Each city and county in Mississippi handles its own traffic tickets. If you happen to get a speeding ticket, or a citation for any moving violation, locate the printed court date and phone number, wait seven to 10 working days, and then give the court clerk a call. An agent will offer information on the charges against you, the fees associated with your offense, and instructions on where and when to pay your ticket.

Mississippi does not institute a points system. Each ticket you are issued, and your response to each one, goes onto your driving record, which is accessed by potential employers and your insurance company. Your insurance rates are partially determined by your driving habits―numerous tickets, or sometimes even just one, can increase your insurance premiums.

Top Pay on Time

Although most counties require you to pay the ticket promptly, some counties offer up to 30 days to pay up. Should you forget to pay the ticket on time, or fail to arrange for a trial before the court date listed on your ticket, the county clerk will mail you a 10-day notice.

If you do not respond within that time period, your driver's license information will be sent to the courts in Jackson and your license will be automatically suspended. All correspondence will be sent to the address on your driver's license.

Courts do not accept personal checks for payment, and only a few accept credit card payments. You'll need to pay your fees with a money order or cashier's check. Only if you choose to pay in person do you have the option to pay cash. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you mail your payment; you'll need a receipt for your records.

Top Failure to Pay Means More Fees

License suspension is costly. To have your license reinstated, you will need to pay an additional $285.50 suspension fee and a $25 reinstatement fee on top of what you already owe for the tickets issued to you.

Top The Good News

In 2006, the state enacted a new law which allows drivers a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity: you may attend a driving school only once to have tickets wiped from your driving record for good.

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