How to Find a Traffic Ticket

The vast majority of drivers will, at some point during their driving life, get a traffic ticket. Whether the ticket is for a moving violation, a parking code violation or other violation, a ticket will be issued. Occasionally, the ticket can get misplaced and the recipient does not know how to go about either paying the fine or contesting the violation. However, finding the traffic ticket is not too difficult and with a bit of effort and time, one can easily rectify the matter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drivers license
• Vehicle title and registration
• License plate number
• Telephone book
• Computer with Internet connection

How to Find a Traffic Ticket

1. Get the license plate number of the vehicle involved in the matter. If possible, obtain any other information, such as the registration and title for the vehicle, which will likely help in obtaining the ticket information. Also, identify the date in which the ticket was issued, if known.

2. Go to the local office of the Department of Motor Vehicles. This department can be found by looking in your telephone book or by performing an Internet search. Once you obtain the address of the office, go to the location with the information you have regarding the matter.

3. At the Department of Motor Vehicles, present the information to the attendant. Present your driver's license, title and registration for the vehicle for which the ticket was issued. Explain why you do not have the traffic ticket and show the attendant the documentation you have.

4. Obtain a copy of the ticket that day from the attendant or find out what the Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to do in order to obtain a copy of the ticket. If you must appear in court to contest the ticket, find out the specific dates in which you must appear and the court's requirements. Alternatively, if you would like to plead guilty to the ticket and pay a fine, ask how to do so while at the office.

Tips & Warnings

• It must be the owner of the vehicle who appears at the Department of Motor Vehicles to request the traffic ticket.
• Some municipalities have traffic courts or tribunals that are also responsible for issuing traffic tickets. If you live in one of those jurisdictions, check with your town or village to see whether there is a traffic court clerk who could provide a copy of the ticket.

References

• The Unofficial DMV Guide Traffic Tickets By State