Understanding Your Traffic Ticket
By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed December 02, 2024
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Getting stopped by police and ticketed is overwhelming on its own. Trying to decode the information on the ticket itself can make the situation even more intimidating.
It is essential to read and interpret the details on your citation to understand the charge and the next steps. Whether you pay the fine, contest the ticket on your own, or get help from an attorney, you want to be as informed as possible.
You can be cited for a moving violation (like a speeding ticket) or a non-moving violation (like a parking ticket or expired vehicle registration). Regardless of the violation, this article will help you break down the specifics of your ticket.
See FindLaw's Traffic Tickets subsection for additional articles and resources, including types of traffic tickets, state traffic laws, and how to fight a ticket.
Identify and Research the Violation
One of the most critical pieces of information on your ticket is the traffic law or regulation you allegedly violated. Common violations include:
This section of the ticket should also include a description of the charge. Depending on the issuing law enforcement officer, this section can be pretty detailed or general. It should also include the specific legal code for the offense.
For example, if you ran a stop sign in California, the vehicle code on the ticket may say something like “VEH 22450." Look up the code online to get a better understanding of the violation. This can also help you find common defenses for the particular offense if you contest the citation in traffic court.
You will also see the date, time, and exact location of the alleged offense. Use this information to collect evidence to use in traffic court, should you decide to contest the ticket. Photos of the area of the traffic stop (showing intersections or a downed traffic sign, for example) are more effective in court if taken at the same time of day as the stop.
This section should also include the charge's classification. This indicates the severity of the offense. Most minor traffic violations are infractions — administrative violations that don't go on your criminal record or warrant jail time. More serious traffic violations can be misdemeanors or even felonies.
Check Your Information and the Officer's Information
Your citation will also include some personal information about you. This section typically contains:
- Date of birth and address
- Driver's license number
- Motor vehicle make and model
- Your vehicle registration and license plate number
- Auto insurance policy
Check this for accuracy, but be aware that minor errors (such as misspelling your name or noting your vehicle color incorrectly) are generally not grounds for a ticket dismissal.
You will also find the name and badge number of the law enforcement officer who issued the ticket, along with their signature. Like errors with your personal information, an officer forgetting to sign the ticket usually isn't cause for dismissal.
If you fight the ticket, the officer can defend the citation and their documentation. But, a common reason for ticket dismissal is the officer not showing up to traffic court.
The Back and Bottom of the Ticket
The front of your ticket will have information about you, the issuing officer, and the offense. The back typically contains options for resolution and consequences for ignoring the ticket.
Some jurisdictions issue one-sided tickets. If your ticket doesn't have a backside, you may find this information towards the bottom.
Details on the back of a traffic ticket can vary, but common elements typically include:
- Issuing agency contact information
- Response and fine deadlines
- Fines and penalty info
- Legal information and rights
- Consequences for failure to respond
Tickets often have a disclaimer that reads something like “failure to respond within 10 days will result in a default judgment." This means a legal decision will be automatically entered against you for failure to take the required action to resolve the ticket.
Carefully read the front and back of the citation to understand your options, rights, and any specific instructions.
Citation Response Options
Your ticket should also state your options for responding to the citation and their implications.
This includes a notice of whether you may contest the ticket with a traffic court appearance. Depending on the offense, you may be required to appear. Whether optional or mandatory, you should see instructions for your court date, like the time and location.
Your ticket will also tell you how to pay the fine. Paying the fine is the most straightforward option for resolving your citation. However, this is admitting guilt and can affect your driving record and auto insurance rates.
Most jurisdictions offer several ways to pay your fine—over the phone, online, or in person at your county clerk's office. If you're unsure how to pay, use the contact info on the back or bottom of the ticket.
When ready to pay your fine, have the citation number (usually in one of the upper top corners of the ticket) ready.
If you fail to respond to your ticket by the due date, you can face the following penalties:
- An arrest warrant
- Additional late fees
- Suspension of your driving privileges
It is your responsibility to take care of a ticket, even if the court is late mailing the fine notice and summons. Most jurisdictions don't send reminders.
Looking Up Your Traffic Ticket
Address your ticket promptly by the delisted to avoid further consequences and late fees. Losing your paper ticket is not an excuse — courts expect you to take responsibility for citations and address them within the specified time frame.
Most states allow drivers to look up their traffic tickets online. This is helpful if you misplaced your ticket and the citation number. This process varies by state, but you can check the status of your ticket using your name and the county and state you received the ticket.
Most jurisdictions provide this through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or court payment center websites.
The Full Cost of Traffic Tickets
Although you only need to pay the fine once, minor traffic infractions can have long-term costs. Some moving violations can affect car insurance rates for 3-5 years, depending on where you live and your insurance provider. More serious traffic charges (like reckless driving or driving under the influence) can have an even longer impact.
The best way to reduce the long-lasting implications of a traffic ticket is to avoid future citations. Fines and the effect on insurance and driving privileges all increase in severity with subsequent offenses.
Some insurance providers offer safe driver discounts for motorists who choose to complete driver safety education. This can include traffic school or defensive driving. These courses can sharpen your driving skills and save you money on your premiums.
Ticketed for a Traffic Offense? Get Legal Help
Most drivers can resolve simple traffic citations without an attorney. But if you want to better understand what's on your ticket and your legal options, you can talk to a traffic ticket attorney in your area.
An attorney can explain the details of your ticket and help you decide your next step. Going to traffic court is an option your lawyer can help with, and getting your ticket dismissed can save you fines, increased auto insurance rates, and points on your driving record. In some cases, it can even prevent a driver's license suspension.
If you are facing a more serious traffic charge, like a DUI or hit and run, consider contacting a local criminal defense attorney for legal advice.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex traffic tickets usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate penalties
- A lawyer can help you keep your license
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.
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