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I just got a traffic ticket. What can I do to avoid license suspension?

Northwest Justice Project

Learn how respond to a traffic infraction (or a civil traffic ticket). You may be able to stop your license from being suspended. As of 2023, your license can no longer be suspended solely for failing to pay traffic fines. This information can help you avoid a suspension for non-criminal traffic tickets.

Contents

  1. Ticket types
  2. Avoid suspension
  3. Payment plans and community service
  4. Ask for a hearing
  5. Evidence and proof
  6. Get ready for the hearing
  7. At the hearing
  8. After the hearing
View All Contents (PDF)

1. Ticket types

How do I know if my ticket was criminal or non-criminal?

If you think your license is suspended due to an unpaid ticket, it’s important to know what type of ticket you got. It could have been a non-criminal traffic ticket or a criminal traffic ticket. Different rules apply to each type of ticket.

  1. Non-Criminal traffic tickets. These are also called “traffic infractions” or “civil” traffic violations. These are tickets for things like speeding, faulty equipment, not having insurance, and parking tickets. 

    Usually, a non-criminal infraction notice will have a fine amount listed on the ticket itself. 

    If you have unpaid fines related to a non-criminal traffic ticket, you can ask for a payment plan or community service to pay the fine. 

    You also might be able to get your license back.

  2. Criminal traffic tickets are traffic violations that are handled in criminal court. These are often also called criminal traffic “convictions.” Some types of criminal traffic violations are driving while under the influence (DUI), hit and run, driving with a suspended license and reckless driving.

You have a right to a free public defense lawyer when you appear in court to respond to a criminal traffic offense.

If there’s no fine amount listed and the notice says that a court appearance is required, then it is a criminal traffic ticket. If you have unpaid fines related to a criminal traffic ticket, you can ask for a hearing to reduce your legal financial obligations related to the ticket.

If you know your ticket was non-criminal, ask for a payment plan or community service to pay the fine if you have already have a suspension from unpaid fines related to it. 

2. Avoid suspension