How to Pay Traffic Tickets in Massachusetts
The procedure of paying driving fines in Massachusetts is generally initiated by motorists who were cited for a civil infraction. Drivers with a traffic citation due to a criminal offense, such as driving while under suspension or operating while under the influence, will not be able to respond to their ticket by simply paying the set fines.
Criminal traffic violations require a mandatory court appearance as well. Motorists have several Massachusetts ticket violation payment methods available to settle their case, provided they are eligible for the process. Review different traffic tickets payment options within the state by reading the below sections:
- How to pay a traffic ticket fine in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts traffic ticket attorneys
- Pleading not guilty in Massachusetts
- Dismissal of charges in Massachusetts
- Lost tickets in Massachusetts
How to Pay a Traffic Ticket Fine in Massachusetts
In order to pay a non-criminal (civil) traffic citation in MA, you will be required to check the appropriate box on the back of the ticket (Box 1), sign the form and mail it to the address provided within 20 days of the date of the citation.
Paying a speeding ticket or other types of citations within the state is an admission of responsibility for the offense committed, and it may result in further penalties and adverse effects on your driving record. You may pay driving tickets in Massachusetts utilizing the following methods: online, by mail or via phone.
Paying a Massachusetts Ticket Online
To pay traffic fines online in Massachusetts, drivers can use the online service center, which may be found on the official website of the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
When utilizing this provider for traffic fine online payment submissions, motorists are typically asked to allow 10 business days for processing due to system update. To initiate the process of paying traffic tickets online, drivers will be required to provide the ticket number, as well as the date of the infraction.
In addition to this, they must have a valid credit card or arrange payment via electronic check.
Note: Motorists are also allowed to use the state online provider for court filing fee payments.
Paying a Massachusetts Ticket via Other Methods
Motorists who are not able to pay driving fines in MA via the internet may finalize the procedure using other methods. One option is to provide a Massachusetts ticket violation payment by mail. Paying driving fines via mail requires drivers to take the following actions:
- Sign and date their ticket.
- Provide a check or money order made payable to MassDOT.
- Payments must include the citation and driving license number.
- Place the forms in the pre-addressed envelope and mail to the address listed on the back of the ticket.
Finally, motorists can respond to traffic tickets in Massachusetts by providing payment via phone. For a successful transaction, drivers must have their ticket number and credit card on hand.
Massachusetts Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Should you choose to beat a traffic citation in MA instead of arranging payment for the allotted fines, you may consider the option of hiring an attorney to represent you in court.
You can find an experienced attorney easily online by providing some basic information about your citation and including a snapshot of your ticket. The legal knowledge and assistance of a traffic ticket lawyer is generally necessary for the following reasons:
- You increase your chances of a successful Massachusetts traffic ticket defense.
- You may avoid paying the fines and additional costs related to your citation.
- You may avoid a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.
- Your driving transcript may remain unaffected.
When hiring an attorney, check his or her professional background to ensure you have the best legal representation to help you win your case.
Pleading Not Guilty in Massachusetts
The process of contesting a traffic ticket in MA requires drivers with a traffic summons due to a civil infraction to check Box 2 on their citation, thus requesting a clerk magistrate hearing.
In addition to the traffic citation, motorists fighting traffic tickets must also provide a $25 court filing fee and mail it along with their summons to the address provided on the form in due time. Once a hearing is scheduled, drivers will need to present their MA traffic ticket defense, including any witnesses or evidence in their favor.
Motorists who succeed to dispute traffic fines may avoid incurring adverse effects on their driving records. To fight a traffic ticket, it is advisable to hire a qualified attorney who can guide you through the court process. You may begin your search for the best traffic citation attorney online.
Note: Drivers who return a criminal citation to the court will be scheduled a hearing as to whether or not a complaint should be issued against them.
Dismissal of Charges in Massachusetts
Should you wish to dismiss traffic tickets in Massachusetts, you may not be able to complete a traffic school course to finalize the procedure.
Instead, you should carefully inspect your traffic ticket for any incorrect information, such as the date and time of issuance. You may be eligible for a ticket dismissal due to incorrect details.
Lost Tickets in Massachusetts
In case of a lost Massachusetts traffic citation, drivers will still need to obtain the details displayed on the form to either challenge their summons or pay the set fines.
To retrieve lost traffic ticket information, motorists will need to contact the court handling their case in due time, as failure to respond to a citation in a timely manner will lead to harsher penalties.