When motorists or other road users violate Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws in Louisiana, they are issued traffic tickets. These tickets serve as official notices of violation and contain details of the nature of the breach, applicable penalties, the court in which the ticket may be paid or disputed, and available payment options.
Types of Traffic Violations in Louisiana
Traffic violations in Louisiana can be classified into two categories: moving violations and non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when a vehicle is in motion, such as speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), and failure to stop at a stop sign. Non-moving violations, on the other hand, occur when a vehicle is at rest or has faulty equipment, such as parking violations.
Traffic Citations and Summons
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes (La. R.S.) 32:398.1, traffic enforcement agencies may issue citations in response to a traffic violation. Traffic citations are in the form of e-tickets or tickets and always contain an order to appear in court. Simply put, traffic citations are court summons. In most cases, "tickets" and "citations" are used interchangeably. In Louisiana, tickets can be resolved without a court appearance, while citations cannot.
Payment Options for Traffic Tickets
The payment options for traffic tickets in Louisiana vary depending on the jurisdictional court. Typically, traffic tickets can be paid in person at the courthouse, online, by mail, and in some cases, by phone. It is important for offenders to pay the full amount listed on the traffic ticket within the stipulated time frame, usually 15 days from the violation date. Failure to respond within the specified period may result in increased fines, suspension of driving licenses, or revocation of driving privileges.
Paying Traffic Tickets Online
In Louisiana, it is possible to pay traffic tickets online in many jurisdictions. Most city courts have online payment services that enable citizens to pay fines and fees without visiting the courthouse. However, it is important to note that not all traffic violations can be paid online. Criminal moving violations and certain other offenses, such as failing to report an accident or making false reports, require a court appearance and cannot be paid online. Interested persons should contact the jurisdictional court directly to determine eligibility and available payment options.
Disputing Traffic Tickets
If an alleged offender believes that a traffic ticket or citation was issued in error, they have the right to dispute it. Disputing a ticket will require a court hearing and may also require the services of a traffic lawyer. It is important to note that paying a ticket is considered an admission of guilt and may lead to a suspension of the driver's license, points assessed against the driver's record, and an increase in auto insurance premiums.
Accessing Public Traffic Records
Public traffic records may also be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites often make searching for records more straightforward, as they are not limited by geographic location. However, it is important to note that third-party sites are independent of government sources and may vary in terms of record availability. Interested parties should exercise caution and verify the credibility of these websites before using their services.
Conclusion
Paying traffic tickets in Louisiana requires timely action and adherence to the specified payment options. Offenders must respond within the stipulated period to avoid increased fines, license suspension, or revocation. It is important to consult the jurisdictional court directly for accurate and up-to-date information regarding payment options and procedures. Disputing a ticket is an option for alleged offenders who believe they have been wrongly cited. Remember, paying a ticket is considered an admission of guilt, which may have consequences such as points on the driving record and increased insurance premiums.
