Why a $45 Pennsylvania speeding fine can cost you $150 or more
Pennsylvania's speeding fine starts at $35 plus $2 for every mph past 5 over. Court costs and fees are added on top, and the points can lead to exams or a suspension.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
The Pennsylvania speeding fine itself is small: $35, or $42.50 where the limit is 65 mph or higher, plus $2 for every mph beyond 5 over. Court costs and state fees are added on top and usually make the total several times the fine. Points start at 6 mph over.
Base fine
$35
65+ mph zones
$42.50
Each mph past 5 over
+$2
Points start at
6 mph over
The fine formula is in the vehicle code, so you can work it out yourself. What you cannot easily predict is the add-ons: county and state costs, surcharges and fees that vary by court. That is why the amount on your citation is usually much bigger than the fine alone.
Work out the fine
Over the limit
Fine, ordinary road
Fine, 65+ mph road
Points
5 mph
$35
$42.50
0
10 mph
$45
$52.50
2
15 mph
$55
$62.50
3
20 mph
$65
$72.50
4
25 mph
$75
$82.50
4
30 mph
$85
$92.50
5
Good to know
The number on your citation is the one to pay. It includes the fine plus the costs and fees for that court. Use the table to see how much of it is the actual fine.
When it gets more serious
31+ mph over
5 points
A PennDOT departmental hearing
Active work zone, 11+ over
Points plus a 15-day suspension
Under 18
Suspension at 6 points
Or for one ticket at 26+ mph over
Pay or plead not guilty?
You have 10 days to respond to a Pennsylvania citation, either by paying (a guilty plea) or by pleading not guilty and getting a hearing before a magisterial district judge. Ignoring it can lead to a suspension for failing to respond, which is much harder to fix than the ticket.
Check yourself3 questions
What is the Pennsylvania speeding fine for 15 mph over on a 45 mph road, before costs?
Answer: C. $35 base plus $2 for each of the 10 mph beyond the first 5 over: $55.
How many points for 10 mph over in Pennsylvania?
Answer: B. 6 to 10 mph over is 2 points.
What usually makes a Pennsylvania ticket cost more than the fine?
Answer: B. Court costs, surcharges and fees are added to the fine.
Speeding ticket questions
How long do I have to respond to a PA traffic citation?
Ten days from when you get it. You can pay or plead not guilty and request a hearing.
Is a 5 mph over ticket worth fighting in Pennsylvania?
It carries no points, so for many drivers the main cost is the fine and costs. Insurers may still see it.
Can a Pennsylvania speed camera ticket add points?
No. Camera violations, such as in work zones, are civil fines with no points.
Official sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Pennsylvania DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.