What options do I have if I cannot pay my traffic fines?

It depends on the type of traffic fine.

For parking tickets

Talk to the parking agency (or collection agency, if your parking fines were sent to collections) about setting up a payment plan. Keep in mind that the payment plan may charge additional fees, as well as big penalties for missed payments—so make sure to ask about any fees and penalties before you sign up!

For misdemeanor and infraction tickets

Check with the local traffic court to ask about any programs that could help you deal with traffic debt related to a misdemeanor or infraction. If you have any open warrants (or are unsure), check first with your local public defender to see what your options are

IMPORTANT WARNING FOR PEOPLE WITH OPEN WARRANTS: if there’s ANY possibility that you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest—for ANY reason (including new charges against you or a failure to appear in court) from ANY county—it is recommended that you call the public defender or a private lawyer to check on your warrant status first, and to ask what your options are.

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