Receiving a traffic ticket is usually a painless process. Most people receive a ticket, pay it, and move on with their lives. Thus, if you’ve found yourself with a traffic ticket, here’s the complete process on what happens after:
Receiving a Traffic Ticket
If an officer pulls you over for a violation, there are two types of citations you may receive:
1. Infraction Ticket
An infraction ticket can be issued for speeding, running a red light, or stop sign.
2. Misdemeanor Ticket
For more serious traffic violations, such as driving with an expired license or driving under the influence of a substance, can result in a misdemeanor ticket.
Another traffic ticket type given is when your vehicle parks in a “no parking” area.
All tickets are complete with a “Notice to appear”. The notice states you will appear in court on a date provided by the officer who provided the citation. If you decide to dispute the ticket, you will need to appear on the noted court date. Appearance is required with a misdemeanor ticket. The others are optional, but all fines require mandatory payment.
Paying a Traffic Ticket
It is important to pay the ticket on time. If you have received a citation other than the state you reside, full payment is still required. Failure to pay traffic tickets could result in further fines, delinquencies placed on credit reports and possible a warranted arrest.
If you cannot afford the ticket cost in a lump sum, most courts allow payment options that may be paid overtime.
Points on Your Record
Depending on the severity of the ticket, there is a likelihood points will be placed on your driving record. However, you may take the option and attend a traffic school to reduce the points or get them omitted.
Traffic tickets are a thorn, but usually easy to conquer. However, some unique situations occur under unforeseen circumstances. If you find yourself in such a case, please contact the Kersey Law office, and we’d be happy to assist.