Oklahoma's Speeding Laws and Ticket Penalties

Most Oklahoma drivers will, at some point, get a speeding ticket. This article explains how Oklahoma's speed limits work and the penalties for a speeding violation.

How Do Oklahoma's Speed Limit Laws Work?

Oklahoma has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding law" and "absolute limits." Below, we explain the differences between the two. (Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 47, § 11-801 (2024).)

Oklahoma's Basic Speeding Law

Oklahoma's basic speeding law requires all motorists to drive "at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the highway and any other conditions then existing." The law also prohibits driving "at a speed greater than will permit the driver to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead."

In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Oklahoma's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Oklahoma's absolute speed limits work: If the fixed speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Oklahoma's absolute speed limits include:

• 25 miles per hour in most school zones
• 35 miles per hour on highways in state parks and wildlife refuges, and
• 55 miles per hour on most county roads.

Absolute speed limits are typically posted.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Oklahoma

Speeding violations are punishable by a fine, jail time, or both.

Fines for Speeding Citations in Oklahoma

The fines—which typically depend on the amount by which the driver exceeded the speed limit—are as follows:

• 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit. $10 fine.
• 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit. $20 fine.
• 16 to 20 miles per hour over the limit. $35 fine.
• 21 to 25 miles per hour over the limit. $75 fine.
• 26 to 30 miles per hour over the limit. $135 fine.
• 31 to 35 miles per hour over the limit. $155 fine.
• 36 miles per hour or more over the limit. $205 fine.

Possible Jail Time for Speeding Violations in Oklahoma

The maximum possible jail time is generally ten days for a first offense, 20 days for a second offense within a year, and six months for a third or subsequent offense within a year.

Traffic Violation Points for Speeding Tickets in Oklahoma

In most instances, a speeding violation will also result in demerit points being assessed to the driver's record. Depending on the driver's speed and type of violation, speeding generally results in one to four points.

Reckless Driving Charges in Oklahoma

Drivers who speed and drive in a "careless or wanton manner" can be convicted of "reckless driving." A standard first offense carries five to 90 days in jail and/or $100 to $500 in fines.