How to Pay or Fight Alaska Traffic Tickets
When you’re driving in Alaska, it’s important to know the traffic laws and how to handle a ticket. In this post, we’ll outline the steps you need to take if you get a ticket and how to pay your fines. We’ll also provide some tips on fighting a traffic ticket in Alaska. Let’s get started!
Those having received an Alaska traffic ticket have options for handling and paying them.
Usually, this involves one of two things:
- Plead guilty and pay it
- Attempt to contest it
Pleading guilty does mean you’ll pay the ticket but could result in a lighter fee or penalty. In some situations, you’ll notice a “correctable offense” note in which you’ll need to provide evidence of your actions when pleading guilty.
Your traffic ticket should contain all the information you need when moving forward. In this guide, you’ll learn your options for dealing with your traffic ticket.
How to Pay Your Alaska Traffic Tickets
You should attempt to pay for your traffic ticket as soon as possible.
Failing to pay the ticket in time can result in further penalties. This may include a license suspension which, in turn, can cause a slew of charges from reinstatement fees to insurance renewal fees!
You can pay for your ticket:
- Online
- In-person
- By mail
How you’ll pay depends on the county you reside. You should check with your local court to verify your ticket information if you have questions. Because each county is different, your payment options vary.
You should check your ticket for important details like:
- The county in which it was issued
- The payment options and whether you’ll need to appear in court
From there, proceed with your payment option outlined by the ticket. In some instances, you can do so online, by mail, or in person. If you don’t understand or see this information, contact your county clerk.
After paying:
- Get a receipt
- Check your driving records
The receipt is for your personal record keeping while the driving records help verify if you’re getting too close to the driving point thresholds.
How to Dispute Alaska Traffic Tickets
The court may go lenient on you in some situations. In this case, you may be able to do an approved defensive driving school to mitigate some of the fines and penalties. Or, dismiss the ticket entirely.
Yet:
The process varies by your infractions, but you’ll typically have options in either reducing or dismissing the ticket. You may also appeal and contest the tickets outright to which you’ll request the hearing, go through the discovery, show up in court, and react based on what happens during the hearing.
You’ll need to make the decision before its due date.
Some drivers may be eligible to take a defensive driving course or get their ticket dismissed depending on their ticketing circumstances and how they act in court. A good driving record will help with your appeal and in reducing your ticket fines and fees.
Hiring an Alaska Traffic Lawyer
You may want to consider hiring a traffic lawyer in Alaska.
The professional can provide ample insight and skills that’ll help you (potentially) beat the ticket. Look around your area or use online directories (like our own) to find one in your area. Don’t delay, time is valuable as you have a limited window to dispute your AK tickets!
