If you can't afford to pay
You may ask the court to reduce the amount you owe if you can't afford to pay your traffic ticket.
Financial Hardship
As part of your request, you must show proof that you do not have the financial means to pay your fine. You may ask the court to consider your ability to pay at any point in the process, but you must enter a plea of guilty or no contest before the court can give you an answer.
The easiest way to request a fine reduction is to use the court’s new online request tool, MyCitations:
About MyCitations
The MyCitations online tool allows you to enter a plea and make an ability to pay requests on eligible infractions without going to court. In addition to requesting a reduction, you can request a payment plan, more time to pay or ask to complete community service instead of paying fines and fees. If your case is currently in collections and you cannot afford to pay your debt, you may still use MyCitations.
Please note that if you do not act by the date on your citation and reminder notice, the court may add an additional fee of up to $100. If you cannot afford the fine amount, you can request a reduction to the amount you owe at any time while the fines remain unpaid.
If you are experiencing financial hardship and you use the online tool to request a reduction, you may also use the online tool to ask the court to set up a payment plan, ask for an extension of time to pay what you owe and/or ask to complete community service hours in place of the fine. Payment plans will be approved for no more than $25 per month if you are approved for an ability-to-pay request.
Fines and fees owed from a misdemeanor or felony offense are not eligible to request a reduction.
Do not use the online tool if you want to:
- Contest the citation
- Attend traffic school
- Get a dismissal or reduction of charges with proof of correction
Other Options
Instead of using the MyCitations Tool, you may file form TR-320 with the Court. Use the TR-320 form if any of the following apply to you:
- You are unable or don't want to use the MyCitations Tool
- You would like to show proof of correction and have a financial hardship
- You would like to attend traffic school and have a financial hardship
If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay your fine, you may request the Court to review your ability to pay or make other related requests by completing the TR-320 form. The form is available below and can also be obtained from the court clerk's office. If you need to provide proof of correction for any charges or wish to request traffic school, please complete the Addendum to the TR-320 and include it with your submission.
TR-320 Can't Afford to Pay Fine: Traffic and Other Infractions