Traffic tickets are nobody’s favorite thing; what is worse is that they are very expensive and when they pile up, they become an expensive bother. However, things have gotten better; some states have introduced payment plans into traffic laws. Now you can pay your traffic ticket off slowly and at a comfortable pace. We have researched and found everything related to that DMV have payment plans and how you can apply for one.
Does DMV Have Payment Plans?
Yes, DMV has payment plans to offer you on request. DMV ticket fines are quite expensive, they have to be in order to discourage you from committing the crimes. If you get fined and you miss the payment date, you get an additional fine for missing the default. Your debt to the DMV keeps on increasing as time goes on.
When eventually your license gets suspended and you have a court case to answer, you will find that the total sum you have to pay may be more than you anticipated. For most DMVs, the application for a payment plan can be filled and sent online; all you need to do is just visit their website and check the appropriate tags. If such an arrangement is not available in your state, you can still get a scheduled payment arranged by the court clerk.
After agreeing to the payment plan, your license will be returned to you. However, if you miss a payment date, the DMV might repossess your license, and you won’t get another chance to open a payment plan. The license won’t be released until you pay off your fine.
Now, how do you apply for a DMV payment plan?
How To Apply For a Payment Plan?
It is important to note at this point that some states’ DMV do not offer payment plans, but you still have some options available.
1. Check your ticket to determine the issuing state or city
When you receive a traffic violation ticket, the first thing you should do is to determine where to answer your ticket. Although DMVs in most states offer payment plans, others might not, but you may be able to convince the judge to give you one.
2. If you are unable to immediately pay the fine, you might want to contest it in court
The common belief that you do not need a lawyer for a traffic ticket case is wrong. If you are in court, you need someone to protect your interest, and that person is your lawyer. If you are truly in the wrong, plead “guilty” but cite your financial situation and ask for a payment plan. If the judge decides to grant you one, the arrangement and amount you pay monthly will be determined by your salary. You stand a chance to pay less every amount if you have a lawyer to assist you in the negotiations.
3. The next step is to get the payment plan either by applying for it or requesting it from the court
After your ticket has been resolved by the court, depending on the verdict and whether you can pay the lump sum at once, you may apply for a payment plan. You should keep in mind that even if state law does not include a payment plan or scheduled payment for traffic tickets, the court might give you one if you request it and have solid grounds for your request. But if the state has a payment plan, all you have to do is enquire as to its availability and apply for one. Once you have received the form, proceed to fill it out with all the necessary details and submit for processing.
As earlier mentioned, payment plans are backed by the law, so you have to make sure you make your payments regularly. There are penalties for defaulting on payment. Some of them may include more fines, or even permanent suspension of your driver’s license until the full payment is made. When this happens, you will not be granted another payment plan and your license will not be returned until you pay off the fine.
What Can Lead To A License Suspension?
- Failure to appear in court
- Violating probation
- Failure to pay child support
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding in a work zone
- Failure to maintain auto insurance
- Defaulting on tax payments
- Failure to file crash reports
Conclusion:
In reality, not all DMVs have payment plans, and the arrangement for one differs according to each state. However, regardless of the state, you can directly petition the court to let you pay your fine in installment. It is important to note that the scheduled payment and periodic fee will be based on your monthly earnings. However, if you default on payment, even if it is only once, the DMV might suspend your license until you pay off the ticket fee.
