Traffic Tickets in Pennsylvania

SUMMARY: Pennsylvania Traffic Tickets

Paying a traffic ticket in PA may be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on where you received your citation. You can fight your traffic ticket by scheduling a court hearing. If you've lost your ticket, contact the county court for information. In some cases, you may be able to look up your traffic ticket online.

Continue reading this page to learn how to respond to your traffic ticket and who to contact if you've lost your ticket.

Traffic Ticket Fines and Penalties

In Pennsylvania, traffic ticket fines, surcharges, and court fees are consistent throughout the state.

In addition to paying a fine, the PA Department of Transportation (DOT) may also add points to your driving record. This can result in:

  • An increase in your car insurance premiums.
  • A driver's license suspension, revocation, or cancellation.

NOTE: Your fine amount can increase if you're a repeat offender.

For more information, please visit our Traffic Ticket Fines & Penalties page. If you're a commercial driver, see below.

Pay a Traffic Ticket in Pennsylvania

If you choose to plead guilty and pay your traffic ticket fine, you may be able to pay your traffic ticket:

  • Online.
  • By mail.
    OR
  • In person.

Check your Pennsylvania traffic ticket for specific details about how to pay your ticket, as payment options may vary from county to county.

NOTE: A court appearance may be mandatory.

For more detailed information about how to pay your traffic ticket, go to our page about Paying Traffic Tickets or contact the local traffic court in the county you received your ticket.

Fight a PA Traffic Ticket

If you would like to plead not guilty and contest your ticket see your traffic ticket for instructions or contact the appropriate county court directly. You will likely need to appear in court; however, some counties may allow you submit your “not guilty" plea online.

Learn more on our Fighting Traffic Tickets in Pennsylvania page.

NOTE: When disputing your ticket, you may want to consider hiring a traffic ticket attorney.

Lost Your Traffic Ticket?

If you've lost your traffic ticket, check the relevant PA traffic court website for an online ticket search service.

If an online search is not available, contact the PA traffic court to request details about your traffic ticket and a copy of your ticket (if necessary).

Fines & Penalties for Commercial Drivers

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must notify your employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic ticket. Your fines and penalties will differ depending on the type of violation and your driving history.

Your CDL can be suspended for major violations such as:

  • Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • Refusing a blood chemical test.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI).

For details about how serious traffic violations can impact your CDL in Pennsylvania, read our following pages:

Check Your Driving Record

Too many points on your driving record can result in a driver's license suspension.

Order your driving record today and make sure points weren't added by mistake.

Major Traffic Violations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, traffic ticket points can range between 2 points and 5 points. The severity of your violation will determine the number of points that will be added to your driving record.

Serious traffic violations can lead to heavier fines and penalties, such as a driver's license suspension or cancellation (regardless of your driving record). Some examples of major violations include:

  • DUI.
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Failure to stop for a school bus with flashing lights.

For more specific details, read our Pennsylvania Point System and Ticket Fines and Penalties pages.

PA Traffic Ticket: Frequently Asked Questions

Get more information about PA traffic tickets at our Traffic Ticket FAQ page. Some of the topics include:

  • Traffic tickets for minors with instruction permits.
  • Hiring a traffic ticket attorney in Pennsylvania.
  • Ticket dismissal.
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