Tickets That Hit You Hard
Sometimes, messing up behind the wheel means a simple slap on the wrist. But, depending on which state you find yourself in, it can feel a lot more like a punch to the gut (and your bank account). We've rounded up the worst of the worst. These are the fines that are so brutal you'll never want to try speeding again. Let's dive in!
1. Wyoming: Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Get drunk behind the wheel in Wyoming, and the consequences hit hard. First-time offenders face up to 6 months locked up, a $750 fine, and a 90-day license suspension. Expect mandatory jail time, steeper fines, a year-long suspension, and ignition interlock installation for a second offense.
2. Georgia: Speeding
When you exceed speed limits in Georgia, be ready to spend 12 months in jail and pay a $1,000 fine. While courts determine the exact punishment based on the circumstances, the law sets clear limits to emphasize safe and responsible driving.
3. Georgia: Super Speeder Law
The Super Speeder Law imposes an additional $200 fine over the usual penalties that could be as high as $500+ for those exceeding 75 mph on two-lane roads or 85 mph on other roads. This extra penalty is designed to discourage extreme speeding and promote safer driving practices across the state.
4. Virginia: Reckless Driving
Irresponsible driving is feted as a criminal offense in Virginia, not just a traffic violation. Convictions can carry fines up to $2,500, emphasizing the state's tough stance on dangerous behaviors like crossing speed limits and aggressive driving.
5. Indiana: Driving Without A License
Suppose you are cruising in Indiana without a valid license; just know you are committing a Class C misdemeanor, which may result in fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Repeating the offense increases the severity of the charges, with possible penalties of up to $5,000 and longer jail sentences.
6. Alaska: Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in Alaska is no minor infraction. If you are convicted of this offense, you are guilty of a misdemeanor, and it can lead to a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) on Wikimedia
7. North Carolina: Speeding In A School Zone
In Charlotte, North Carolina, speeding in a school zone comes with a steep fine of $438. A conviction could also raise your insurance premiums and even put your license at risk. This law ensures safety around schools, which is non-negotiable.
Lance Cpl. Damany Coleman on Wikimedia
8. Louisiana: Driving With A Suspended License
Getting caught cruising with a suspended or revoked license in Louisiana can be costly. Fines may climb as high as $1,000, depending on the jurisdiction. Jail time is also on the table, with penalties varying across the state. It's a risk that carries serious legal consequences.
9. Washington: Reckless Driving
In Washington, reckless driving is a criminal offense. Classified as a gross misdemeanor, it can land drivers in jail for up to a year and hit them with a $5,000 fine. On top of that, a conviction means an automatic 30-day license suspension, courtesy of the Department of Licensing.
10. Illinois: Violating Speed Limits
Driving safely has its perks in Illinois because once you hit 26 mph over the limit, things get serious fast. That kind of speed earns a Class B misdemeanor, up to $1,500 in fines, and maybe even jail time. Go 35 mph over, and the penalties get even tougher.
Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) on Wikimedia
11. Idaho: Driving Without Privileges
Driving legally in Idaho starts with one thing: a valid license. Skip that step, and you could stay locked up for 180 days and face a $1,000 fine on your first offense. The second time, penalties jump to a year behind bars and a $3,000 fine.
12. Connecticut: Passing A Stopped School Bus
If you pass a stopped school bus in Connecticut while its red lights are flashing, you are fined. These range from $450 for first offenses to $1,000 for subsequent ones, potentially including up to 30 days of jail time.
13. Colorado: Traffic Misdemeanors
Minor violations like speeding or reckless driving can cost $150 to $300 and up to 90 days in jail as Class 2 misdemeanors. Step it up to drag racing or DUIs, and you're in Class 1 territory with much harsher penalties ranging from $600 to $1500+.
14. Maryland: Speeding In Work Zones
When you speed in work zones, it could cost you hefty fines, especially when workers are present. As of January 1, 2025, fines double when workers are on-site. Going above the speed limit by 40 mph or more can lead to a fine of up to $1,000.
15. Hawaii: Driving Without A License (Subsequent Offenses)
Driving in Hawaii without a valid license? You could get a fine of up to $1,000, jail time, and a one-year suspension if it's your first time. Repeat offenses carry even steeper fines, extended suspensions, and potential vehicle forfeiture.
16. Arizona: DUI
A first DUI conviction in Arizona carries fines starting at $1,250, potential jail time, and a license suspension. Subsequent offenses incur fines above $3,000, along with more severe penalties to curb impaired driving and protect public safety.
17. Nevada: Speeding
When speeding violations occur in Nevada, penalties become serious, especially if the driver exceeds the limit by 30 mph or more. Fines can reach $1,000, along with up to six months in jail. Every extra mile over the limit adds to the fine.
18. Alaska: DUI
In Alaska, drinking and driving is expensive and jail-bound. First-timers face 72 hours in jail, a $1,500 fine, and a 90-day license suspension. Strike two? That’s 20 days, $3,000, and a year without driving. The third time means sixty days, $4,000, and a three-year goodbye to your license.
19. California: Speeding Over 100 mph
Cruising within the speed limit keeps you safe and your wallet happy. In California, hitting 100 mph or more triggers a $500 fine for first-timers. Do it again, and you’re looking at bigger fines ($1000+) and a suspended license. Staying under triple digits isn’t just the law. It’s smart.
20. Iowa: Homicide By Vehicle
When you cause a fatality while speeding or driving recklessly in Iowa, you could be charged with a felony, with up to 10 years in jail and penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. These severe penalties emphasize the deadly, life-altering consequences of reckless driving.
