About Fines and Court Costs

The amount of fine the court assesses is determined by the facts and circumstances of the case. Mitigating circumstances may lower the fine, even if you are guilty. On the other hand, aggravating circumstances may increase the fine. The maximum fine for most municipal court traffic violations is $200; for misdemeanor state law violations--$500; for certain city ordinance violations--$2,000; and for other city ordinance violations--$500.

In addition to the fine amount assessed, court costs mandated by state law will be charged, and the costs may be different depending on the offense. Court costs are assessed if you are found guilty at trial, if your case is deferred for a driving safety course, or if your case is deferred and you are placed on probation. If you are found not guilty, court costs will not be assessed.

Per Chapter 51 of the Texas Government Code, the Court is required to collect a $25 fee on each conviction for which "time to pay" is granted. If any part of the total amount of fines, fees, and court costs is paid on or after the 31st day, that time payment fee will be assessed per state statute.

If you are choosing to do Defensive Driving when your violation occurred in a school zone the law requires a $25.00 Child Safety Fee that the state receives for those violations occurring in a school zone.

If a warrant is issued, the fine may increase, and an additional $50 fee is also assessed. [click for schedules of fines and court costs]
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