How to Pay or Dispute West Virginia Traffic Tickets
Those having received a West Virginia traffic ticket have options in handling and paying them.
Usually this involves one of two things:
- Pay it
- Contest it
Whether you plan to contest it, do know that you need to pay the ticket before the due date to avoid extra penalties if you’re not 100% sure you’ll contest it in time. Otherwise, start making your plans now to dispute the ticket and make the appropriate plans as need be.
In this guide, you’ll learn your options with dealing with your traffic ticket.
How to Pay Your West Virginia Traffic Ticket
You should attempt to pay 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!
West Virginia provides a few ways to pay your traffic ticket – the easiest being online.
You should refer to your ticket as it contains information needed when processing its payment. You should also note the deadline. The ticket also includes contact details if you need to talk with the court and arrange a plan if needed.
You can pay your traffic ticket:
- Online
- In Person
- By Phone
- By Mail
How is this done? It depends.
The information on the ticket will provide all the appropriate details.
The way you’ll conduct your business depends on your ticket, court, and location. It’s best you refer to your local jurisdiction, and by referring to the information on the ticket.
West Virginia Traffic Fines & Penalties
The fines and penalties you get depend on your actions and vary by the court’s decision. Your actions may cause higher fines and penalties depending on your driving history, too. You may also need to pay late fees if it’s not dealt with quickly.
Examples of incidents causing traffic and safety violations include:
- Reckless driving or racing
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to carry auto insurance
- Causing property damages
You may also get moving or non-moving violations like:
- Running a stop sign
- Distracted driving
- Faulty vehicle and operations
- Failing to follow traffic laws
You may also get a license suspension if you fail to appear in court, fail to respond to a traffic citation, and many other instances where you disobey the law.
West Virginia’s Point System
West Virginia does use a driver point system.
The point system tracks your driving activities and accumulating too many can result in additional penalties. Combine the traffic ticket with the extra penalties and your total costs can skyrocket depending on your actions!
You’re welcome to check your driving records for information about the status of your license and registration. Otherwise, we recommend contacting your local DMV or talk with a traffic law professional as you move forward with handling your ticket(s) and points.
When to Hire a West Virginia Traffic Attorney
Failing to respond to your ticket can lead to a license suspension.
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 out-right 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.
