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Texas-Sized Consequences: What Happens When You Speed in the Lone Star State

Written by

Rodney Crawford

in

Intro

Texas roads are made for long drives and open skies — but pushing the speed limit here can quickly turn your joyride into a legal and financial headache. Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Texas, and it’s a major cause of serious accidents statewide.

Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned one, it’s important to know exactly what’s at stake when you go over the limit. In this post, we’ll break down Texas speeding laws, penalties, and the hidden costs so you can avoid trouble and drive smarter.

1. Texas Speed Limits at a Glance

  • Highways & interstates: Often 70–75 mph, but some rural stretches allow up to 85 mph.
  • Urban areas: Typically 30–45 mph.
  • School zones: Usually 20 mph, with doubled fines for violations.

Tip: Always check posted signs — limits can change quickly between city and rural areas.

2. Fines and Court Costs

Speeding tickets in Texas vary by location, but here’s a general idea:

  • 1–10 mph over the limit: $150–$200
  • 11–15 mph over the limit: $200–$300
  • 20+ mph over the limit: $300+ and possible court appearance
    School zones carry automatic doubled fines and zero tolerance for violations.

3. Points on Your Driving Record

Texas uses a point system to track violations:

  • 2 points for a speeding ticket
  • 3 points if the violation causes an accident

Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension and higher insurance premiums.

4. Insurance Rate Increases

Even one speeding ticket can cause your insurance rates to jump by 10–20% for three years. Multiple tickets? You could be paying hundreds more annually.

5. Criminal Charges for Excessive Speeding

Driving 25+ mph over the posted limit or over 95 mph can result in reckless driving charges, which may include:

  • Jail time (up to 30 days)
  • License suspension
  • Hefty fines

6. The Safety Risks

Speeding reduces your reaction time, increases stopping distance, and makes crashes far more severe. On Texas highways, where traffic can move at high speeds, just a few extra mph can be the difference between a near-miss and a serious collision.

📖 Read more: The Dangers of Unnecessary Risks and Speeding While Driving: A Detailed Exploration

7. How to Avoid Speeding Tickets

  • Use cruise control on highways
  • Plan your trips so you’re not rushing
  • Stay in the right lane unless passing
  • Be mindful of school zones and construction areas

Final Thoughts

In Texas, speeding doesn’t just cost you money — it can cost you your license, your insurance rates, and even your life.

At Drive Smart Driving School, we teach defensive driving strategies that help you avoid risky behaviors like speeding. Whether you’re a teen driver or need a refresher, our Texas-approved courses will give you the skills to drive safely and confidently.

🚦 Ready to protect your record and your wallet? Enroll in a statewide driver’s ed course today and learn the smart way to drive in Texas.

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