Virginia Traffic Tickets: How to Pay, Dispute, and Avoid Penalties
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Speeding, following too closely, running a red light — these are common traffic infractions that can land you a Virginia traffic ticket. If a police officer catches you in a bad driving moment, you may end up with a ticket and a few extra points on your driving record.
How to Pay a Virginia Traffic Ticket
Some Virginia traffic tickets are prepayable. This means you can pay the ticket in advance of the court date and skip the appearance before a judge. However, the points from the infraction still go on your driving record.
You'll know you have the option to prepay if your ticket includes the word "prepayable." If this is the case, you can make the payment online, in person, or through the mail.
Online Prepayments
To pay online, visit the Virginia General District Court Online Case Information System website. After accepting the terms and conditions, follow these steps:
- Select the appropriate District Court from the left-hand sidebar.
- Click "Name Search" underneath the Traffic/Criminal subheader.
- Type in your name as it appears on the ticket (even if the officer misspelled it) and click "Search."
- Select the appropriate case number associated with your name.
- Click "Process Payment" at the bottom of the ticket information screen.
- Share your payment details and tap the "Submit Payment" button.
By Mail
Your citation should include the address for mailing Virginia traffic ticket payments. If you don't see it on the ticket, check the court's website for contact information.
Note that the court doesn't consider payments effective until they're received. So plan to mail it at least seven days ahead of your court date to account for delivery times.
In Person
Paying in person eliminates the potential for mail delays. It's the best option if you're coming up close to the court date and want to guarantee the court gets your payment.
To pay in person, go to the Virginia General District Court where you're scheduled to appear. It will be listed on the traffic citation. Court officials can direct you to the payment office. Know that credit or debit card payments may incur a surcharge.
Disputing a Virginia Traffic Ticket in Court
If you think a police officer wrongly issued you a traffic ticket in Virginia, you can try to have the case dismissed by appearing in court. There's no harm in doing so — the court can't fine you extra for arguing your case.
Start by contacting the court's clerk and ask them if the date on the ticket is your court date or contest window. If it's your court date, you can request an extension to give you more time to prepare your case. The clerk of court might also provide you with self-representation resources that explain the legal process.
If your traffic violation is very serious (like a DUI), or you're at risk of losing your driving privileges, you may want to hire an attorney. You'll be on the hook for legal expenses, but their expertise may be well worth the cost to prevent a maximum penalty.
Virginia Point System: How Traffic Violations Impact Your Record
The Virginia DMV assigns points for traffic violations. There's a category system, with each infraction worth three, four, or six points. The worst infractions come with criminal charges. These can have long-term consequences, including a jail sentence and license suspension.
Points can stay on a traffic violator's driving history for three to 11 years. A few infractions remain permanently, but only in cases involving commercial motor vehicles.
The Effect of Traffic Tickets on Car Insurance Rates
Insurers regularly request their clients' driving records from the Virginia DMV. If you have tickets, you'll likely see a jump in your premiums.
The infractions most likely to impact your policy include DUI/DWI and reckless driving. These can move you into the high-risk driver category. Some insurers may refuse to renew a policy for their higher-risk clients.
Tips for Avoiding Traffic Violations in Virginia
Driving mistakes happen. But the big violations — such as DUI and speeding — are completely avoidable. A few ways you can limit your risk of being a traffic offender include:
- Hiring a rideshare or taxi if you've had a few drinks and need to get home
- Paying attention to speed limits, especially if you're on an unfamiliar road
- Keeping on top of routine car maintenance such as braking systems and lights
- Giving yourself extra time to account for traffic congestion on the way to work or appointments
Also, it never hurts to take a defensive driving course, even if you have years of experience behind the wheel. Some insurers may offer you a discount for your efforts.
Key Virginia DMV Resources for Traffic Tickets
You can learn more about Virginia traffic tickets from the DMV and court websites, including:
Resolve Your Ticket and Save on Car Insurance Today
A traffic infraction might ruin your day, but paying it on time can help you avoid additional fines and penalties.
If you're worried about rising premiums caused by traffic tickets, it might be time to shop for a new policy. EverQuote can help you find affordable Virginia car insurance. Use our free service to get your custom comparison today.