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 Palm Beach 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 Driver Improvement Affidavit Form when you pay the ticket and make the traffic school election. You must complete an approved BDI traffic school course within 90 days from the date of this election. You may verify that the school filed your certificate of completion by using our online court records system, eCaseView.

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.

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 to contest the ticket, you must submit a request for a hearing in writing to the Clerk within 30 days of the date of the citation. You will be notified of your court date via U.S. Mail. Please be sure to provide a valid postal address.

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court

Main Courthouse Mailing Address

PO Box 3544
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3544

Main Courthouse

205 N Dixie Hwy, 2nd Floor, Room 2.2300
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

South County Branch

200 West Atlantic Ave. Room 150
Delray Beach, FL 33444

North County Beach

3188 PGA Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Royal Palm Beach Branch

200 Civic Center Way, Suite 400
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

West County Branch

2950 State Road 15, Room S-100
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Phone: 561-355-2994