Pay Traffic Ticket in Wisconsin

Know Your Options

What it Means to Pay Your WI Traffic Ticket

Paying a traffic ticket is admitting guilt, waiving your right to a court trial. This means:

• Once you pay, no further action is required on your behalf.
• Points may be assigned to your driving record.
• Depending on your driving history, your Wisconsin driver's license may be suspended.
• You may be eligible to reduce points by completing a state-approved traffic safety school.
• The violation's appearance on your driving record may cause a jump in your car insurance rates.

Pay Traffic Citation On Time

The court must receive your guilty plea (payment) before the citation's court date passes. If no plea has been entered, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your WI driver's license and the court may:

• Issue a bench warrant for your arrest
• Enter a civil judgement against you, allowing for a lien to be placed against any real estate you own
• Charge you 12% interest
• Seize your tax refund
• Refer your case to a collection agency

Pleading Guilty as a Wisconsin CDL Driver

In addition to paying a fine for a traffic ticket conviction, you must also:

• Notify your employer within 30 days of the traffic ticket conviction date
• Notify your employer within one day if your CDL is suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified
• Notify the Wisconsin DMV within 30 days of being convicted of an out-of-state traffic violation

Consult Wisconsin's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on CDL rules and regulations.

Pleading Not Guilty

You also have the right to challenge the ticket. Presenting a strong case could sway the court to reduce charges or dismiss the ticket. Our Fight Traffic Ticket page explains how.

Pay Your Wisconsin Traffic Citation

Provided "Mandatory Appearance" is not indicated on the citation, you may pay the traffic ticket fine prior to the due date without appearing in court. Read the ticket on how to submit payment. Depending on the court you may have some or all of the following payment options:

• Online
• In person
• By mail
• By phone

Pay Online

If this option is available, the online address will be posted on the ticket. You will need the citation number and a valid credit card to complete the transaction. Expect to pay a convenience fee.

In Person

Pay the court listed on the traffic ticket. Call ahead for accepted forms of payment and hours. Be sure to bring the citation. Some courts offer drop boxes for off-hours.

By Mail

Send to the court indicated on the citation. Do not send cash. Write the traffic ticket number on the check.

By Phone

Have the citation number, your license plate number and a valid credit card when calling.

Get Points Removed From Your Driving Record

Depending on your situation, the state may give you the green light to have three points removed from your driving record by completing a traffic safety course. Read all the details in our Point Reduction page.

Check Your Driving Record

It's always wise to check your driving record for accuracy after a traffic ticket conviction. Contact the DMV if you notice any point total errors.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

Increased car insurance rates usually follow traffic ticket convictions. Keep in mind that the option always exists to switch providers. Comparing vehicle insurance rates online is a fast and efficient means of finding coverage that meets your needs and fits your budget.