How To Pay Your Traffic Ticket

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Okay, so you got a traffic ticket. Maybe you were lost and didn't know what the speed limit was, and you got a ticket for speeding. Maybe you got stuck with an expired tags ticket because the DMV never sent you that notification they're supposed to send. Heck, maybe you were just plain late for work and you were speeding on purpose. Regardless of how or why you got your ticket, the city expects you to pay it. Some people think they can pay their ticket "when they get around to it." If you are considering this strategy, think again! Your life can become extremely complicated if you pay your ticket late: the fine can go up, they can suspend your license so you have to pay to reinstate it, and they can (and will) even issue a warrant for your arrest. Instead of complicating your life like this, just pay your ticket on time or early - it is very easy to do!

Paying early by mail: In most cities, the payment must have been made by the date on which the ticket is due. This does not mean that your letter needs to be postmarked by that date; it means that the letter has to have reached them, and the check or money order must have cleared! Don't end up with a late payment penalty by neglecting these facts.

Paying early by other means: Some cities provide a drop box at the courthouse, so that you can pay fines any time of day, without waiting in any lines at all. This is an easy way to pay, as is a "pay online" option. While not all cities allow online payments, check and see what the case is for your city. If they offer "pay online" as an option, paying your ticket is no more difficult than buying a new shirt online.

Paying at court: If you have delayed too long to pay by any other means, go to court on the date and time when it is held for your particular ticket. If your name sits near the back end of the alphabet, make sure you bring a book along! You might be there for quite a while, as the courtroom is likely to be full. You can pay your ticket once they have finally called your name and you have pled guilty to the traffic violation.

It is never any fun to get a traffic ticket, and it is even less fun to pay your traffic ticket. But make sure you take the time and effort to actually pay your ticket; otherwise, the "less fun" of the ticket itself will be the least of your worries.