The only thing worse than getting a traffic ticket is paying for it.

Top Payment Options

In Indiana, the method by which you may pay for your ticket varies with the policy of the municipality in which you received the ticket. Some towns may allow you to pay by credit card or even online. Others will only allow checks or cash. You'll need to check with the municipality in question.

If you don't intend to contest the ticket, just be sure to pay it in the time stipulated. Failing to pay a ticket (or appear in court if required) will cause your license to be suspended, and may even result in arrest warrant being issued.

Top Costs

As with the method of payment, the cost of your ticket will vary depending on where you received it. A speeding ticket in Indianapolis will cost differently than one issued in South Bend. Some towns will have this information available online. For others, you'll have to call the municipality in question, or stop by the address listed on the ticket.

If you will be paying in person, you should take your ticket with you, and sign the back of it.

You should note that by paying your ticket you are admitting guilt, and this information will be sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. For information on traffic points, see our DMV Point System section.

Top Required Court Appearance

Certain traffic violations automatically mean that you must go to court. Examples of these are:

• Driving while under suspension

• Child-restraint violation

• Failing to provide proof of financial responsibility

• Driving without ever having a
  license

• Passing a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children

• Driving over 35 miles per hour more than the speed limit

Additionally, you'll have to appear in court if instructed to by the police officer or a court official.

Also, if you're younger than 18, you'll need to bring a parent or guardian with you to court, except if you're just guilty of a seat belt infraction.

Top Contesting Your Ticket

Maybe you feel that you weren't speeding, or that you did come to a complete stop. You can always choose to contest your ticket in court.

If you want to fight your ticket, you must initially appear in court on your assigned date, and make your plea. A trial date for your case will then be set. If you cannot appear on that date, you must give the court at least five days notice.

On the court date, you may either deny the infraction, or plead no contest.

Doing the later means that while not admitting guilt, you will be able to explain your version of the incident to the judge. Even if you are found guilty, this in some cases might lessen the amount of your fine.

You will be allowed to hire an attorney to represent you. You will also be allowed to bring witnesses.

The prosecutor will present evidence to show that you are guilty of the infraction. The state only needs to show guilt by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that you more likely than not committed the offense.

This is an easier benchmark to reach than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard for criminal cases. For example, the prosecutor will only need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that you were speeding, not that you were going the speed listed on your ticket.

You should also note that you may be placed under oath, and may be called upon to testify.

Of course, you will be responsible for any attorney fees.

Top Driver Improvement Program

Indiana motorists may volunteer to take a driver safety program. These programs offer an education about defensive driving, and are offered through several
state-approved companies. Generally speaking, you may complete a home study workbook, video or Internet class, or go through classroom instruction. Exceptions would be if you're required to take a course or the court or BMV specifies that you must take a classroom course. The DIP classes cost no more than $45.

If you successfully complete a DIP, you will receive a four-point credit on your license that will remain there for three years. However, this does not mean those points will come off your license. It only pushes back the point at which you'll lose your license by four points.

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