Pay Traffic Ticket in North Dakota

Know Your Options

What it Means to Pay Your ND Traffic Ticket

Paying a traffic ticket is the equivalent of a guilty plea. This means:

• You are knowingly waiving your right to a trial in court
• Points will be assigned to your driving record
• Your ND driver's license may be suspended (contingent on the infraction and driving record's point total)
• Possible increase in your car insurance premiums

If you fail to post bond within 14 days of the citation's issue date, your ND driver's license may be suspended and a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Pleading Guilty as a CDL Driver

You, by law, must notify your employer and the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) within 30 days of receiving a traffic citation. This applies to all situations, regardless of state or vehicle. You can learn more about CDL rules and regulations in the North Dakota Commercial Drivers License Guide.

Pleading Not Guilty

You reserve the right to challenge your non-criminal traffic ticket in court. A strong defense may sway the judge to reduce charges or dismiss the ticket. Find out how to pursue this option in our Fighting Your Traffic Ticket section.

Pay Your North Dakota Traffic Ticket

North Dakota gives you two ways to pay your bond (North Dakota's term for fine): mail and in person.

Pay by Mail

Send check or money order, along with the citation, to the court listed on your traffic ticket.

Pay in Person

You may pay in person at the court listed on your citation. Call the court for accepted forms of payment and whether proof of identification is required. Bring your citation.

Some courts may provide drop-boxes, allowing you to deliver your payment during off hours.

Get Points Removed From Your Driving Record

Depending on the traffic offense, you may have the opportunity to complete a driver training course in lieu of points being added to your driving record. To learn if you're eligible, reference our page on point reduction.

Check Your Driving Record

Review your driving record after receiving a traffic ticket. Know where you stand with points. If your point total is nearing 12, the state's suspension mark, you may want to consider enrolling in a driver training course, or, at the very least, adopting more defensive driving habits.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

Increased auto insurance rates usually follow traffic ticket convictions. You can counter high premiums by shopping for a new provider. Comparing car insurance rates online is a fast and convenient way for finding affordable coverage.