• Most traffic violations are Class C Misdemeanors, and for most offenses, the maximum penalty is a fine not to exceed $200.00, plus payment of court costs (usually less than $100.00). However, for some violations the fine can be higher, but not to exceed $500.00 (Eg, driving without insurance or other financial responsibility can result in a fine of $350.00, or more if there has been prior violations for the same offense). 

• Many times, a traffic citation can be disposed in a manner that the violation will not be reported to DPS and will not be recorded on the person's driving record. However, there are special restrictions that apply to violations of speeding in a construction zone with workers present, for drivers under 25 years of age and for persons driving with a Commercial Driver's License. These cases should be carefully evaluated as there are legal methods that can avoid the harsh restrictions that exist for these certain violations. 

• Violations reported to a person's driving record can result in far more serious conseqences in addition to payment of fines and court costs:

Possible increase in insurance rates.

Multiple violations can result in a license suspension.

Assignment of points and imposition of an annual license surcharge by the DPS:

Two points are assigned for a moving violation.

Three points are assigned for a moving violation that resulted in an accident.

Six points assigned in any 36 month period results in a $100.00 surcharge for three years, and $25.00 is assessed for each additional point.

An annual surcharge of $250.00 for three years is imposed for driving without insurance or other financial reponsibility, or for driving while license is suspended or invalid.

An annual surcharge of $100.00 for three years is imposed for driving without a license.

An annual surcharge of at least $1,000.00 per year is imposed against one convicted of DWI, even if probation is granted.

Failure to pay surcharges results in a license suspension.

 MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES

• Class A Misdemeanor
  Fine not to exceed $4,000 and/or 1 year or less in jail
  
  
• Class B Misdemeanor
  Fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or 180 days or less in jail
  
  
• Class C Misdemeanor
  Fine not to exceed $500

• CAPITAL FELONY
  Life or Death
  
  
• FIRST-DEGREE FELONY
  Life or 5–99 years in prison and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
  
  
• SECOND-DEGREE FELONY
  2–20 years in prison and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
  
  
• THIRD-DEGREE FELONY
  2–10 years in prison and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
  
  
• STATE JAIL FELONY
  180 days–2 years in State Jail and optional fine not to exceed $10,000