It's never fun looking in the rear-view mirror only to see flashing red and blue lights following you. Depending on where you receive the ticket, you may have several ways you can pay the fine and put the experience behind you. Although each location has its own rules for how traffic tickets can be paid, common methods include paying online, over the phone, by mail or in-person.
Many Options Available
Many law enforcement agencies accept payments online. Payment through the Internet is often a convenient way to pay traffic tickets because you can access the system regardless of your location. Note that there may be a minimal charge for using the service. Many jurisdictions also allow you to pay tickets with your credit card over the phone. If you don't want to pay your ticket online or by phone, you usually can pay it by mailing a check or money order to the court clerk's office. If you want to pay with cash, this usually requires an in-person visit to the courthouse or sheriff's office where you received the ticket.
References
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles: Civil Motor Vehicle Citation / Court Filing Fee Payment - Introduction
- Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Pinellas County: Save Time! Pay Online!
- Clerk of the Courts, Miami-Dade County, Florida: General Traffic Information
- Clerk and Comptroller, Palm Beach County: Traffic Violations
- Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office: Paying Tickets or Paying Bail
Writer Bio
Based on the West Coast, Mary Jane Freeman has been writing professionally since 1994, specializing in the topics of business and law. Freeman's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including LegalZoom, Essence, Reuters and Chicago Sun-Times. Freeman holds a Master of Science in public policy and management and Juris Doctor. Freeman is self-employed and works as a policy analyst and legal consultant.