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Washington traffic tickets

Points, traffic school, deadlines and what a ticket does to your insurance in Washington.

Speeding ticketAbout $117–$434estimate with court costs
Ticket due30 daysto pay or respond
Deferred findingYesavailable, with limits
Insurance after 1 ticket+33%on $2,628 a year

What will my ticket really cost? Check my points

What kind of ticket did you get?

Which court is on your ticket?

One statewide schedule sets most fines. Pick the court named on your ticket.

Every other Washington county court

Phone, pay-online link and traffic school steps for 4 more courts. Tap a county to open it.

Clark County(564) 397-2424Pays online

Clark County District Court. Fines follow the Washington statewide schedule.

Address
210 E. 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98666
Phone
(564) 397-2424
Hours
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except legal holidays. Phones close from noon to 1 p.m.
Traffic school
Deferred findings: a $150 nonrefundable administrative fee, and the ticket is set aside for one year. With no new infraction in that year it is dismissed and not reported to DOL. The court may first require insurance, registration or a safe driving course. Not for CDL holders.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ clark.wa.gov ↗

Pierce County(253) 798-7487Pays online

Pierce County District Court. Fines follow the Washington statewide schedule.

Address
County-City Building, 2nd Floor, 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 239, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone
(253) 798-7487
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ piercecountywa.gov ↗

Snohomish County425-388-3331Pays online

Snohomish County District Court. Fines follow the Washington statewide schedule.

Address
3000 Rockefeller Ave, M/S 508, Everett, WA 98201
Phone
425-388-3331
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Traffic school
You may ask the court to defer the infraction. If you meet all conditions, it is dismissed once you pay the full amount on the ticket. Generally one moving and one nonmoving deferral every 7 years.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ snohomishcountywa.gov ↗

Spokane County509-477-4770Pays online

Spokane County District Court. Fines follow the Washington statewide schedule.

Address
Public Safety Building, 1100 W Mallon Avenue, Spokane, WA 99210-2352
Phone
509-477-4770
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Traffic school
The Spokane Valley office offers traffic school, case management and payment plans for traffic infractions.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ spokanecounty.org ↗

What are your options with a Washington ticket?

Paying is the fastest route, and it usually puts the ticket on your record. Deferred finding is the main way to avoid that.

  1. Pay the ticket

    Pay the amount on the ticket within 30 days by mail, online or in person at the court named on it.

    What it does: Paying means the court enters a finding that you committed the infraction. A moving violation goes on your driving record.[18]

  2. Ask for a mitigation hearing

    Admit the infraction and explain the circumstances to a judge in person, or in writing where the court allows.

    What it does: The judge can reduce the penalty or set up a payment plan, but the finding still goes on your record. You can ask for a deferred finding here.[18][20][4][17]

  3. Contest the ticket

    Ask for a contested hearing within 30 days. The hearing is at least 7 days after the notice. Some courts also decide contested cases on written statements.

    What it does: If the court finds you did not commit it, the ticket is dismissed. If it finds you did, the judge sets the penalty.[18][4][17]

  4. Ask for a deferred finding

    Request a deferral at your hearing or by mail where the court allows. Courts may add conditions such as a safe driving course and a fee.

    What it does: If you meet the conditions and get no new infraction for up to a year, the court can dismiss the ticket.[4]

    Cost: Administrative fee set by each court

  5. Tell the court you cannot pay in full

    Admit the infraction and attest that you cannot pay in full now, or ask to do community restitution instead.

    What it does: The court must offer a payment plan if you cannot pay in full, and it can reduce or waive the penalty.[18][6][20]

What does the Washington state schedule charge for speeding?

1–5 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $117[5]$33 fine + costs
1–5 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $137[5]$43 fine + costs
6–10 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $137[5]$43 fine + costs
6–10 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $147[5]$48 fine + costs
11–15 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $168[5]$58 fine + costs
11–15 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $178[5]$63 fine + costs
16–20 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $199[5]$73 fine + costs
16–20 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $219[5]$83 fine + costs
21–25 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $229[5]$88 fine + costs
21–25 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $270[5]$108 fine + costs
26–30 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $270[5]$108 fine + costs
26–30 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $322[5]$133 fine + costs
31–35 mph overLimit is over 40 mphAbout $322[5]$133 fine + costs
31–35 mph overLimit is 40 mph or lessAbout $373[5]$158 fine + costs
36–40 mph overAbout $373[5]$158 fine + costs
36+ mph overAbout $434[5]$188 fine + costs
41+ mph overAbout $434[5]$188 fine + costs

The schedule gives base penalties only. Every court adds a public safety and education assessment of 105% of the base (70% plus half of that), plus fixed fees of $5, $10 and $10 that cannot be waived and a $24 penalty (not on work zone tickets).[5][6][7]

Every fine on the Washington schedule (38)
TicketState fineWith court costs
Speeding, 1–5 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 1-5 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$33[5]$117
Speeding, 6–10 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 6-10 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$43[5]$137
Speeding, 11–15 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 11-15 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$58[5]$168
Speeding, 16–20 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 16-20 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$73[5]$199
Speeding, 21–25 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 21-25 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$88[5]$229
Speeding, 26–30 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 26-30 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$108[5]$270
Speeding, 31–35 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 31-35 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$133[5]$322
Speeding, 36–40 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 36-40 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$158[5]$373
Speeding, 41+ mph overPrinted as: Speeding more than 40 mph over, where the limit is over 40 mph$188[5]$434
Speeding, 1–5 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 1-5 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$43[5]$137
Speeding, 6–10 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 6-10 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$48[5]$147
Speeding, 11–15 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 11-15 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$63[5]$178
Speeding, 16–20 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 16-20 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$83[5]$219
Speeding, 21–25 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 21-25 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$108[5]$270
Speeding, 26–30 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 26-30 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$133[5]$322
Speeding, 31–35 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 31-35 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$158[5]$373
Speeding, 36+ mph overPrinted as: Speeding more than 35 mph over, where the limit is 40 mph or lessUse these rows on roads posted 40 mph or less.$188[5]$434
Speeding in a school or playground speed zoneTwice the scheduled penalty, and it cannot be waived, reduced or suspended.On your notice[8][5]Plus court costs
Speeding in a roadway construction zoneTwice the scheduled penalty, and it cannot be waived, reduced or suspended.On your notice[9][5]Plus court costs
Speed too fast for conditions$48[5]$147
Disobeying a traffic signal or red lightRCW 46.61.050 covers every traffic control device, so a red light ticket uses the same base penalty as this line of the schedule.$48[5]$147
Failure to stopThe same $48 line covers failure to obey traffic control devices, which is how red light tickets are usually written.$48[5]$147
Failure to yield the right of way$48[5]$147
Following too close$48[5]$147
Improper lane usage or travel$48[5]$147
Failure to signal$48[5]$147
Prohibited and improper turn$48[5]$147
Improper passing$48[5]$147
Rules-of-the-road or speed too fast infraction with an accident$73[5]$199
Failure to stop or yield for an emergency vehicleSet by statute and cannot be reduced.$500[5][6]$1,074
Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashingThe statute sets the amount at twice the total penalty, and it cannot be waived, reduced or suspended.$93[5][10]$240
Using a personal electronic device while drivingNot listed in the schedule, so the $48 base for unscheduled infractions applies unless a local court rule sets another amount.$48[11][5]$147
Not wearing a seat beltNot listed in the schedule, so the $48 base for unscheduled infractions applies unless a local court rule sets another amount.$48[12][5]$147
Expired vehicle license (tabs), two months or less$48[5]$147
Expired vehicle license (tabs), over two months$93[5]$240
Failure to provide proof of insuranceIf you fix it: Up to $25, to have it dismissed. Show the court you were insured when cited.[5][13]$250[5][13]$562
Second degree negligent driving$250[5]$562
Any traffic infraction not listed in the scheduleA court may set a different amount by local rule.$48[5]$147

With court costs is an estimate. 105% assessment plus $5, $10, $10 fees and the $24 penalty. Courts round up to the next even dollar.[5][6][7] Your notice shows the exact total.

How many points is each Washington ticket?

Washington does not assign points. DOL counts each traffic stop with at least one moving violation as one occasion, no matter how many tickets you got at that stop.[2][3]

Commercial driver? Points and disqualifications work differently. How tickets affect a CDL →

When can you lose your license?

Full wording of each rule
  • Moving violations on 2 separate occasions: DOL sends a warning that one more will bring a 60-day suspension (also sent at 3 occasions in 24 months).
  • Moving violations on 3 separate occasions: 60-day suspension, then 1 year of probation. You must finish a DOL-approved safe driving course and file SR-22 insurance before reinstatement.
  • Moving violations on 4 separate occasions: 60-day suspension, then 1 year of probation, with the same course and SR-22 requirement.
  • Each moving violation during probation adds a 30-day suspension, served after any other suspension.
  • Failing to respond to a moving violation ticket or to appear at a hearing: DOL suspends your license until the court reports the case is resolved and you pay the $75 reissue fee.

Getting your license back after a suspension costs $75 in Washington, before any course or court costs.[15]

Drivers under 21

Intermediate (under 18) license holders: the first traffic finding brings a warning letter to a parent, the second a suspension for 6 months or until age 18, whichever comes first, and the third a suspension until age 18. One ticket with several offenses counts once.[19]

Can deferred finding keep a ticket off your record in Washington?

It can help. The court sets the ticket aside for up to one year and can add conditions, such as a safe driving course or paying an administrative fee.[4]

How often: One deferral every 7 years for moving violations and one every 7 years for nonmoving violations.

Official list of approved schools ↗

Is it worth it for your ticket? Get a yes or no →

Who qualifies, CDL drivers and cost

The court sets the ticket aside for up to one year and can add conditions, such as a safe driving course or paying an administrative fee. If you meet them and get no new infraction, the court can dismiss the ticket, so it never reaches your driving record.[4]

Who can use it: Ask for it at a contested or mitigation hearing, or by mail where the court allows. Not available if you hold a CDL, were driving a commercial vehicle, or were cited for second degree negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim.[4]

Commercial (CDL) drivers: No[4]

Cost: Not confirmed: Each court sets its own administrative fee for a deferral. See the court pages.[4]

Do school and work zones cost more?

School zones

Doubled. Speeding in a school or playground speed zone costs twice the usual penalty, and the court cannot waive, reduce or suspend it.[8]

Work zones

Doubled. Speeding in a roadway construction zone costs twice the usual penalty, and the court cannot waive, reduce or suspend it.[9]

When is your ticket due?

  1. 30daysPay or respondfrom the ticket date[18][4][6][14]
    Details

    Respond to the notice of infraction. If you miss it: The court finds that you committed the infraction, adds a $25 penalty, and for a moving violation tells DOL, which suspends your license.

  2. 15daysAsk DOL to review a suspension for too many ticketsfrom the notice date[2]
    Details

    Ask DOL to review a suspension for too many tickets. If you miss it: The suspension goes ahead.

  3. 30daysLast day to appealfrom conviction[16]
    Details

    Appeal a district or municipal court decision. If you miss it: After 30 days the decision is final.

What happens if you don't respond

If you do not respond within 30 days or miss your hearing, the court enters a finding that you committed the infraction and adds a $25 penalty. For a moving violation the court tells DOL, which suspends your license until the case is resolved and you pay a $75 reissue fee. Unpaid amounts can go to collections.[4][6][14][15]

Work out your exact dates → · Already missed it?

Will an out-of-state ticket follow you home?

Washington is in the Nonresident Violator Compact, so ignoring a ticket from another member state can get your Washington license suspended, and DOL suspends until the case is resolved.[1][14]

How out-of-state tickets work →

How much will it raise your insurance in Washington?

One speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium by about 33% on average in Washington[1], from a clean-record average of $2,628 a year.[1] If that increase stays for three years, that's about $2,602 on top of the fine.

Averages from ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026, not a quote. Insurers differ, and many look back three to five years.

Where are the official pages?

What else do people ask?

How do points work in Washington?

Washington does not assign points. DOL counts each traffic stop with at least one moving violation as one occasion, no matter how many tickets you got at that stop. Two occasions in 12 months or three in 24 months brings a warning letter. Three in 12 months or four in 24 months brings a 60-day suspension and a year of probation.

Can traffic school keep a ticket off my record in Washington?

Deferred finding: The court sets the ticket aside for up to one year and can add conditions, such as a safe driving course or paying an administrative fee. If you meet them and get no new infraction, the court can dismiss the ticket, so it never reaches your driving record. Limit: One deferral every 7 years for moving violations and one every 7 years for nonmoving violations.

How long do I have to pay or respond to a ticket in Washington?

30 days from the citation. If you miss it: The court finds that you committed the infraction, adds a $25 penalty, and for a moving violation tells DOL, which suspends your license.

Will an out-of-state ticket follow me home to Washington?

Washington is a member of the Driver License Compact, so convictions in other member states are reported to Washington. Washington is in the Nonresident Violator Compact, so ignoring a ticket from another member state can get your Washington license suspended, and DOL suspends until the case is resolved.

How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in Washington?

About 33% on average for full coverage, according to ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026. Your insurer's rate can differ a lot from the average.

Sources

Washington law and DMV sources (21)
  1. AAMVA DLC/NRVC Member Joinder Dates (rev. April 2026), AAMVA.
  2. Accumulation of traffic tickets (moving violations for traffic infractions), Washington State Department of Licensing.
  3. RCW 46.20.2892 Traffic infractions for moving violations: Suspension, Probation, Notice, Washington State Legislature.
  4. RCW 46.63.070 Response to notice of infraction, deferral of findings, Washington State Legislature.
  5. Washington Court Rules, IRLJ 6.2 Monetary Penalty Schedule for Infractions (amended effective July 27, 2025), Washington Supreme Court.
  6. RCW 46.63.110 Monetary penalties, Washington State Legislature.
  7. RCW 3.62.090 Public safety and education assessments, Washington State Legislature.
  8. RCW 46.61.440 Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks, Washington State Legislature.
  9. RCW 46.61.527 Roadway construction zones, Washington State Legislature.
  10. RCW 46.61.370 Overtaking or meeting school bus, Washington State Legislature.
  11. RCW 46.61.672 Using a personal electronic device while driving, Washington State Legislature.
  12. RCW 46.61.688 Safety belts, use required, Washington State Legislature.
  13. RCW 46.30.020 Liability insurance or other financial responsibility required, Washington State Legislature.
  14. RCW 46.20.289 Suspension for failure to respond, appear, etc., Washington State Legislature.
  15. RCW 46.20.311 Duration of license sanctions, reissue fee, Washington State Legislature.
  16. Washington Court Rules, RALJ 2.5 Time Allowed to Initiate Appeal by Filing Notice, Washington Supreme Court.
  17. Washington Court Rules, IRLJ 3.5 Local Rule Options, Decisions on Written Statements, Washington Supreme Court.
  18. Washington Court Rules, IRLJ 2.4 Response to Notice, Washington Supreme Court.
  19. RCW 46.20.267 Intermediate licensees, Washington State Legislature.
  20. RCW 46.63.120 Order of court, waiver, reduction, suspension of penalty, community restitution, Washington State Legislature.
  21. RCW 46.63.040 Jurisdiction of courts, Washington State Legislature.
Insurance sources (4)
  1. State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  2. Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  3. How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  4. How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).