In California, the cost of a speeding ticket for going 15 mph over the speed limit can vary quite a bit depending on the specific circumstances. However, generally speaking, a 15 mph over violation will result in a fine between $100 and $500 plus additional fees and assessments that can bring the total cost to over $800 in some cases.
Basic Fine Amount
The base fine amount for a 15 mph over speeding ticket in California is determined by how many miles per hour over the limit the driver was traveling. Fines are set by the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules which outline standard fine amounts for every type of traffic violation. For speeding, the fine amounts depend on your speed relative to the limit:
Miles Over Limit | Fine Amount |
---|---|
1-15 mph | $100 – $500 |
16-25 mph | $500 – $1,000 |
Over 25 mph | $1,000+ |
As you can see, for a 15 mph over violation, the base fine will be between $100 and $500. Where in that range you fall depends on the specific posted speed limit and your actual speed. The officer cites the Vehicle Code section that you violated on the ticket which determines the base fine amount according to the schedules.
Additional Fees
On top of the base fine, there are quite a few additional fees and assessments that get tacked on to every traffic ticket in California. These can really increase the overall cost of a speeding ticket. Here are some of the most common additional charges:
- State penalty assessment – Adds an extra $10 for every $10 of base fine (so for a $100 ticket, it’s $10 more)
- County penalty assessment – Adds up to $7 for every $10 of base fine
- Court construction fee – $25 per conviction
- Conviction assessment fee – $35 per conviction
- Night court fee – $1 for every $10 of base fine if citation was at night
- Red light violation fee – $100 if you were also caught running a red light
- DMV fee – $55 fee reported to DMV which goes on your driving record
- Traffic school fee – $65 if you’re eligible and choose traffic school
As you can see, these extra fees can really add up. For a $300 base fine, you’ll probably end up paying over $500 after all the assessments and fees are included.
Increased Insurance Rates
On top of the actual ticket costs, a 15 mph over speeding violation is likely to substantially increase your auto insurance rates. Most insurers will view you as a higher risk after such a ticket and will raise your premiums as a result. Typically you can expect to see an increase of 20% to 30% or more on your insurance payments going forward. This extra cost can end up being the most expensive part of a speeding ticket over the long run.
Traffic School
If it’s your first ticket in 18 months and you were going less than 25 mph over, you may be eligible to attend traffic school. This involves paying a fee and attending an approved online or in-person traffic school course. If you complete it, the citation will not go on your driving record and you may avoid the insurance increase. However, you still have to pay the ticket fine and court fees. The traffic school fee is typically around $65.
Payment Plans
If you can’t afford to pay your speeding ticket all at once, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court. You’ll have to pay a small fee upfront, around $35, to get on a payment plan. Then you can make partial payments over a set time period, usually 60 or 90 days. This allows you to divide up the total fine and fees into smaller installments that are more manageable for your budget.
Contesting the Ticket
You always have the right to contest a speeding ticket in court if you believe you have valid grounds to do so. Common defenses including arguing the speed limit was not properly posted, your speed was not accurately detected by the officer’s method, or you weren’t the one actually driving the vehicle. Contesting a ticket can be complex though, often requiring multiple court dates and hearings. If you lose your case, you’ll end up having to pay the full fine plus court costs.
Asking for Leniency
Another option is to request an informal hearing with the traffic court commissioner or prosecutor to ask for leniency on your ticket fines. Things like having a clean driving record, financial hardship, or special circumstances might sway them to reduce the charges. This doesn’t always work, but can be worth trying to avoid the worst penalties if you have a good case.
Conclusion
In summary, a 15 mph over speeding ticket in California will typically end up costing between $500 to over $800 once all the assessments, fees, and traffic school costs are included. On top of that, your auto insurance rates are likely to increase significantly after such a violation, costing you hundreds more over time. There are options like traffic school and payment plans that can help make the penalties more manageable if you qualify. But ultimately, the stiff fines and insurance impacts provide a strong incentive to obey speed limits and avoid speeding tickets in California.