Ohio Traffic Ticket Lookup: How to Find and Pay Your Citation
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On average, 41 million American drivers receive speeding tickets every year. Each time you receive a ticket, it attaches to your driver's license and adds points. While you can't avoid the points after a traffic violation, you can avoid further problems by paying your traffic tickets after receiving them. If you live in Ohio, learning how to use the Ohio traffic ticket lookup system can help you locate missing or lost traffic tickets, providing you the chance to settle these violations before suffering further consequences.
Understanding Ohio's Traffic Ticketing System
Ohio operates on a 12-point license system. If you accumulate 12 points in a two-year period, you risk losing your driving privileges and face other penalties, including:
- Receiving a six-month license suspension
- Acquiring an SR-22 auto insurance policy
- Retaking a driver's license test and passing a driver's test
Most traffic tickets are worth two points and remain on your driving record for two years. More serious driving violations (such as driving under the influence) stay on your record longer and may add additional points to your license. Speeding tickets are one of the most common types of traffic citations, but they're not the only type. You can also get a ticket for illegal license plates or failure to have Ohio car insurance.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) manages the driving records of Ohio residents, but it is your responsibility to know what's on your driving record and pay any fines for citations.
How to Check for Existing Traffic Tickets
You can view your driving record in two ways.
Ohio BMV Traffic Ticket Lookup
You must create an account to use the Ohio BMV traffic ticket lookup system. This gives you access to your driving information, including any citations you have and how many points are on your license.
Municipal Court Sites
Every Ohio county has an online court portal. These portals list criminal and civil charges, and you can perform an Ohio traffic ticket lookup online by going to the county's portal where the ticket occurred.
Locating Lost Traffic Tickets
If you lose a traffic ticket and aren't sure which county it occurred in, you can look up your Ohio traffic ticket by name online or contact the police station that issued the citation. They can tell you which county it occurred in and help you locate the lost ticket using the traffic ticket lookup system in Ohio. Finding lost or existing tickets is crucial for protecting your driver's license. An unpaid ticket can lead to a suspended license, late fees, and additional penalties.
Payment Methods for Traffic Tickets
You can pay traffic ticket fines in several ways, but the options vary by county and citation type. You can look up your case by county to learn the specific options for your ticket. In most counties, you can choose from one of the following options for paying your ticket:
Online
You can generally log into the court's portal online to pay your traffic tickets electronically. Most courts accept various payment options online, including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
In Person
Many jurisdictions allow you to come into the courthouse to pay your traffic ticket fines, but you should contact the court to ask about their payment options. Some courts accept cash, while others only accept credit card payments, personal checks, or money orders. However, there may be an additional service fee.
By Mail
You might also be able to mail in your payment. When doing so, include your name and current address. It's also helpful to include your citation number and docket number and ask about the payment methods the court accepts. They may only accept certain options, such as a money order payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State.
By Phone
Some courts also accept phone payments, which usually require credit or debit card payments.
Regardless of how you pay your ticket, always ask for proof of payment. You should also know that there are some offenses that require court appearances in addition to payment of fees. An example of this is a DUI offense. You will have to attend court to settle the matter before paying your fines.
Implications of Traffic Tickets on Driving Records
As mentioned, traffic tickets result in points on your driver's license. If you receive 12 points, you will face additional consequences, such as license suspension. You have the option of fighting a traffic ticket if you believe it was wrongfully issued. If you decide to do this, you must attend the traffic court hearing stated on your ticket. The police officer who issued the citation must also appear at the hearing. If you do not want to fight the ticket, you can simply pay the fine. Doing so means you are admitting guilt for the offense, and this registers a conviction with the Ohio BMV.
Legal Consequences of Ignoring a Traffic Ticket
Having an unpaid outstanding ticket can lead to problems. The primary issues you may face include driver's license suspension and additional fees. If you get pulled over by a traffic safety officer, they'll run your license plates and discover the unpaid tickets, which could lead to further issues.
Proof of Insurance Requirements After a Ticket
The Ohio BMV may ask for proof of insurance after a ticket, as auto insurance is required in this state. You can show your insurance card at the time of payment to prove your coverage. Driving without insurance in Ohio is another offense that can lead to consequences, so you'll want to make sure you have an existing policy. If you don't, EverQuote can help. Our site is easy to use and lets you find customized comparison quotes for your zip code, and it only takes a few minutes.