How you pay the fine for a traffic citation in New Mexico depends on where the ticket was issued. The state has one Metropolitan Court, which serves the greater Albuquerque area, and a bevy of smaller municipal courts scattered across the state. These are usually the places you will end up if you have to appear in court for a traffic ticket arraignment.

If you appeal a decision at the municipal level, or if the fine for your offense is more than $500, or if you are having a trial by jury, your case will be elevated to a district court. At no time do you pay your ticket to the Motor Vehicle Division.

Although New Mexico does have something of a uniform traffic code that cities may use as a guideline to set their traffic laws, it's just a starting point. Municipalities can implement their own laws as long as they are within the limits of the state statues. Thus, a traffic ticket in Santa Fe might not cost the same as a ticket for the same offense in Roswell.

Top Paying by Mail or Phone

The majority of moving violations issued in New Mexico have a fine that can be paid without ever going to court. Your citation will let you know if you have this option.

Just look to see if the "penalty assessment" box has been marked. If so, you will need to send in your payment to the address stated on the citation.

Some courts also allow payment via credit card over the phone. Again, it will depend on where the ticket was issued and what payment options are listed on the citation.

Top Making a Court Appearance

Depending on the offense committed, you may be summoned to appear in a local court. Check your citation to see if the "court appearance" box is marked. If so, you will need to appear at the court address listed on the date that is noted. Failure to do so will result in a bench warrant being issued.

This means that the next time you come in contact with law enforcement and have your name run through the system, you will be arrested and taken to the local jail. That's not a fun way to spend a day or night, so it is best to take care of the ticket when it is due.

Offenses Requiring a Mandatory Court Appearance

Certain traffic violations don't afford you the option of pleading guilty and paying a fine through the mail. For the more serious offenses, a judge will want to talk to you in person. These violations include:

• Reckless driving

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

• Leaving the scene of an accident

• Street racing

• Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

Top Traffic School

In many moving violation cases, if you attend a driving improvement school offered by the local court, you can bar any points from being tacked onto your driving record. The fees for enrolling in one of these courses can range from $80 to $100. That may sound steep, but just think of what you will save on insurance.

You will only be able to attend a class to excuse points against your driving history once every 18 months. If you have perpetual problems with earning citations, you most likely will end up with points on your record finally.

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