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Buckle Up, Buttercup! These 15 States Will Suck Your Wallet Dry with Speeding Tickets So Expensive, Even Your Horoscope Cries!

Added on November 14, 2025 inFun And Facts Cards

Ever wonder if Mercury in retrograde could be messing with your speedometer? Or maybe your zodiac sign secretly has a vendetta against your lead foot? Whatever cosmic chaos is swirling out there, one thing’s for sure: getting a speeding ticket isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a wallet-shrinking surprise no driver relishes. Depending on the state, these fines can range from mildly annoying to heartbreakingly hefty, making you think twice before channeling your inner road warrior. According to a sharp-eyed survey by Rosenblum Law, some states hit the gas on penalties harder than you might expect, charging fines so steep they could make Mercury himself pause. And let’s not forget the sneaky extras tucked behind those tickets—insurance hikes, points on your license—the works. Buckle up as we zoom through the states with the priciest speeding tickets, from the chilly streets of Illinois to the southern roads of Mississippi. Spoiler alert: sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a new car than to pay that ticket. Ready to find out if your state’s speeding fines are written in the stars or just in the fine print? LEARN MORE.

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Speeding tickets are one of those dreaded surprises no driver wants to face. Depending on where you’re caught speeding, the cost can range from frustrating to downright shocking.

According to a survey by Rosenblum Law, some states hit you with fines so steep, they’ll make you think twice about pushing the pedal to the metal. While most people assume speeding fines are pretty standard, the reality is far from it. In some states, even minor infractions can result in hefty fines, while major violations might cost more than your car insurance premium.

Beyond the fine itself, these tickets often come with other hidden costs, like increased insurance rates and points on your license. Let’s get into the states with the priciest speeding tickets. From Illinois to Mississippi, this list will show just how much you could be paying if you’re caught speeding in the wrong place at the wrong time.

1. Illinois

Millennium Park in Chicago with famous Cloud Gate. Chicago, Illinois

Image Credit: 4kclips at Deposit Photos.

Illinois takes the crown for the highest maximum speeding fine in the U.S., with penalties reaching a staggering $2,500. While the minimum fine starts at a manageable $75, excessive speeding or reckless driving can quickly push costs into the thousands.

This wide range reflects Illinois’ commitment to road safety. Repeat offenders or those caught significantly over the speed limit face the harshest penalties, which serve as a clear deterrent to dangerous driving.

2. Arizona

Arizona

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

In Arizona, the cost of a speeding ticket can range from nothing to a jaw-dropping $2,500. This huge disparity depends on the severity of the offense and whether reckless driving charges are added.

Arizona’s open highways may tempt drivers to speed, but the state’s strict fines are designed to keep dangerous behaviors in check. Those caught driving excessively over the limit or endangering others will feel the financial sting.

3. Colorado

Telluride, Colorado

Image Credit: dnewman8 at Deposit Photos.

Colorado’s speeding tickets can cost up to $1,000 for severe violations. Even at the lower end, the $115 minimum isn’t exactly cheap for minor infractions.

With its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather, Colorado emphasizes safe driving to prevent accidents. High fines underscore the importance of sticking to speed limits, especially in areas where road conditions can change rapidly.

4. Nevada

Warm Springs, NevadaUSA Close up of the sign for highway 375 or the famous Extraterrestrial Highway in the nevada desert.

Image Credit: wollertz at Deposit Photos.

Nevada’s fines range from a modest $25 to a steep $1,000, depending on the circumstances. A minor speeding offense may seem affordable, but reckless or repeated violations can quickly rack up costs.

In tourist-heavy areas like Las Vegas, authorities prioritize road safety to manage the high volume of traffic. Speeding tickets are a key tool for keeping drivers in check on Nevada’s busy roads.

5. Iowa

Des Moines Iowa State Capitol Building

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Iowa’s speeding fines start at just $25, but they can climb to $625 for more serious infractions. While the state’s maximum fine isn’t as high as others on this list, it’s still a significant penalty for speeding.

The state’s flat, open roads can make it easy to lose track of your speed, but these fines serve as a reminder to stay vigilant. Higher fines are reserved for cases where speeding poses a serious risk to others.

6. Connecticut

Connecticut State Route 20

Image Credit: Dougtone – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.

Connecticut doesn’t mess around when it comes to speeding tickets. With fines starting at $198 and going up to $560, even a minor violation can be costly.

The state’s densely populated roads mean that speeding often puts multiple drivers at risk. Connecticut’s steep fines are a reflection of its focus on maintaining safety in high-traffic areas.

7. Maryland

A sunset view from Maryland Heights, overlooking Harpers Ferry west virginia

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Maryland’s speeding fines range from $80 to $530, making them a financial burden for those who push the speed limit too far. The state’s structured penalty system ensures that more severe infractions come with steeper fines.

From bustling cities like Baltimore to quieter suburban areas, Maryland enforces its traffic laws strictly to protect all road users. Drivers are encouraged to respect speed limits to avoid costly tickets and other penalties.

8. California

Los Angeles, California, USA - April 1st, 2022: Downtown L.A. Main Street, Hotel Cecil aka Stay on Main, Haunted Hotel

Image Credit: Antonius Wolf / Shutterstock.

California’s speeding fines range from $230 to $500, but the costs don’t stop there. Add in court fees and potential insurance hikes, and a simple ticket can become a major expense.

With its sprawling freeways and heavy traffic, California’s strict enforcement is aimed at reducing accidents and keeping roads safe. Speeding in the Golden State is not only dangerous but also an expensive gamble.

9. Hawaii

Honolulu and Waikiki beach on Oahu Hawaii

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Hawaii’s speeding fines fall between $200 and $500, making it one of the pricier states for traffic violations. The island’s scenic roads might tempt drivers to speed, but the penalties are designed to keep everyone safe.

With winding highways and a mix of local and tourist traffic, Hawaii’s fines emphasize the importance of careful driving. Staying within the speed limit is the best way to enjoy the islands without financial regret.

10. Utah

Springdale, Utah, USA - JULY 8, 2016 A small local town near the Zion National Park entrance

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Utah’s fines range from $150 to $500, depending on the severity of the offense. The state’s high maximum penalty reflects its commitment to curbing dangerous driving habits. Whether you’re navigating urban areas or rural highways, speeding in Utah can quickly become an expensive mistake.

Drivers are encouraged to keep an eye on speed limits to avoid unnecessary penalties.

11. Arkansas

The view of shops and historic buildings on the Main Street, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, U.S.A

Image Credit: khairil77 at Deposit Photos.

In Arkansas, speeding tickets cost anywhere from $100 to $500. These fines are designed to deter reckless driving and encourage safer behavior on the road.

Respecting speed limits is key if you’re driving through a bustling city or a quiet rural area. The potential financial hit from a ticket is enough to make most drivers think twice.

12. Massachusetts

View of the Boston Harbor and Financial District in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Massachusetts imposes fines ranging from $100 to $500 for speeding violations. While the minimum may seem manageable, repeated offenses can quickly add up.

With its mix of busy city streets and suburban roads, Massachusetts prioritizes safety by enforcing strict penalties. Sticking to speed limits helps avoid both accidents and costly tickets.

13. Kansas

Kansas City Night Skyline from the Scout

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Kansas’ speeding fines start at just $30, but they can soar to $500 for serious violations. The state’s wide-open roads can make it tempting to speed, but the fines are a strong deterrent.

Kansas takes a measured approach, reserving the highest fines for dangerous or repeated offenses. Drivers who pay attention to posted limits can save themselves from an expensive penalty.

14. Montana

West Yellowstone, Montana. Yellowstone Avenue in Montana.

Image Credit: Finetooth – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

Montana’s fines range from no penalty for minor infractions to $500 for major offenses. The state’s vast landscapes might seem like a green light for speeding, but the fines say otherwise.

Road safety is a priority in Montana, especially on its long highways. Keeping your speed in check ensures a safer trip and avoids costly consequences.

15. Mississippi

St. Louis, Missouri, USA downtown cityscape on the Mississippi River.

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Mississippi rounds out the list with fines ranging from no penalty to $500. The state’s system ensures that the most severe violations face the steepest consequences.

Whether you’re cruising through small towns or along open highways, staying within speed limits is essential. Avoiding a ticket not only saves money but also keeps your driving record clean.


With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.

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