Know Your Options

You have three ways to plead your MS traffic ticket: guilty, not guilty, and no contest. You must notify the presiding court by the due date listed on your citation. If you've misplaced your ticket, learn what to do in our Lost Traffic Ticket page.

What it Means to Fight Your MS Traffic Ticket

Challenging your citation means:

• You have accepted your right to a trial, with the intent of having traffic ticket charges reduced or dismissed.
• You may represent yourself or hire a traffic ticket attorney authorized to practice in Mississippi.
• A judge rules in your favor, reducing charges or dismissing the ticket. You still must pay court and, if applicable, legal fees.
• You are found guilty by the court. You must pay fines, court fees and, if applicable, legal fees.

Pleading Guilty or No Contest

Pleading either guilty or no contest forfeits your right to a court trial. Learn more in our Paying Your Traffic Ticket page.

Enter Your Plea by Ticket's Due Date

Submit your plea by the due date listed on your traffic ticket. If you fail to respond the court will impose a late fee and possibly suspend your driver's license. In extreme situations, the court may even issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Notify the Court

You must enter your plea to the court listed on your Mississippi traffic ticket. There are no exceptions. Even if you were cited in Biloxi, for example, but live in Tupelo, you still must settle your ticket with the Biloxi court listed on your citation.

You must enter a "not guilty" plea in person on the date posted on your traffic ticket. This cannot be entered by mail or over the phone―it must be entered in person. After entering your plea, the court will schedule a trial date.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

If your budget allows, consider hiring a traffic ticket attorney to represent you in court. A traffic ticket lawyer understands the ways of the court and MS traffic laws, and will use this knowledge to better your chances for receiving a favorable verdict.

Prepare Your Case

If you opt against hiring legal counsel, you will need to prepare your own defense. This means gathering evidence, contacting witnesses, and, depending on your situation, perhaps ordering a copy of your driving record.

Plead Your Case Before a Judge or Jury

After hearing both sides, the judge will issue a verdict. If you're found guilty, you will be informed on how to proceed with settling fines and fees. If you disagree with the decision, you do have the right to appeal.

Check Your Driving Record

Regardless of verdict, check your driving record after your trial. Look for accuracy. Make sure there are not extra citations. Because additional violations could lead to an increase in auto insurance rates or cause the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend your driver's license, you want to be sure the state's record is accurate.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

If your auto insurance premiums exceed your budget, take the initiative to shop around for a new provider. The best way to do this is to compare car insurance rates from a variety of insurance companies. This way you can make a confident decision on choosing a provider that best meets your coverage needs and budget.