By the Ticket Dismissal HQ editorial teamReviewed Oct 20, 2026Sources cited at the endNot legal advice
California speeding fines look small on paper, with base fines of $35, $70 or $100, but state and county penalty assessments multiply them several times over. Using the Judicial Council’s statewide bail schedule, a typical ticket totals about $234 for 1–15 mph over, $363 for 16–25, and $486 for 26+, and much more at 100+ mph. Add a point on your record and three years of higher insurance unless you go to traffic school. Here’s the breakdown.
Quick answer
- 1–15 mph over: $35 base, about $234–$238 total; 1 point.
- 16–25 mph over: $70 base, about $363–$367 total; 1 point.
- 26+ mph over: $100 base, about $486–$490 total; 1 point; not traffic-school eligible above 25 over.
- 100+ mph: roughly $900 or more, 2 points, possible license suspension of up to 30 days.
- Avoid the point: traffic school, once per 18 months.
California speeding fines
| Speed over limit | Base fine | Typical total | Points | Traffic school? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–15 mph | $35 | ≈ $234–$238 | 1 | Yes |
| 16–25 mph | $70 | ≈ $363–$367 | 1 | Yes |
| 26+ mph | $100 | ≈ $486–$490 | 1 | No (over 25) |
| Over 100 mph | $200+ | ≈ $900+ | 2 | No |
Totals differ slightly between sources and counties because of local add-ons; the courtesy notice shows your exact amount. Work-zone and some safety-corridor violations carry higher fines.
Where the money goes
For a $35 base fine, the statewide schedule adds a state penalty (about $40), a county penalty (about $28), court construction (about $20), DNA fund (about $20), a 20% state surcharge (about $7), emergency medical services (about $8), court operations (about $40), a conviction assessment (about $35) and a night court fee ($1). That’s how $35 becomes about $234.
The cost after the fine
A point on a California record typically raises premiums for about three years, often by more than the ticket itself. Traffic school costs the fine plus about $50–$85 in court fees and about $20+ for the course, and keeps the conviction confidential so insurers don’t see it. For most eligible drivers it’s the cheaper outcome over three years.
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Other options
- Trial by written declaration (Vehicle Code §40902): contest the ticket by mail. You post bail first; if you lose, you can still request a trial in court. If the officer doesn’t respond, the ticket is often dismissed.
- Court trial: appear and contest in person.
- Ability-to-pay relief: California courts can reduce fines for drivers on public assistance or low incomes; ask the court about an ability-to-pay determination.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 10 over speeding ticket in California?
About $234–$238 in total and 1 point.
How much is a 20 over speeding ticket in California?
About $363–$367 and 1 point. Still traffic-school eligible.
How much is a 30 over speeding ticket in California?
About $486–$490 and 1 point, and not eligible for traffic school because it’s more than 25 over.
Will my insurance go up after a California speeding ticket?
Usually, for about three years, unless the conviction is kept confidential through traffic school.
Sources: Judicial Council of California Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule (2026, as reported); California Vehicle Code §§22348, 22349, 22350, 40902, 42005. Amounts vary by county; your courtesy notice controls.