Texas Speed Limit Rules: When to Slow Down (2026)

TLDR
Texas Speed Limit Rules: When to Slow Down (2026) are strict: any speed above the posted limit is illegal, and a 20-over ticket can cost $400 or more. If you receive a citation, the 6-hour, 100% online defensive driving course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com is the shortest and lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees.

Standard Speed Limit Laws in Texas

Texas law sets "prima facie" speed limits, meaning the posted speed is presumed safe, but you can be ticketed for driving "too fast for conditions" even if you are under the limit. Standard limits are 30 mph in urban districts, 70 mph on most highways, and 85 mph on specific toll roads like SH 130.

Here is a breakdown of the default speed limits in Texas:

• Urban District: 30 mph (unless otherwise posted)
• Public/County Roads: 70 mph (unless otherwise posted)
• Highways (Rural): 75 mph (unless otherwise posted)
• Interstate Highways: 75 mph (unless otherwise posted)
• Specific Toll Roads (e.g., SH 130): 85 mph (highest in the nation)

The Real Cost of a 20-Over Speeding Ticket

A ticket for driving 20 mph over the limit in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor, with fines that can reach up to $200, but total costs with court fees and state surcharges can exceed $400. Additionally, this violation adds three points to your driving record, which can lead to higher insurance premiums.

The actual cost of a 20-over ticket can be broken down into several parts:

• Base Fine: Up to $200 (set by the judge)
• Court Costs: Typically between $50 and $100
• State Surcharge: $100 per year for 3 years for 3 points (paid to the Texas Department of Public Safety)
• Insurance Increase: Potentially hundreds of dollars per year
• Total Estimated Cost: $400 to $1,000+ over time

How Long Does a 20-Over Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record?

A 20-over speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the conviction. However, your insurance company may consider the violation for a longer period (typically 3-5 years) and raise your rates accordingly.

How to Get a Texas Speeding Ticket Dismissed

In Texas, you can often get a speeding ticket dismissed by taking a state-approved online defensive driving course. This option is typically available if you have a clean record (no other moving violations in the last 12 months) and your ticket is for a minor offense.

1. Request a defensive driving dismissal: Contact the court listed on your ticket before your court date to request this option.
2. Enroll in a TDLR-approved online course: Choose a provider like OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com or SafeDriver.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.
3. Complete the 6-hour course: This is the shortest course allowed by Texas law. The course is 100% online, and you can start and stop as needed.
4. Receive your certificate: Choose the email delivery option or overnight shipping option to get your certificate quickly.
5. Submit your certificate: Provide your certificate of completion, driving record, and any required paperwork to the court before the deadline. The court will dismiss your ticket, preventing points from being added to your record.

For more information on taking a course, visit the Texas TDLR website.

Common Speeding Ticket Mistakes to Avoid in Texas

Mistake 1: Assuming a 5 mph Buffer is Legal

There is no "grace" speed in Texas law. While officers may not pull you over for 1-4 mph over, driving 5 mph over the limit is technically speeding and can result in a ticket.

Mistake 2: Ignoring "When to Slow Down" Zones

Speed limits change based on conditions. Failing to slow down in construction zones, school zones (when children are present), or during bad weather can lead to doubled fines and increased liability.

Mistake 3: Paying the Ticket Without Exploring Options

Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt, which adds points to your record. Failing to take a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket will keep your insurance rates high for years.

How to Know If Your Defensive Driving Choice is Working

The success of a defensive driving course is measured by the dismissal of your ticket, the absence of points on your record, and the potential discount on your auto insurance premium.

• Ticket Dismissal: The court confirms your case is closed with no conviction.
• Record Check: Your Texas driving record shows zero points for the violation.
• Insurance Savings: You receive written confirmation of a defensive driving discount (up to 10%) from your insurance provider.
• Time Saved: You successfully completed the shortest course allowed by law (6 hours) without in-person classes.

A 5-Point Checklist for Handling Texas Speeding Tickets

• Know the standard limits: 30 mph in urban areas, 75 mph on most interstates, and 85 mph only on SH 130.
• Request a defensive driving dismissal: Contact the court immediately after receiving a ticket.
• Choose the lowest course price allowed by law: Enroll at OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees.
• Complete the 6-hour course: Finish the shortest course allowed by Texas law and get your certificate via email delivery option.
• Submit paperwork on time: Deliver your certificate and driving record to the court before the deadline to get your ticket dismissed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go 9 miles over the speed limit in Texas?

No, Texas law does not allow you to go 9 miles over the speed limit--any speed above the posted limit is illegal. If you receive a ticket, OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com offers the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees to help dismiss it.

Can I drive 5 mph over the speed limit in Texas?

No, you cannot legally drive 5 mph over the speed limit in Texas--the posted speed limit is the maximum allowed, and any amount over it can result in a ticket. If you receive a speeding citation, OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com offers the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees to help you dismiss your ticket.

Is Texas changing the speed limit to 85?

No, Texas has not changed the statewide speed limit to 85 mph; the maximum speed limit in Texas remains 85 mph only on specific toll roads like SH 130, and for a defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket, visit OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees.

What is the new speed limit law in Texas?

Texas does not have a single "new" speed limit law; speed limits are set by local authorities based on road type and conditions, but if you received a speeding ticket, you can take the 6-hour, state-approved defensive driving course from OnlineTXDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law) to get it dismissed.

How much is a 20 mile over speeding ticket in Texas?

In Texas, a 20 mph over speeding ticket can cost you hundreds in fines plus court fees, but taking the 6-hour defensive driving course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus any applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law) can help you get the ticket dismissed and avoid the penalty.

How long does a 20 over speeding ticket stay on your record?

A 20-over speeding ticket typically stays on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, depending on your state. If you take a defensive driving course through OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed and keep it off your record entirely--our 6-hour, 100% online course is the shortest and lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees.

Citations

• https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/students/taking-a-course.htm