More police? Texas to increase highway enforcement soon. Here’s why
You may notice more police officers on Texas highways starting July 18.
For two weeks, law enforcement agencies across the state will increase their focus on speeding as part of a statewide campaign called Operation Slowdown.
The campaign comes as speeding remains the leading factor in deadly crashes across Texas.
If you’re caught going over the speed limit, the cost of a ticket can depend on where you’re pulled over and how fast you were driving.
Here’s what to know.
What should Texas drivers expect during Operation Slowdown?
From July 18 through Aug. 2, officers across Texas will spend more time watching for drivers who are speeding and issuing tickets to those who violate speed limits, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
But writing tickets isn’t the only focus of Operation Slowdown. Law enforcement vehicles will also drive the roads at posted speeds to show drivers that slowing down is possible.
The extra enforcement comes after speeding played a role in more than 150,000 crashes in Texas in 2025, resulting in 1,247 deaths and 5,652 serious injuries, TxDOT said.
To help prevent crashes, TxDOT recommends leaving more space between vehicles when traffic is heavy or roads are slick and watching for changing speed limits, especially in work zones.
What are the penalties for speeding in Texas?
In Fort Worth, the city’s municipal court fine schedule lists a fine of $8 for each mile you drive over the posted speed limit. Court costs for a standard speeding violation are $134.
That means if you’re caught driving 10 mph over the speed limit, your ticket could total $214. The cost can be higher in other North Texas cities.
Speeding tickets in Arlington start at $204 for drivers going 1 to 10 mph over the limit. The cost goes up the faster you drive, reaching $234 for 20 mph over the limit and $334 for 35 mph or more over.
Arlington also adds $25 if you’re caught speeding in a school zone and $50 if the offense results in a crash.
In Dallas, speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit carries a $97 fine and $134 in court costs, bringing the total to $231, according to the city’s fine list. The total increases to $256 for 11 to 15 mph over the limit, $281 for 16 to 20 mph over, and $334 for more than 20 mph over.
