Texas Speeding Laws: 5 MPH Over Can Get You a Ticket

Texas law bars drivers from going faster than is reasonable for the conditions. Put simply, motorists must adjust their speed to stay safe, and the appropriate speed depends on what’s happening around them.

Many drivers might rationalize why they speed. "The driver in front of me was going too slow," "I’m late for work," or "I know what I’m doing" are some excuses a motorist might tell themselves. But what about going 5 mph over the speed limit? Surely you won't get a speeding ticket in Texas, right?

Are you allowed to drive 5 mph over the speed limit in Texas?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, under Texas law, the maximum speed is set at 70 mph on highways. Just because you didn't get pulled over for going slightly over the speed limit doesn't mean it's not illegal.

Under Texas law, drivers must obey posted speed limits and drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent based on traffic, weather and road conditions. Driving even slightly over the speed limit is legally defined as speeding and can result in a citation.

What counts as speeding in Texas?

Texas law prohibits drivers from traveling faster than is reasonable under existing conditions. Put simply, means motorists must adjust their speed to remain safe based on what’s happening around them.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, speeding was a factor in nearly 160,000 traffic crashes in Texas in 2024 and contributed to 1,467 deaths. This accounted for about 35% of all traffic fatalities in the state, making speeding a leading contributing factor in deadly crashes.

How much is a speeding ticket in Texas?

Speeding fines vary by city and county. According to the Law Office of Paul Previte, speeding citations vary by location.

Here's what a speeding ticket could cost drivers in Travis and Bexar counties:

• 1–10 mph over: $165–$190
• 11–15 mph over: $180–$215
• 16–20 mph over: $195–$240
• 21–25 mph over: $240–$265
• 26–30 mph over: $290
• 31+ mph over: $300–$336 (or higher)

Could I get a ticket for driving 5 mph over in a school zone?

Yes. You can receive a citation for driving 5 mph over the speed limit in a Texas school zone. There is no legal buffer zone or grace period, and law enforcement agencies often actively enforce school zone speed limits.

Fines vary by municipality. For example, in Houston, driving 5 mph over the speed limit in a school zone can result in a $220 fine.

Can I get a speeding ticket for driving 5 mph over in a construction site?

Uner the Texas Transportation Code, drivers must obey posted speed limits in marked construction zones. Failure to comply with these limits can result in a speeding ticket, which is categorized as a significant misdemeanor offense, especially when exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 mph or more in these zones. Penalties may increase if workers are present and if the driver significantly exceeds the posted limit.

'Just drive the limit': What Texas drivers say about speeding

While that motorcycle cop might not have pulled you over yet, many Texas drivers have felt the financial sting of a speeding ticket. Here’s what Texans are saying about driving just 5 mph over the speed limit.