How do I fight a speeding ticket in Texas?

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Accepted Answer

Texas speeding tickets are handled by the municipal or justice court that issued the citation.

1. Pay vs. Contest

Pay: a guilty plea — the conviction is reported to DPS and your insurer.

No-contest with Defensive Driving Course (DDC): under Tex. Transp. Code § 543.111, available once per 12 months for moving violations 25+ mph or less over the limit. Pay court costs, complete a state-approved 6-hour course, and the ticket is dismissed with no conviction.

Trial: request a bench or jury trial (Tex. Transp. Code § 543.001). Texas is unusual in allowing jury trials for traffic tickets.

2. Speed Limits & Reckless Threshold

Tex. Transp. Code § 545.352 sets 70 mph as the default rural maximum (75 on designated rural interstates). § 545.351 makes any speed greater than reasonable "prima facie unreasonable." Reckless driving (§ 545.401) — willful or wanton disregard — is a Class B misdemeanor, up to 30 days jail and $200 fine.

3. Points & Insurance

Texas eliminated the Driver Responsibility Program point surcharges effective Sept. 1, 2019 (HB 2048). DPS still tracks violations, and TexasSure provides convictions to insurers. CDL holders cannot take DDC (49 CFR § 384.226).

4. Defenses & Discovery

Subpoena the officer under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 24.03. Request the radar/lidar calibration log, officer's certification, and pacing methodology. Trial by jury significantly raises the cost for the prosecution and often results in offers.

5. Deferred Disposition

Many JP courts offer deferred disposition under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 45.051 — a probation period after which the case is dismissed.

This is legal information, not legal advice.