Enforcement Procedures for a Speeding Ticket in Texas

See that sign you just blew past? That's how fast you should be going.

Just like in every other state in the United States, it's illegal to speed in Texas. However, drivers continue to tempt the system. When these drivers are caught, they are typically presented with speeding tickets and with subsequent fines. A driver may also have to undergo additional penalties, depending on the frequency of traffic tickets or severity of offenses. If a driver fails to deal with speeding tickets, Texas authorities have methods to ensure compliance.

Options for Violators

Speeding tickets usually go hand-in-hand with fines. Typically, the more a driver was speeding over the posted speed limit, the larger the fine. Drivers who are issued tickets in Texas have 10 days to either pay the fine or to appear in court to contest the ticket. It is the responsibility of the driver to inform the court which course of action they wish to take. Speeding tickets also result in points added to a violator's license.

The Point System

As in golf, the fewer the points the better.

The Texas driver’s license point system is in place to monitor and control negligent drivers in the state. Essentially, with every violation of traffic law that a driver has, the more points are added to his license. When a driver reaches a certain number of points on his license (usually six), it will be suspended, and he is subject to additional fines. These points are usually removed after three years.

Enforcement for Tickets

With speeding violations, if a driver is caught going more than 10 percent faster than the speed limit, two points are automatically added to his license. If he is in an accident while speeding, three points are added.The point system and the practice of license suspension for repeated speeding violations is one of the most effective means of enforcement for Texas speeding laws, as drivers wishing to retain driving privileges must first pay outstanding tickets and fines.

Driver Responsibility Program

The best way to fight a traffic ticket in Texas is in court, not by refusing to comply with ticket stipulations.

If a speeding violation was particularly severe, or if violations are frequent, then authorities in Texas can also place drivers in the Driver Responsibility Program. This is a systematic program that fines negligent drivers a lump sum every year for a certain period of time because of serious traffic violations. If a driver continues to speed, or if she drives while her license is suspended, she will likely be placed in this program. And if she continues to speed or disregards court orders regarding traffic tickets (failure to pay fines, failure to observe license suspensions), she may be subject to greater penalties, including arrest. Once traffic tickets are issued it is in the driver's best interest to comply or to legally contest tickets in court.

References

• The Unofficial DMV Guide: Texas Traffic Tickets
• The Unofficial DMV Guide: Texas Point System
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Driver Program FAQ