What a Las Vegas Traffic Ticket Really Costs
The fine is only part of it. Here is the math on paying the ticket versus hiring an attorney for a $100 to $200 flat fee. No hype. Just the numbers and what they mean.
Is it cheaper to hire a Nevada traffic attorney than to pay the ticket?
Usually not in dollars today. The fine is typically the same either way, so you add the attorney fee. But paying the ticket means points, a DMV report, and a possible insurance increase. Hiring an attorney aims to remove all three. For a ticket with points, that trade often favors hiring.
How much is a Nevada traffic ticket fine?
Fines in Clark County follow the point value of the violation. Higher points mean a higher fine.
| Point value | Fine |
|---|---|
| 1 point | $150 |
| 2 points | $195 |
| 3 points | $305 |
| 4 points | $294 or $415 |
Amounts can vary by court and by case. See the Nevada traffic points guide for point values by violation.
Paying the ticket vs. hiring an attorney: what changes?
Here is the side-by-side. The "goal" entries are what we work toward. We cannot promise a result in any case.
| Pay the ticket | Hire an attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| Court fine | Full fine for the point value | Usually the same fine |
| Attorney fee | $0 | $100–$200 flat |
| Court fees | None beyond the fine | Possible traffic school or demerit reduction fee, up to $100 |
| Points on your record | Yes, per the violation | Goal: none |
| Reported to the DMV | Yes | Goal: no |
| Insurance impact | Possible rate increase | Goal: none |
What does the math look like on a real ticket?
Take a 2-point ticket with a $195 fine. These are the upfront dollars:
Fine only. Plus 2 points on your record, a DMV report, and whatever your insurer decides to do with it.
$195 fine, plus the $100 to $200 attorney fee, plus up to $100 if the court requires a demerit reduction fee. The aim: no points, no DMV report.
You pay more today. The question is whether points and a possible insurance increase will cost you more than the difference. Insurance rates vary by company and driver, so we cannot put a number on that for you. Your insurer can.
What does the flat attorney fee include?
The fee is $100 to $200 per case. You pay it upfront. Donald Kudler, a Nevada attorney with over 20 years of experience, handles your case personally. No associates. No hourly billing.
Not included: the court fine, any court-required demerit reduction fee or traffic school, and the bond on contested cases. Those go to the court. More on pricing at our flat-fee traffic lawyer page.
What happens to my insurance if I pay the ticket?
Points on your record and a DMV report give your insurer a reason to raise your rate. Whether they do, and by how much, depends on the company and your history. The increase can last for years.
A ticket reduced to a non-moving violation carries no points and is not reported to the DMV. That is the outcome we work toward. For more detail, read Traffic Tickets and Car Insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a traffic ticket lawyer cost in Las Vegas?
Our flat fee is $100 to $200 per case. The fee depends on the work involved, and we tell you the exact amount before you decide. There is no hourly billing and no surprise charges.
Is it worth hiring a traffic attorney in Nevada?
Often, yes. The fine is usually the same whether you pay it or negotiate it. The difference is points. A moving violation puts points on your record and gets reported to the DMV, and insurers can see it. Reducing the ticket to a non-moving violation avoids that. We cannot guarantee an outcome, but that is what we aim for in most cases.
Do Las Vegas traffic lawyers offer flat-fee pricing?
We do. $100 to $200 covers your case from start to finish. You pay it upfront. We do not offer payment plans.
Will I still pay the court fine if I hire a lawyer?
In most negotiated cases, yes. The fine usually stays the same. What changes is the charge. A non-moving violation does not carry points or go to the DMV.
What extra court costs should I expect?
Some courts require traffic school or a demerit reduction fee of up to $100 to reduce the ticket to a non-moving violation. That fee goes to the court, not to us. We tell you what applies in your court.
How much will my insurance go up if I pay the ticket?
It depends on your insurer, your driving history, and the violation. We do not have figures for you, and we will not guess. Call your insurance company if you want a real number. What we can say is that a ticket with no points and no DMV report gives your insurer nothing to act on.
What does the flat fee include?
Reviewing your citation, explaining your options in writing, handling the court filings and negotiation, and appearing for you. Donald Kudler handles every case personally. For contested cases, the fee also covers discovery, motions, and the hearing. The court bond, currently $150 at Las Vegas Justice Court for contested cases, is separate and held by the court.
When is it cheaper to just pay the ticket?
If your ticket carries no points and you are not worried about your record, paying may cost less in dollars. For a ticket with points, you are weighing a $100 to $200 fee against points and a possible insurance increase that can last for years.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your specific case.
Send us your ticket. We will tell you what it would cost.
Share a copy of your citation. You will get a clear answer on your options and the exact fee before you decide anything.