Texas has more than 23 million licensed drivers, one of the busiest road networks in the country, and a long list of traffic laws enforced by local police, county sheriffs, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Whether you are a new driver fresh out of drivers ed or a commuter with decades of experience, understanding the violations that lead to the most tickets can help you stay on the right side of the law and keep your record clean.
Below is a breakdown of the five most common traffic tickets Texas drivers receive, what they may cost, and what you can do if you get one.
While every city and county in Texas sets its own fine schedule, the same handful of violations show up on tickets across the state. Here is a quick look at each one, along with typical fine ranges, before we dig into the details.
Note: Fine amounts listed above are estimates. Actual fines vary by jurisdiction and do not include court costs, which can add $100 or more to the total amount owed.
Speeding is consistently the most common moving violation in Texas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the state ranks among the top five nationally for speeding-related citations.
Texas enforces two types of speed limits. "Prima facie" limits are the numbers posted on signs. If you exceed them, you are presumed to be driving at an unsafe speed. The "basic" speed law says you should never drive faster than conditions allow, even if you are under the posted limit. Either violation can result in a ticket.
Fines typically start around $150 and increase based on how far over the limit you were driving. School zones and construction zones carry enhanced penalties that can double the base fine. Driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit, or going at least 95 mph, disqualifies you from defensive driving dismissal under Texas law.
Beyond the fine itself, a speeding conviction may increase your auto insurance rates by 20% or more, depending on the insurer. Multiple convictions can add up fast: four moving violations within 12 months, or seven within 24 months, may result in a license suspension.
Under Texas Transportation Code §545.4251, it is illegal to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. The law covers texts, emails, social media posts, and similar messaging. It is a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over for this violation alone.
First-time offenders face fines between $25 and $99 plus court costs. A second or subsequent offense carries fines of $100 to $200. If texting while driving causes serious injury or death, the charge escalates to a Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
Drivers under 18 face even stricter rules under Texas Transportation Code §545.424: they are banned from using any wireless device while driving, including hands-free options. Many Texas cities, including Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, also have local ordinances that go beyond the state law by banning all handheld device use for drivers of any age.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that distracted driving contributes to roughly one in five crashes statewide, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of serious injuries each year. Putting the phone down is one of the simplest ways to avoid both a ticket and a potentially life-changing crash. For a deeper look at the risks, check out our guide on distracted driving.
Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign is another frequently cited violation. Fines typically range from $150 to $275 depending on the jurisdiction, and the conviction adds points to your driving record that can affect insurance rates.
Texas banned the use of red-light cameras statewide, so automated tickets from camera systems are no longer enforceable. However, officers stationed at busy intersections still actively enforce signal and stop-sign violations. Running a red light that results in a crash can also lead to additional charges, including reckless driving.
Intersection safety is a core part of what you learn in drivers ed courses. If you need a refresher on traffic laws and safe driving strategies, a defensive driving course can help reinforce safe habits.
