How do I Get on a Payment Plan to Pay Off My Traffic Ticket in Washington?

Getting a traffic ticket for almost any violation can be expensive. If your ticket is for more than $110 in the state of Washington, you can set up a payment plan.

Unless you are categorized as a habitual traffic offender (committed 20 or more traffic violations in a five-year period) you should be able to get onto a payment plan for your Washington state traffic ticket so long as the ticket is for $110 or more (you are expected to pay any ticket for less than $110 in full). Once you have had a hearing on your ticket, the process of making a payment plan is straightforward.

Instructions

1. Attend your traffic hearing whether or not you intend to fight the ticket. Be on time and present your case clearly and unemotionally. Tell the judge that you cannot afford to pay the fine and ask for a reduction of the fine or for additional time to pay it. It is also possible in certain circumstances that a judge may assign you to traffic school in lieu of a fine or for a reduction in the fine. A judge may also assign you to community service in lieu of a fine.

2. Collect your paperwork following the traffic hearing. Check the box marked "MITIGATION," verify your address and then sign the form and return this part of the paperwork to the county clerk within 15 days following your hearing. You may return the form by mail or in person.

3. Wait for a response from the court and make all payments in full and on time as directed by the clerk of the court. You may be asked to pay a portion of the fine up front and then make payments on the balance due. Seldom will a Washington court allow more than 60 days to pay the fine in full. Payments may be made by cashier's check, company check, money order or cash. Fines may not be paid by personal check.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is going to be impossible for you to pay the fine within 60 days, ask the judge at your hearing if you could substitute community service in lieu of any payment or for a greatly reduced payment.

• Different jurisdictions in Washington state have different policies regarding the payment of traffic fines, so it is best to call the clerk of the court before your appearance and ask for the court's policy on making payments.

References

• Thurston County Disreict Court: What If I Cannot Afford to Pay the Penalty in Full?
• Clark County, Washington: I Can't Make Payments, What Should I Do?
• City of Milton (Washington): Payment Options