1. Check your speed over limit → find base fine in chart above
2. Multiply base fine by 3.5x for most counties
3. Add fixed fees (~$85 for traffic school and court costs)

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💡 Sample Calculations

Example 1 – 10 mph over (Sacramento):

• Base: $35 → Total: ~$210 → With traffic school: ~$275

Example 2 – 22 mph over (Los Angeles):

• Base: $70 → Total: ~$285 → With traffic school: ~$350

Example 3 – 30+ mph over (Bay Area):

• Base: $100 → Total: ~$380 → With traffic school: ~$445+

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📈 Will My Insurance Go Up After a Speeding Ticket?

Yes. Most California drivers see $300–$800/year increases for 3–5 years.

Average Insurance Increases

Over 3 years, that could mean $900–$4,000+ in added cost.

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✅ Why Traffic School Is Worth It

Traffic school adds ~$60 to your cost, but:

• Prevents DMV points
• Blocks insurance hikes
• Keeps your record clean

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🧠 Don’t Just Pay Your Ticket. Fight It.

Most California drivers don’t realize they can dispute their ticket without going to court. California’s Trial by Written Declaration (Form TR-205) lets you fight your ticket 100% by mail (or online with ClerkHero).

✍️ How Trial by Declaration Works

1. Fill out Form TR-205 with your defense
2. Pay the fine up front as “bail”
3. Court reviews your written defense
4. If you win, your money is refunded
5. If you lose, you can still request traffic school

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👨‍⚖️ Use ClerkHero to Dispute Your Ticket (The Easy Way)

ClerkHero helps California drivers:

• File a court-approved defense (TR-205)
• Avoid court appearances
• Keep insurance rates low
• Save hours of stress

💼 Why It Works

Our system:

• Uses real legal strategies used by attorneys
• Handles your defense paperwork automatically
• Files everything on your behalf
• Costs less than your likely insurance increase

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✅ Key Takeaways

• CA speeding tickets cost 3–4x more than the base fine
• Insurance hikes are the real killer — lasting years
• Traffic school is a smart option if eligible
• Disputing your ticket gives you a legal shot to erase the cost
• ClerkHero makes it easy to fight your ticket without a lawyer or court

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🧲 Ready to Fight Your Ticket?

Click below to use ClerkHero and start your defense now:

👉 Fight My Ticket With ClerkHero
No lawyer. No court. Just results.