How Much is a Speeding Ticket at the Merced County Superior Court? | Merced Fine Guide

Receiving a citation in the Merced district is often more expensive than the face value of the fine shown on your ticket. Between mandatory state court fees, Merced County penalty assessments, and the inevitable 3-year insurance premium hike, a single speeding ticket in the Merced County Superior Court can cost a typical driver over $2,500.

Merced Traffic Court Surcharges Explained

In California, the "Base Fine" is only the beginning. For every $10 of base fine, the state and Merced add various "Penalty Assessments." This means a $35 base fine for a minor speeding violation quickly balloons into hundreds of dollars at the Merced courthouse before you even consider the impact on your DMV record.

The Hidden Cost: Insurance Impact in Merced

For drivers in cities like Merced, Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, a single point on your DMV record can lead to a 20-30% increase in your annual insurance premium. Over the three years that a point stays on your record, this can easily exceed $2,000 in additional costs. SilverlightPRO helps you protect your financial future by contesting the ticket through the written trial process at the Merced County Superior Court, aiming for a full dismissal and zero points.

Common Speeding Fines in Merced

• 1-15 MPH Over: Significant fines plus 1 DMV point.
• 16-25 MPH Over: Higher tier fines plus 1 DMV point.
• 26+ MPH Over: Major fines, possible mandatory appearance, and 1 DMV point.

Regardless of the speed, the Trial by Written Declaration is your most effective tool for avoiding these costs entirely.