California Speeding Ticket Costs
State Citation Reference & Guidelines|Verified: 2026-06-30
Quick Reference Summary
California Citation Profile
How to Handle Your California Speeding Ticket
Estimate your total expenses (including the estimated 25% insurance premium increase over 3 years) using our interactive fine estimator. Respond to the ticket within 20 days to avoid a $100 late fee or suspension.
Fines by Speed Exceeded
Ticket fine amounts in California scale incrementally based on how fast you were driving above the posted speed limit.
Speeding Ticket Cost Breakdown by MPH Over
Select common speeding increments to view exact point assessments, typical insurance cost impacts, and criminal misdemeanor thresholds in California.
| Speed Exceeded | Est. Fine Amount | Points Assessed | Est. 3-Year Insurance Increase | Misdemeanor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +5 MPH Over | $238 | 1 Point | +$1350 | No |
| +10 MPH Over | $238 | 1 Point | +$1350 | No |
| +15 MPH Over | $238 | 1 Point | +$1350 | No |
| +20 MPH Over | $367 | 1 Point | +$1350 | No |
| +25 MPH Over | $367 | 1 Point | +$1350 | No |
| +30 MPH Over | $490 | 1 Point | +$1350 | No |
§ Criminal & Misdemeanor Risk
Speeding over 100 mph is a major infraction carrying up to $1000 in total fines, a potential 30-day license suspension on the first offense, and 2 points on your record.
§ License Points & Record Duration
Accumulating 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months triggers a Negligent Operator suspension review.
§ Traffic School Eligibility
Eligible once every 18 months if the speed was not over 100 mph, and you hold a standard non-commercial license. Must pay court administrative fee.
§ Deadlines & Late Fees
You must respond or pay within 20 days of citation issuance. Failure to resolve the ticket by the appearance date triggers a civil assessment fine of up to $100 and license suspension referral.
§ Out-of-State Drivers & Compact Rules
California reports citations via the Driver License Compact (DLC).
As a participating member of the DLC, California will automatically report speeding and other moving violations back to your home state's licensing department (DMV/BMV). The violation points and records will be applied to your home state license according to your state's local conversion rules.
County Court Payment Portals
Select your local county court below to check ticket records or pay fines online directly through government portals:
Other State Speeding Fine Guides
Select another verified state guide below for fine rates and license point limits:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a speeding ticket in California?
In California, speeding tickets typically cost between $238 and $490 depending on your speed. Fines in California feature heavy state and county penalty assessments. A base fine of $35 actually costs about $238 after assessments.
How many points is a traffic ticket in California?
Speeding violations in California assess between 1 and 1 points on your license record. Accumulating 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months triggers a Negligent Operator suspension review.
Is speeding a misdemeanor in California?
Speeding over 100 mph is a major infraction carrying up to $1000 in total fines, a potential 30-day license suspension on the first offense, and 2 points on your record. Driving at speeds over 100 mph can lead to reckless driving or excessive speed charges, which are criminal misdemeanors.
Does a speeding ticket affect your insurance in California?
Yes. Speeding tickets in California typically increase auto insurance premiums by an average of 25%. This increase is calculated on your premium for up to 3 years.
Will a speeding ticket affect my out-of-state license?
Yes. California is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and reports all moving violations to your home state DMV. Your home state DMV will apply local points and record guidelines.
Verified Reference Statutes
- Cited directly from: California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (State legislative or department of motor vehicles domain)