Learn About Paying Traffic Citations and Consequences

Understanding Traffic Citations and Why They Matter

A traffic citation is a formal notice that you have violated a traffic law. When a police officer stops you for speeding, running a red light, or other traffic violations, they may issue a citation—a written record of the offense. This document contains important information: the specific violation, the date and location, the officer's name, and instructions for what to do next.

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Traffic citations carry real consequences that extend beyond a simple fine. A citation becomes part of your driving record, which insurance companies use to calculate your premiums. A single speeding ticket can increase your auto insurance rates by 10 to 15 percent or more, depending on your state and insurance company. Over three years, this could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in additional premiums.

Understanding traffic citations matters because the decisions you make after receiving one can significantly affect your finances, driving privileges, and legal record. Some violations are minor infractions, while others are more serious misdemeanors. Misdemeanor traffic violations—such as reckless driving or driving with a suspended license—can result in jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.

The citation you receive will indicate whether the violation is a misdemeanor or an infraction. Infractions are less serious and typically result only in fines. Many states allow you to handle infractions by mail or online without appearing in court. Misdemeanors require court appearances and carry more severe penalties.

Practical Takeaway: Keep your citation in a safe place and note the date by which you must respond. Do not ignore the citation. Failing to respond creates additional legal problems, including potential license suspension, arrest warrants, and additional fines.

The Fine and Penalty Payment Process

When you receive a traffic citation, the citation document itself will contain information about the fine amount and payment options. The fine amount varies widely depending on the specific violation and your state. A minor speeding violation might cost $50 to $200, while more serious violations like reckless driving can exceed $1,000.

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Each state and sometimes each county has its own fine schedules. A violation that costs $75 in one state might cost $150 in another. Additionally, many jurisdictions add court costs and administrative fees on top of the base fine. These extra charges can add 25 to 50 percent to the total amount owed. For example, a $100 speeding ticket might actually total $140 when court costs are included.

Most citations offer several payment methods. You can typically pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the address listed on the citation. Many courts now accept online payments through their websites using debit cards or credit cards. Some jurisdictions allow phone payments. A few locations still require in-person payment at the courthouse.

The citation will specify a deadline by which payment must be received. This deadline is usually 30 to 60 days after the citation is issued. Paying by the deadline avoids additional penalties. If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, contact the court before the deadline arrives. Many courts offer payment plans that allow you to pay the fine in installments over several months, though you may need to pay a small fee for this service.

Some violations allow you to take a traffic school course instead of paying the full fine or instead of having the violation appear on your driving record. The availability and cost of traffic school varies by state and the type of violation. Traffic school typically costs $50 to $200 and requires four to eight hours of instruction, either in person or online.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate the true total cost of your citation by adding any court costs and fees to the base fine. If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, call the court immediately to discuss payment plan options rather than ignoring the bill.

How Traffic Violations Affect Your Driving Record and Insurance

Every traffic violation you receive is recorded on your driving record, which is maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. Your driving record is a permanent history of your traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions. Insurance companies regularly check driving records when calculating premiums and deciding whether to continue coverage.

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The impact on insurance rates depends on several factors: the type of violation, your age and driving history, and your insurance company's policies. A minor violation like a parking ticket typically does not affect insurance rates because parking violations are not moving violations. However, moving violations—those that occur while the vehicle is in motion—can increase rates significantly.

Speeding violations increase insurance rates by an average of 10 to 15 percent. A driver with a clean record paying $1,200 annually might see that increase to $1,320 or more after a single speeding ticket. More serious violations like reckless driving or at-fault accidents can increase rates by 20 to 50 percent. In some cases, insurance companies may cancel your policy entirely if you accumulate too many violations.

The duration that a violation affects your record and insurance rates varies by state, typically ranging from three to seven years. In many states, violations remain on your driving record for five years. However, insurance companies may use violations from longer periods when calculating rates. Some insurance companies offer "safe driver" discounts or forgiveness programs that reduce the impact of a first violation.

Your driving record is also checked by employers, especially for jobs involving driving. A violation might affect your ability to work as a delivery driver, taxi driver, or in other transportation-related positions. Some professional licenses also depend on maintaining a clean driving record.

Practical Takeaway: Request a copy of your driving record from your state's DMV to verify that violations have been correctly recorded. Contact your insurance company to understand how a specific violation will affect your premium before you pay the fine.

License Suspension and Points Systems

Many states use a points system to track traffic violations. Each type of violation carries a specific point value. Accumulating too many points within a certain time period—usually 12 months—can result in license suspension. For example, a state might assign 2 points for speeding, 4 points for reckless driving, and 6 points for hit-and-run accidents. Accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months might trigger a 30-day suspension.

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Point values vary significantly between states. The same speeding violation might be worth 2 points in one state and 4 points in another. Serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended license carry high point values and immediate consequences.

License suspension means you are legally prohibited from driving. Driving with a suspended license is itself a crime and carries penalties including fines, jail time, and further license suspension. Employers and insurance companies view suspensions very negatively, and they can affect employment and insurance coverage for years.

Some states allow drivers to reduce points on their record by completing a defensive driving course. Typically, you can remove one point per course, and most states limit this to once every 12 months. These courses cost $50 to $150 and take four to eight hours to complete. Defensive driving courses also offer the potential benefit of lower insurance rates—many insurers offer a 5 to 10 percent discount for drivers who complete these courses.

If you receive notice that your license will be suspended, you may have the right to a hearing before the suspension takes effect. The hearing is your opportunity to present evidence and arguments about why your license should not be suspended. However, you must request this hearing within a specific timeframe, usually 10 to 30 days after receiving notice.

Practical Takeaway: Check your state's point system to understand how many points your violation carries and how many more points would trigger suspension. If you are approaching suspension, consider taking a defensive driving course to reduce your points and lower insurance rates.

Criminal Consequences for Serious Traffic Violations

Most traffic violations are handled as infractions or civil matters, requiring payment of fines but not jail time. However, serious traffic violations are classified as misdemeanors or felonies and can result in criminal charges, jail sentences, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

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Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is the most common serious traffic violation. A first DUI conviction typically results in fines between $500 and $2,000, license suspension for three months to a year, mandatory participation in a substance abuse program, and potentially jail time