True Ticket CostIndependent · not a court or government site

Texting while driving ticket in Washington

A texting ticket in Washington costs about $147 with court costs and fees.

FineAbout $147estimate with court costs
PointsNo points, tickets are counted
Deferred findingYes

Add up my ticket All Washington rules

What does the Washington state schedule charge for a texting ticket?

The fine is only part of what you pay. Court costs and fees are added on top, and they are often more than the fine itself.

TicketState fineWith court costs
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

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.

Does a texting ticket add points 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.[2][3] Suspension rules →

Will a texting ticket raise your insurance in Washington?

Probably, once it is on your record. Insurers rate a texting ticket as a moving violation. In Washington one speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium about 33% on average[1], or about $2,602 over three years. A texting ticket usually lands in the same range.

Estimate based on the state's speeding average, not a quote.

How long do you have to respond to a texting ticket in Washington?

You have 30 days to pay or respond to a texting ticket in Washington. These are the dates that matter:

  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.

Can you keep a texting ticket off your Washington record?

Every way to handle a Washington ticket, from paying to contesting →

Texting tickets in other states →

What else do people ask?

Will a texting ticket raise my insurance in Washington?

Probably, if it goes on your record. Insurers rate it as a moving violation. In Washington a speeding ticket raised full-coverage premiums about 33% on average (ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026), and a texting ticket tends to land in the same range.

Does a texting ticket add points 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.

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

30 days from the date on the ticket. 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.

Sources

Washington law and DMV sources (10)
  1. Accumulation of traffic tickets (moving violations for traffic infractions), Washington State Department of Licensing.
  2. RCW 46.20.2892 Traffic infractions for moving violations: Suspension, Probation, Notice, Washington State Legislature.
  3. RCW 46.63.070 Response to notice of infraction, deferral of findings, Washington State Legislature.
  4. Washington Court Rules, IRLJ 6.2 Monetary Penalty Schedule for Infractions (amended effective July 27, 2025), Washington Supreme Court.
  5. RCW 46.63.110 Monetary penalties, Washington State Legislature.
  6. RCW 46.61.672 Using a personal electronic device while driving, Washington State Legislature.
  7. RCW 46.20.289 Suspension for failure to respond, appear, etc., Washington State Legislature.
  8. RCW 46.20.311 Duration of license sanctions, reissue fee, Washington State Legislature.
  9. Washington Court Rules, RALJ 2.5 Time Allowed to Initiate Appeal by Filing Notice, Washington Supreme Court.
  10. Washington Court Rules, IRLJ 2.4 Response to Notice, Washington Supreme Court.
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).