Running a Stop Sign Ticket: Fines, Points, and How to Dismiss
Everything about running a stop sign ticket — fines by state, points on your license, insurance impact, and how to get it dismissed.
Running a stop sign might seem like a minor violation, but the consequences add up fast. Between the fine, points, and insurance increase, a stop sign ticket can cost you over $1,500.
Here's what you need to know — and how to make it go away.
How much is a stop sign ticket?
Fines vary by state and can increase with court fees and surcharges:
| State | Base fine | Total with fees |
|---|---|---|
| California | $35 | $230–$280 |
| Florida | $60 | $150–$200 |
| Texas | $100–$200 | $150–$250 |
| New York | $50–$150 | $150–$300 |
| Arizona | $165 | $165–$250 |
| Georgia | $150–$250 | $200–$350 |
| Illinois | $75–$100 | $120–$200 |
| Ohio | $100–$150 | $150–$250 |
Fees add up fast
In California, a $35 base fine for running a stop sign becomes $230+ after state and county surcharges. Always check the total amount due, not just the base fine.
How many points for running a stop sign?
In most states, running a stop sign adds 1 point to your driving record. Here's the breakdown:
| State | Points |
|---|---|
| California | 1 point |
| Florida | 3 points |
| Texas | 2 points |
| New York | 3 points |
| Arizona | 3 points |
| Georgia | 3 points |
Even 1 point matters. A single point on your record raises your insurance an average of $400 per year.
Insurance impact
Running a stop sign raises your insurance by an average of $400–$500 per year. That lasts for 3 years.
| Fine | Insurance (3 yr) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| With the ticket | $200 | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| With traffic school | $200 + $39.99 | $0 | $239.99 |
| You save | $1,310 |
Don't ignore it
A stop sign ticket might feel like no big deal. But $1,300+ in insurance increases is real money. Don't let a 2-second mistake cost you for 3 years.
Common defenses for stop sign tickets
"I did stop"
The most common defense. If you believe you made a complete stop and the officer disagrees, you can contest it. But it's your word against the officer's — and judges usually side with the officer.
"The sign was obscured"
If the stop sign was blocked by tree branches, vandalism, or wasn't properly visible, this can be a valid defense. Take photos as evidence.
"Rolling stop vs. complete failure to stop"
There's a difference between a "California roll" (slowing but not fully stopping) and blowing through the sign. Both are violations, but some judges are more lenient with rolling stops.
"Camera ticket issues"
If your ticket came from a camera:
- Was the camera properly maintained?
- Is the photo clear enough to identify your vehicle?
- Some jurisdictions have rules about camera ticket enforcement
How to dismiss a stop sign ticket
The easiest and most reliable way is traffic school. Here's the process:
- Check your eligibility — Most stop sign tickets qualify for traffic school
- Request traffic school through your court
- Take the course online — 2–8 hours depending on your state
- Pass the final exam — Unlimited retakes
- Ticket dismissed — Points prevented, insurance unaffected
Stop sign tickets almost always qualify
Running a stop sign is a standard moving violation in every state. It almost always qualifies for traffic school dismissal. Unless you've taken traffic school recently, you should be eligible.
Don't let a stop sign ticket follow you
A quick traffic school course is all it takes to dismiss the ticket and protect your insurance rates. Get it done and move on.
Related reading:
- Red Light Camera Ticket Guide
- Does Traffic School Remove Points?
- How to Fight a Speeding Ticket
- Points on Your License Explained
Need to dismiss a stop sign ticket?
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