Overview

• There is no national fines registry, so drivers must use their state DMV or the local court portal, with USA.gov helping locate the correct jurisdiction.
• Most states offer online lookup and payment along with phone, mail, or in-person options, and digital payment confirmations should be saved.
• If you dispute a citation, you can request a hearing or submit an online challenge, and some courts offer payment plans, extensions, or community service.
• Ignoring tickets can trigger fees, affect DMV records, and raise insurance costs, so periodic checks are recommended, especially after driving in other states.
• Scam texts and emails with discount links have been reported; use only official .gov sites and avoid paying through unsolicited messages.