Know Your Options

You have two plea options: guilty and not guilty. Regardless of plea, you must enter it with the court within 14 days of the citation's issue date. If you've lost your ticket, check out our Lost Traffic Ticket page.

What it Means to Fight Your ND Traffic Ticket

Pleading not guilty requires challenging your traffic ticket in court. This means:

• You may represent yourself, or hire legal counsel.
• The court may rule in your favor. Your bond will be returned, but you'll still be required to pay court fees and, if applicable, legal fees.
• The court may find you guilty. Your bond will not be returned and you'll also be required to pay court fees and, if applicable, legal fees. Points will be assigned to your driving record, possibly leading to the suspension of your North Dakota driver's license.

Pleading Guilty

Paying a traffic ticket indicates to the court that you are waiving your right to a trial and admitting guilt. For more information, read our Paying Your Traffic Ticket page.

Avoid Being Issued a Warrant

Regardless of plea, you must post bond (North Dakota's term for "paying the ticket fine") within 14 days of the citation's issue date. Failing to enter a plea may result in a suspended driver's license and a bench warrant being issued for your arrest.

Notify the Court

In North Dakota you must post bond even when pleading not guilty. You may notify the court by mail or in person. If you post bond by mail, follow the instructions on the citation, indicating that you want a hearing. The presiding court will then notify you of a hearing date within three to four weeks.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

Consider consulting a traffic ticket attorney. You might discover that hiring legal counsel could improve your chances for a favorable verdict. Reduced charges or an outright dismissal may spare your driving record of points and your ND driver's license from suspension.

Prepare Your Case

If you opt against hiring a traffic ticket lawyer, you'll need to prepare a defense. This may require ordering your driving record and interviewing and subpoenaing witnesses. Call the presiding court if you have any questions about the proceedings.

Plead Your Case Before a Judge

After hearing both sides, the judge will issue a verdict. If found not guilty, the court will return your bond. Otherwise, if found guilty, the court will retain your bond, assign points to your driving record and, depending on the circumstances, possibly suspend or revoke your North Dakota driver's license.

Check Your Driving Record

Regardless of verdict, review your driving record after the trial. Check for accuracy. Verify points and listed violations. An accumulation of traffic violations could lead to the loss of driving privileges and increased car insurance rates.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

Increased car insurance premiums usually coincide with traffic ticket convictions. Counter a rate increase by shopping for a new provider. Comparing car insurance rates online is a fast and convenient way for finding a coverage plan that fits your needs and budget.