Know Your Options

You have three plea options: guilty, nolo contendere, and not guilty. Regardless of plea, you must enter it within 30 days of the citation date. If you cannot find your ticket, learn what to do in our Lost Traffic Ticket section.

What it Means to Fight Your New Hampshire Traffic Ticket

Challenging your citation means:

• You are pursuing your right to a trial by court.
• You may represent yourself or seek legal counsel.
• The court may rule in your favor, reducing the charges or dismissing the ticket. Though fines will be dropped, you must pay court and, if applicable, attorney fees.
• The court may find you guilty, requiring the payment of fines, court fees and, if applicable, lawyer fees. Points will be entered on your driving record and your NH driver's license may be suspended.
• If you end up with points on your driving record, you could opt to take a state-approved driver improvement program to reduce points every three years.

Plead Guilty or Nolo Contendere

Pleading guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) forfeits your right to a court trial. For more information on these two pleas, visit our Pay Traffic Ticket section.

Avoid Being Issued a Warrant

You must appear in court on the date listed on your NH traffic ticket. Failing to appear comes with penalties, including late fees, loss of driving privileges and a bench warrant for your arrest.

Notify the NH Bureau of Financial Responsibility

After checking the citation's "not guilty" box and signing it, mail the ticket to:

• NH DOS DMV

• FR - PBM

• 23 Hazen Drive

• Concord, NH 03305

Your not guilty plea will then be forwarded to the presiding court (where you were ticketed). You should receive a court date within six to eight weeks. If, after eight weeks, you have not received notice, call the Bureau of Financial Responsibility at (603) 227-4010.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

If your budget allows, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer is highly recommended. Legal counsel's expertise might improve your chances for a favorable decision. Reduced charges or a dismissal, may not only spare you of fines, but also of a possible suspended or revoked driver's license.

Prepare Your Case

If you elect to represent yourself, you'll need to prepare a strong defense. This may include interviewing and subpoenaing witnesses and ordering a copy of your driving record.

Plead Your Case Before a Judge or Jury

You will initially meet with the court prosecutor at what is called a pretrial conference. If an agreement cannot be reached, you will assigned a second court date, but this time before a judge.

On the day of your trial, the judge will listen to both sides and then issue a verdict. If found guilty, you will be instructed on how to proceed with paying all fines and fees.

Check Your Driving Record

Regardless of verdict, check your driving record periodically. Verify that all information and reported traffic violations is accurate. Contact the DMV if you notice any errors.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

Increased auto insurance rates usually coincide with traffic violations. You can always offset increased premiums by shopping for a new provider. Comparing car insurance rates online is the best way for finding an affordable plan that bests meets your coverage needs.