Paying Your Traffic Ticket

Usually, when you get a ticket, the issuing officer discusses the basics of paying it off.
He or she typically will answer any questions you may have on the specifics of your citation. If you are still unsure, and the ticket does not clearly detail how you should go about paying the fines associated with the violation, read below for some basic info.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are typically handled in court in the county where you received the ticket. Once the judge gives you a penalty, you are in the custody of the court until you shell out the money to cover any fines and court costs. If you refuse to pay, even though you have the money, you may find yourself in jail, paying $5 a day until you pay your fines and court costs. Most likely the court will allow you to do community service instead of paying the fines.

Infractions

The state does not consider these minor traffic offenses crimes, but civic public offenses. Because the Idaho Supreme Court has created a fixed penalty schedule for infraction violations, no court can increase, decrease, suspend, or withhold any such penalty. Instead, penalties are fines, more than anything. And because the fixed penalty is not a criminal fine, the court cannot assign jail time or set a bond. Penalties range from $10 to $141.50 at this time, depending on the offense.

You can admit to committing the infraction, pay the fixed penalty at the courthouse or by mailing the payment to the court clerk, and go on with your life. Or you can deny charges and state your case in a court trial. See the list of courthouse addresses below.

Let's say you decide to fight it and the court finds you guilty. The court will notify you to pay the fixed penalty. The same occurs if you simply decide to not show up. Failure to pay the penalty will allow the Department of Transportation to suspend your driver's license.

Ada County Courthouse in Boise:
200 West Front St.

Boise County Courthouse in Idaho City:
415 Main St.

Elmore County Courthouse in Mountain Home:
150 South 4th East, Suite 5

Valley County Courthouse in Cascade:
219 North Main

Defensive Driving

Points equal convictions equal the more cash you pay to be insured. But every three years, the state allows you to dissolve three of those points if you complete an approved defensive driving course. Taking the course will help you touch up on your driving skills (so that hopefully you won't find yourself in the same situation again) and will most likely decrease your insurance premium as well.

These days, there are a variety of courses designed to fit your busy schedule, and often they are taught in a fun manner. Keep in mind that this is no longer an option for you if you are already in point trouble and your license has been suspended.