Houston Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Texas Speed Laws

Texas requires drivers to travel at a speed that is “reasonable and prudent under the circumstances” (Tex. Transp. Code § 545.351). Unless another limit is posted, the prima facie limits include 30 mph on streets in an urban district and 70 mph on numbered highways outside an urban district (Tex. Transp. Code § 545.352). Driving faster than the limit is evidence that the speed was not reasonable and prudent.

School Zones and Construction Zones

Speeding in a school zone during posted hours and speeding in a construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present can carry higher fines—in a work zone, the minimum fine is generally doubled (Tex. Transp. Code § 542.404). Using a handheld phone in an active school zone is also an offense (Tex. Transp. Code § 545.425).

Your Options

• Driving safety course: not available if the alleged speed was 25 mph or more over the limit or 95 mph or more, for CDL holders, or for a work-zone offense with workers present (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 45A.351–45A.353).
• Deferred disposition: a probation-style dismissal if you meet the court’s conditions. Drivers under 25 charged with a moving violation must complete a driving safety course as a condition of deferral (art. 45A.304).
• Trial: you may plead not guilty. Issues can include how speed was measured (radar, lidar, or pacing), whether the limit was properly posted, and errors on the citation.

Where Houston Drivers Get Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets are written on every type of road in the Houston area—freeways such as I-10, I-45, I-69/US-59, US-290, and the 610 Loop; toll roads such as Beltway 8 and the Westpark Tollway; and city streets with lower limits. Tickets may come from Houston Police, Harris County Sheriff’s deputies, Harris County constables, Texas DPS troopers, or small-city police departments in places like the Memorial Villages, Jersey Village, and Katy. Which agency wrote your ticket usually decides which court hears it.

Step by Step: Handling a Houston Speeding Ticket

1. Read the citation carefully. Note the court, the appearance date, the alleged speed, the posted limit, and whether the citation says school zone or construction zone.
2. Don’t miss the appearance date. Missing it can lead to a failure-to-appear charge and a warrant.
3. Check your driving record and eligibility. A recent driving safety course, a CDL, or a speed 25 mph or more over the limit can affect your options.
4. Choose a strategy. Common options are a driving safety course, deferred disposition, or pleading not guilty and setting the case for trial.
5. Meet every deadline. Courses, fees, and paperwork must be completed and filed on time, or the court may enter a conviction.
6. Confirm the result. Make sure the case shows as dismissed or closed and that no warrant or hold remains.

How Speed Is Measured

Officers may use radar, lidar (laser), pacing with a patrol car, or aircraft in some areas. Each method has its own requirements for calibration, training, and proper use. At trial, the officer may be asked about the device, its calibration records, the officer’s training, the distance and angle, traffic conditions, and whether the officer kept the vehicle in sight. These details can matter when the State has the burden to prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Speed Limits Can Change

Speed limits may be changed by the Texas Transportation Commission on state highways or by cities on city streets, after engineering and traffic studies (Tex. Transp. Code §§ 545.353, 545.356). Temporary limits in construction zones must be posted. Whether the limit was properly set and posted can be an issue at trial.

Insurance and Your Record

A speeding conviction may be reported to Texas DPS and appear on your driving record. Insurance companies may consider convictions when setting rates. Keeping the ticket off your record through a dismissal option can matter to drivers who rely on a clean record for work.

Speeding and Other Charges

A very high speed or dangerous driving can lead to more serious charges, such as reckless driving, which is punishable by a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in county jail, or both (Tex. Transp. Code § 545.401), or racing on a highway (§ 545.420). Those cases have different consequences and should be reviewed carefully.

How Basu Law Firm Helps With Speeding Tickets

We review your citation and driving history, explain the options you are likely eligible for, and, if you hire us, communicate with the court and handle settings where an attorney may appear for you (Tex. Transp. Code § 543.009(a)). Our firm has handled more than 11,000 traffic cases across Houston-area courts, per firm records through October 31, 2026.

Basu Law Firm at a Glance

• More than 11,000 traffic cases handled (firm records through October 31, 2026)
• Rated 4.8 stars from 960+ Google reviews (as of October 2026)
• Serving Houston clients since 2006, per firm records
• Office at 8612 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055 · Se habla español

Case figures are counts of matters logged in Basu Law Firm’s internal records as of October 2026 and include matters with all kinds of outcomes. Google reviews reflect the individual opinions of the reviewers. Past results and reviews do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any other matter; every case depends on its own facts.

Talk With Basu Law Firm

Contact Basu Law Firm to get a quote for services. Call (713) 460-2673 or email info@basulaw.com. Se habla español.

Attorney Advertising & Disclaimer

Attorney advertising. Responsible attorney: Annie Basu, Basu Law Firm, PLLC, 8612 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055. This page provides general information about Texas law and is not legal advice. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and no particular outcome is promised. Unless a page states otherwise, the attorneys of Basu Law Firm are not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Laws change; information is current as of the date of review and should be confirmed for your situation.