Traffic Citations Information

A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal violation which usually can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or election to attend a defensive driving course. A court appearance is not required, except in cases where the violation involves an accident with serious bodily injury, a fatality or certain other violations.

Your options for a Traffic Citation

In Manatee County, you have 30 days from the date of issuance to elect one of the following:

• Option 1: Plead guilty, accept points on your driver license and pay the ticket
• Option 2: Pay the ticket and Elect Traffic School to withhold adjudication off your driving record
• Option 3: Contest the ticket and request a court hearing

Option 1 - Pay the Ticket

By paying the Traffic Civil Penalty, you are admitting guilt and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will assess points on your driving record for moving violations.
Pay Online, by mail or in person.

Option 2 - Go To Traffic School

If you choose the school option, notify the Clerk of Court with a signed Traffic Ticket Options Form when you pay the ticket and make the traffic school election. You will be then given an extra 90 days to submit a certificate of completion to show compliance in order to satisfy your case.

If the driver improvement course is completed and the completion certificate timely filed, no points will be assessed against your driver license and the fine may be reduced, depending on the type of violation. Certificates can be submitted in person, by mail or e-mail to Traffic@manateeclerk.com.

Remember, you may only elect the traffic school option five (5) times in your life and the election can only be made once every twelve (12) months. Failure to complete the school course or timely submit your completion certificate or pay the fine will result in removal of the fee reduction, points being assessed, and suspension of your license and/or late fees being assessed.

Option 3 - Contesting Your Ticket

If you choose option 2, to plead not guilty, you must make your request for a hearing in writing to the Clerk within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the ticket was received. You will be notified in writing of your court date.

Manatee County Clerk of Court

Mailing Address

Attn: Traffic
PO Box 25400
Bradenton, FL 34206

Physical Address

1115 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205

Phone: 941-741-4060