Traffic Citation Information
You must make payment or an election to the Clerk of Court within 30 calendar days of receiving a ticket to avoid additional late fees and possible suspension of your driver license.
Your options for a Traffic Citation
Upon receipt of a traffic ticket for any violation where points may be assessed, you have 30 days from the date of issuance of the ticket to exercise one of three options:
- Option 1: Pay Fines and Fees in Full. Points may be assessed.
- Option 2: Elect Driving School
- Option 3: Request a Court Hearing
Option 1 - Pay the Ticket
When you elect this option, it is considered a conviction and points may be assessed on your driver license. You will not be allowed to elect the driving school option at a later date.
Civil traffic infractions must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the citation was issued. Failure to pay may result in Driver License suspension and late fees and reinstatement fees may be assessed.
Payments can be made Online, by Mail, or in Person - (see address below)
Option 2 - Elect Traffic School
No points will be assessed against your Driver's License if you complete a driver improvement school. Traffic school and applicable fees must be completed 90 days from the selection of traffic school.
The driving school certificate of completion may be filed in person at any Clerk's office ocation, or by sending the certificate of completion by mail to the Polk Clerk of Courts.
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 timely 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 - Contest Your Ticket
If you choose to contest a Civil Traffic Infraction ticket, you must make your request for a hearing in writing to the Clerk within 30 calendar days of the date of the citation. You will be notified of your court date.
Polk County Clerk of Court Locations
Correspondence Address
Polk County Clerk and ComptrollerPO Box 9000, Drawer CC-10
Bartow, FL 33891-9000
Bartow Office
255 N Broadway AveBartow, FL 33830
Lakeland Office
930 E Parker St, Room 240Lakeland, FL 33801
Northeast Office
200 Government Center BlvdLake Alfred, FL 33850
Phone: 863-534-4000
