Yes. If your traffic ticket is eligible, you can pay it online through the Virginia Judicial System website.
Since the site can be a bit confusing to navigate, we’ve put together these step-by-step instructions to hopefully make the process a little easier.
However, you should remember that paying a traffic ticket is equivalent to entering a guilty plea for a traffic infraction.
At the very least, you should research the consequences of a traffic ticket before you choose to pay, such as increased insurance premiums and the DMV adding demerit points to your license.
How to Pay a Virginia Traffic Ticket Online in 7 Steps
Step 1: Navigate to the Correct Site
In Virginia, there are three courts that handle traffic tickets:
Circuit Court and JDR Court cases share the Virginia Judiciary Online Payment System, while General District Courts use a separate Online Case Information System.
Before navigating any further, make sure to double check that you’re using the correct site.
In most cases, the officer who gave you the ticket will list the court and jurisdiction on your Summons (the actual ticket you received).
Most of the time, the General District Court in the county or city you were stopped in will have jurisdiction over your case.
However, if a minor (individual under the age of 18) receives a speeding ticket, the JDR Court may have jurisdiction.
Also, please read the Virginia Judicial System’s instructional page for paying traffic tickets.
You can find the pages for each court on the Virginia Court Website.
Most of the steps in this article are expanded versions of the steps on these pages.
Always read these pages before paying your ticket to find out your exact responsibilities.
Step 2: Accept the Terms and Conditions of Use
After navigating to the payment page, the first thing that you’ll see is a screen asking you to accept the terms and conditions of use for the site.
You should take a moment to understand the risks that come with making payments online.
You’re essentially just authorizing the court to use your credit card number, while also accepting liability for returned payments.
Make sure to read through the terms and conditions carefully before you click “accept.”
Unlike the normal terms of use agreements, these are actually quite short, so there’s no harm in glancing them over.
Step 3: Find Your Case
Once you navigate to the correct site, you’ll have to find your actual case in one of the two databases shown above.
First, choose the court that has jurisdiction over your case (i.e. “Virginia Beach General District Court”).
Then, add other information as needed to search for your case.
If you’re using the General District Court website, you’ll have to choose a search preference (name, case number, hearing date) before entering your information.
If you don’t have the copy of your ticket, you can locate the correct court on this district map.
Simply click on the region that is closest to to where you received your ticket.
Step 4: Process your Payment
Once you find your ticket in the system, you can start the process to pay your ticket.
If you’re using the JDR/Circuit Court system, simply check the box next to your ticket then click “Pay” at the top or bottom of your screen.
If you’re using the General District Court page, you’ll instead click directly on your case number, then click “Mark for Payment” at the bottom of your case description.
You can then click “Process Payment” to move on to the next screen.
Step 5: Double-Check that you have the Correct Case
Make sure to double-check that the information in the action column is correct, then click “Continue Payment Process.”
Step 6: Enter Your Payment Amount
Once you enter the correct amount, click “Continue Payment Process” again.
The system will then prompt you to submit your credit card information.
Once you finish, you can click “Submit Payment” to complete the transaction.
Step 7: Print out the Confirmation Page for Your Records
Make sure to print out the confirmation page after you submit your payment.
This document could prove useful in case there is a problem with your payment down the line, or if you have any questions about your case.
Other Important Information
Pre-Court vs. Post-Court Payments
You can pay your traffic ticket online both before and after the hearing date.
These are commonly referred to as “pre-court” and “post-court” payments:
- Pre-Court Payments — You have until 3:30 pm on the last business day before your court date to pay online. If you’re too late, the system won’t allow you to click “mark for payment.”
- Post-Court Payments — If your hearing date has passed, you can pay your ticket starting at 6:00 am on the day after your court date. (The site won’t let you pay your ticket on the day of the hearing). You’ll have 30 days after your hearing date to pay your ticket online.
It’s important to remember that if you submit a pre-court payment, you are essentially entering a “guilty” plea, and are waiving your right to a court hearing.
If you don’t pay your ticket by 40 days after your court date, your account will start to accrue interest and will be sent to collections.
Processing Fee
It’s also important to note that online credit and debit card payments have a 4% convenience fee.
Conclusion
The Virginia Court System offers a convenient (although sometimes confusing) online payment system for traffic tickets.
If your ticket is online payment-eligible, you can simply follow the steps outlined in this guide to pay your ticket quickly and easily.
Similarly, make sure to read all of the instructions on the Virginia Judicial System website for paying traffic tickets.
These pages have the most up-to-date information on the specific procedures you need to follow.
