If you've been stopped and ticketed for a traffic violation, you basically have two options:

• Mail in payment for the amount of the fine

• Make a court appearance

In some Kansas counties, you may make your payment online. Check the back of your traffic ticket to see if this is available in your area.

Traffic School

Depending on the nature of the offense, you may be given an option to pay your fine and attend traffic school or a defensive driving program in order to have the infraction removed from your driving record. Call the court number listed on the back of your traffic ticket, and ask about traffic school diversion options.

Determine the Fine

Fine amounts are set by the Kansas state legislature. Some examples of violations for which there are fines are:

• Speeding and stop sign tickets

• Misdemeanor traffic violations

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Driving while license suspended

• Expired license plates

See Kansas Statutes, 8-2118 for a list of infractions and fines.

Also, for those infractions without a set fine amount, the office writing the ticket may indicate a fine amount on the ticket. Keep in mind that all fines are doubled if the infraction occurred within a school or construction zone.

Check Your Ticket

The date on your traffic ticket is not a set court date; rather, it is the due date of the fine. If you are unable to pay your ticket by this date, call the court and make arrangements for an extension.

If you decide to go to court over your traffic ticket, your case will be heard by the Kansas Traffic Division. Also, depending on the type of infraction, you might want to consult with an experienced traffic ticket attorney before you appear in court.

If your particular ticket requires an appearance before the court, it will be clearly noted on the ticket you receive. Be sure to attend this court date; missing a court appearance could cause suspension of your driver's license and a warrant could be issued for your immediate arrest.

At Your Court Appearance

When you go to court on the specified date, you will be asked to enter a plea of "not guilty," "guilty," or "no contest" to the charges indicated on the ticket. If you plead not guilty and want a trial, the court will schedule one.

Sending in Payment

If you do not wish to make a trip to court and do want to pay the fine, you may waive your right to a trial, and enter a plea of guilty or no contest. Send the carbon copy of the ticket along with a check or money order to the address indicated on the ticket. Be sure to write the ticket number (found in the upper right hand corner of the ticket) on the check or money order. Payment must be received before the due date shown on the ticket.