How to Find Out the Status of a Traffic Ticket

Many motorists have turned reluctantly to the rear view mirror only to see red and blue flashing lights and a police car in quiet pursuit. In most cases, the ticketing process is frustrating, yet uneventful. A citation is issued and you are allowed to continue on your way. After a week or two, you may even forget the event ever happened. If you cannot remember if you entered a plea or are uncertain about the status of your traffic ticket, there are three ways to obtain accurate status information and become up-to-date with your driving record.

Things You'll Need

• Citation
• Citation notice from issuing court

Instructions

1. 

   Contact the court by mail, in person or by phone. You must provide the citation number, bail amount, issue date and violation, as well as your driver's license number. This information is located in the upper right-hand corner for the citation notice. Beneath it, you will find the issuing court and courthouse location. When contacting the court by phone or in person, do so between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. 

   Contact the Centralized Infractions Bureau (CIB). Contact the bureau for status information as well as assistance with making a payment if you are found guilty. You must provide your legal name and date of birth. Contact CIB at [phone] between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

3. 

   Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a copy of your driving record. You must provide proof of ID, such as your driver's license. If the traffic ticket was dismissed, it will not appear on your record. If you entered a guilty plea previously, or were found guilty, the conviction and points (infractions) will appear on your record. The conviction and citation issue date, as well as the violation code, will appear on your DMV record.

Tips & Warnings

• Always retain the original citation.

• Never ignore a traffic ticket, as a warrant may be issued for your arrest.