If you have received a traffic ticket in Travis County, Texas, you will need to know where and how to pay it or contest it in court. Paying traffic tickets can be a headache, but knowing the process and your options can make it simpler. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about paying traffic tickets in Travis County, including:
- The different types of traffic tickets in Travis County and typical fines
- Where to pay traffic tickets in person in Travis County
- Online and by-mail payment options
- Payment plan and extension options
- Contesting a traffic ticket in Travis County
- The consequences of not paying Travis County traffic tickets
Whether you want to quickly pay your ticket, explore payment plans, or contest it in court, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Types of Traffic Tickets and Fines in Travis County
There are a variety of traffic violations you may receive a ticket for in Travis County. Some of the most common include:
Speeding Tickets
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Travis County. Fines for speeding depend on how much over the speed limit you were driving:
- 1-10 mph over – $200
- 11-20 mph over – $300
- 21-25 mph over – $400
- 26+ mph over – $500
Fines increase sharply for excessive speeding. Going over 100 mph can result in fines over $1000.
Stop Sign and Red Light Violations
Running a stop sign in Travis County carries a fine of $200. Running a red light can result in a $300 ticket.
Expired Registration and Inspection Stickers
If your vehicle registration or inspection sticker is expired, you may get a ticket for $200. Make sure to keep your registrations and inspections up to date.
Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat Violations
Not wearing a seat belt in Travis County results in a $200 fine. Violations for improper child safety restraints are $250-500 per unrestrained child. Always buckle up and restrain children properly.
Cell Phone/Texting While Driving
Fines for texting, talking on a handheld phone, or using smartphone apps while driving are $500 for the first offense in Travis County. The fines increase sharply for repeat violations to $1000+.
No Insurance
Driving without valid insurance leads to fines of $350-1000 in Travis County, depending on exact circumstances. Always maintain active auto insurance.
Where to Pay In-Person in Travis County
If you wish to pay a Travis County traffic ticket in person, you have a few options:
Downtown Austin Courthouse
The main traffic ticket payment center is located on the first floor of the Downtown Austin Courthouse at 1000 Guadalupe St:
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
- Closed weekends and holidays
- Cash, check, money order, and major credit/debit cards accepted
- Can make partial payments if needed
This is the best option for in-person payment. Make sure to know your citation number.
Other Travis County Clerk Offices
There are a handful of smaller County Clerk offices around Travis County where you can pay traffic tickets:
- J.J. Pickle Research Campus – 10100 Burnet Rd, Building 137, Austin, TX 78758
- North Travis County Courthouse – 12700 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78727
- South Travis County Courthouse – 1916 S Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78741
Hours vary at these locations – call ahead to verify.
Night Depositories
For after-hours payments, there are night depositories located at:
- 1000 Guadalupe St Courthouse
- Justice Complex – 509 W 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
Include payment and citation info. Payment will be processed the next business day.
Online and By-Mail Payment Options
Travis County offers convenient online and mail payment options:
Online Payment Portal
Payments can be made 24/7 on the Travis County Clerk website:
- Visit www.traviscountyclerk.org
- Click “Traffic Ticket Payments”
- Input your citation number and birthdate
- Small processing fee applies to payments
- eCheck or credit/debit cards accepted
This is the most convenient online payment method.
Pay by Phone
Call 1-800-444-1187 to pay Travis County traffic tickets by phone. Processing fees apply.
Pay by Mail
You can mail in a check or money order payable to Travis County Clerk to:
- Travis County Clerk
- P.O. Box 149328
- Austin, TX 78714
Be sure to include citation information. Allow 5 business days for processing.
Payment Plans and Extensions
If you need more time to pay your traffic ticket, Travis County offers options:
Payment Plans
Payment plans allow you to split your fine into multiple smaller payments over 3-4 months. A $25 fee applies. Payment plans must be set up in person at the Downtown Courthouse.
30 Day Extension
A one-time 30-day extension to pay can be granted. Extensions must also be processed in person.
Alternative Payment Plans
Low-income residents can inquire about alternative payment assistance programs, such as reduced fines or community service.
Discuss your situation with the clerk to see if you qualify for any payment assistance programs.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket
If you believe your traffic ticket was issued unfairly or want to dispute it, you have the right to contest it in court. Here is the process:
Request a Court Hearing
To contest, send a written hearing request to the court address on your ticket within 20 days of receiving it. This will schedule you for a court hearing.
Prepare Your Case
Gather evidence and research the traffic laws relevant to your ticket. You may want to consult with a traffic lawyer. Locate any witnesses who can testify on your behalf.
Appear at Your Hearing
Show up to court on your assigned date and time. The officer will present their case against you first. You will then have the chance to present evidence and call witnesses.
The Judge Decides
The judge will consider the arguments and evidence from both sides. They will then decide whether to uphold your ticket or dismiss it.
Contesting a ticket does not guarantee it will get dismissed. But it does give you a chance to make your case.
Consequences of Not Paying
It is critical that you pay traffic tickets in Travis County in a timely manner. Here is what can happen if you do not:
- Late fees – $25 fee if not paid within 30 days
- License suspension – The DMV may suspend your driver’s license
- Arrest warrant – An arrest warrant may be issued, leading to possible jail time
- Car impound – Your car may get impounded until fines are paid off
- Civil lawsuit – You may get sued to forcibly collect unpaid fines
Failure to pay tickets also leads to marks on your driving and credit records. Don’t ignore traffic tickets – take prompt action.
Travis County Traffic Ticket Payment Tips
Follow these tips for smooth traffic ticket payment in Travis County:
- Act quickly – Pay within 20 days to avoid late fees
- Know your fine amount – Fines vary based on violation
- Keep your citation info handy – Have the ticket number ready
- Consider payment plans – If you need more time
- Pay online – Fast and convenient option
- Contest unfair tickets – You have the right to a hearing
Travis County Traffic Ticket Payment FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about paying Travis County traffic tickets:
How much are traffic ticket fines in Travis County?
Fines range from $200 for minor violations up to $500+ for 20+ mph over speed limit, texting while driving, or no insurance. Some infractions like excessive speeding can exceed $1000.
What if I want to contest a Travis County traffic ticket?
You can request a hearing within 20 days to dispute the ticket in court. Details on contesting tickets are covered earlier in this guide.
Are there options if I can’t afford my full fine amount?
Payment plans and extensions give you more time to pay. Low-income residents may qualify for reduced fines or community service.
Can I take traffic school to dismiss a ticket?
Unfortunately no – Travis County does not offer traffic school. Your only option is to dispute the ticket in court.
What happens if I don’t pay my Travis County ticket?
You will face late fees, license suspension, arrest warrants, car impoundment, and other serious consequences. Pay promptly!
Key Takeaways on Paying Travis County Traffic Tickets
To summarize, key points on handling Travis County traffic tickets:
- Know your violation type and fine amount
- Pay in-person downtown, online, or by mail
- Consider payment plan or extension requests if needed
- Contest unfair tickets at your court hearing
- Avoid serious penalties by paying promptly
Follow this guide to quickly resolve your Travis County traffic ticket. Drive safely to avoid future violations!
Table of Traffic Ticket Fines in Travis County
Violation | Fine Amount |
---|---|
Speeding 1-10 mph over | $200 |
Speeding 11-20 mph over | $300 |
Speeding 21-25 mph over | $400 |
Speeding 26+ mph over | $500+ |
Stop sign violation | $200 |
Red light violation | $300 |
Expired registration/inspection | $200 |
Seat belt/child restraint violation | $200-500 |
Texting while driving | $500 |
No insurance | $350-1000 |
Conclusion
We have covered all the key steps and details for paying traffic tickets in Travis County. Be sure to carefully review your citation, fine amount, and options. Move promptly to pay in-person, online, or by mail within the 20 day deadline. Consider payment assistance or contesting the ticket if needed. Follow the advice in this guide to quickly resolve your Travis County traffic violation.