KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
BEFORE PAYING YOUR TRAFFIC CITATION

When you receive a non-criminal traffic citation you have three options to consider, however, after selecting one of the options, you cannot change your mind.

OPTION 1 — PAY
By paying the Traffic Civil Penalty, you are admitting guilt and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will assess points on your driving record for moving violations.

OPTION 2 — SCHOOL
If you elect the Basic Driver Improvement Course option, adjudication is withheld, the cost of the citation will be increased, and the DHSMV will not assess points against your driving record. A course certificate of completion form must be returned to the Clerk’s Office.

OPTION 3 — REQUEST A COURT HEARING
You must complete and submit a Traffic Citation Option form to the Traffic Department to request a court hearing. When you request a court hearing, you give up your right to pay the civil penalty amount and you give up your right to elect the driving school option.

If you are found guilty, however, you may, in some cases, be fined up to $1,000, plus court costs. You may obtain the form to request a court hearing at the Traffic Department or go to CollierClerk.com and click on “Court Divisions”, then “Traffic”, then “Forms”.

Please note, if you do not select an option within 30 days, the only option available to you is to pay the citation amount.

Again, after selecting one of the options, you cannot change your mind.