Traffic Tickets, Infractions and Violations

paying a traffic ticket

If you pled no contest and pay the ticket it is a plea of nolo contendere. This means you neither admit nor deny the charge. The plea functions similarly to a plea of guilty and your ticket will be reported to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No points will be assessed on your license in most cases, but there may still be administrative sanctions and loss of license in some cases. Insurance rates may also increase. You can also participate in the ticket review program.

Unless you pay the full amount of the fine before the Answer Date deadline, you will need to go to court. You must not miss any deadlines provided on the ticket. If you fail to pay or plead by the answer date, a warrant will be issued for failure to pay or plead and your case will be transferred to court and the failure to answer will be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV will suspend your license.

Advantages of Paying a Ticket

• Avoids Court Appearance – If you pay in full before the Answer Date, you do not need to go to court.
• No Points on License (in Most Cases) – Generally, a plea of no contest does not result in points on your driving record.
• Resolves the Matter Quickly – Paying the ticket brings immediate closure, avoiding a court process.
• Eligibility for Ticket Review Program – You may have the option to participate in a review program.

Disadvantages of Paying a Ticket

• Functions Like a Guilty Plea – While you do not admit guilt, the plea is treated similarly to a guilty plea. It becomes part of your permanent driving record.
• Reported to the DMV – The infraction is recorded with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, which could have implications such as license suspension.
• Potential Insurance Rate Increases – Your insurance company may raise your premiums due to the infraction.
• Possible Administrative Sanctions – In some cases, additional penalties, including license suspension, may still apply.
• Limited Opportunity to Contest – Paying the ticket means forfeiting your right to challenge the charge in court.

Contesting a Traffic Ticket

In order to contest a ticket, you need to plead not guilty on or before the provided deadline and follow the instructions on the ticket. If you plead not guilty, your case will be transferred to court and your court date may be several months out. You will be sent a Notice of Transfer from the Centralized Infractions Bureau in the mail.

If your ticket is for an infraction, and you fail to pay or plead, your case will be transferred to court. An arrest warrant will then be issued, and a bond may be set by the court. You will now have the charge of “Failure to Pay or Plead” added to your original charge.

You may hire an attorney to help contest the ticket, and should, especially for more serious offenses.

If you go to court and are found guilty, you will need to pay not only the amount of the fine, but also any court fees and costs.

Advantages of Contesting a Ticket

• Opportunity to Avoid Fines and Penalties – If successful, you may have the ticket dismissed, avoiding fines, DMV reporting, and insurance increases.
• Protects Your Driving Record – A not-guilty verdict means the infraction does not appear on your record, preventing potential license points or administrative sanctions.
• Delays or Avoids Insurance Rate Increases – Since the case is pending, your insurance rates may not be immediately affected, and if dismissed, they remain unchanged.
• Chance for Reduced Penalties – Even if not fully dismissed, negotiating in court may result in reduced fines or lesser consequences.

Disadvantages of Contesting a Ticket

• Court Appearance Required – Unlike paying the ticket, contesting it means you must attend court, which may be time-consuming.
• Uncertain Outcome – There is no guarantee of dismissal, and you may still be found guilty and required to pay the fine.
• Longer Resolution Time – Court dates can be scheduled several months out, prolonging the uncertainty of the case.
• Potential Additional Charges – If you miss deadlines or fail to appear, your case may escalate, leading to additional penalties, license suspension, or even an arrest warrant for non-motor vehicle infractions.
• Additional Court Fees and Costs – If you go to court and are found guilty, you will need to pay not only the amount of the fine, but also any court fees and costs.