Traffic Citation Options

If you received a traffic citation you must choose one of the five options below within 30 days from the citation issuance date. For criminal cases, visit criminal court financial obligations options for the appropriate information regarding your case type.

Late Fees and Suspension Disclaimer

Payments received or payment plans initiated after 30 days, regardless of postmark, incur a $23 late fee and possible suspension of your driver's license. Some forms of payment may take up to two business days to process. If you are past the due date and your license is at risk of suspension, or you are seeking reinstatement after payment, contact the Clerk's Office. 

Payment Options


Option 1 – Make Payment in Full

Paying your citation is an admission of guilt and points will be assessed on your driver’s license, if applicable.

Payments may be made by one of the following methods. Payment vendor service and convenience fees may apply.

Pay Online

The Clerk's Office has partnered with two vendors to provide convenient online payment options - PayChoice by CiviTek and Pay Online by nCourt. Click the desired site to make your payment. If you cannot locate your case online, please contact our Office. Allow up to two business days for processing.

Paychoice with no boarderCatalis Payment Site


Pay by Telephone

Contact the nCourt payment processing center at (727) 306-3096. Payments may be made Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST. Allow up to two business days for processing.

AMSCOT

For traffic citations that do not require additional documentation, cash-only payments are accepted at any AMSCOT location. Allow up to two business days for processing.

Amscot

Pay by Mail

Mail your check or money order, made payable to Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, to:

Nikki Alvarez-Sowles
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
P.O. Box 338
New Port Richey, FL 34656-0338

Include a copy of the citation and indicate the citation number on the check or money order. 

Pay in Person

Payments may be made in person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays, at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center or the West Pasco Judicial Center.

Option 2 – Elect to Attend a Driver Improvement Course

Elect to attend an approved State of Florida driver improvement course to avoid points being assessed on your driver's license. To elect this option, the civil penalty must be paid and accompanied by an Affidavit to Elect a Defensive Driving School form (PDF) within 30 days from the citation issuance date.

Eligibility

The citation must be paid in full. You may not enter into a payment plan when selecting the driver improvement course option.

You may not elect to attend a driver improvement course if you have been charged with:

  • A driver’s license, registration, insurance, or other non-moving violations.
  • A traffic citation that requires mandatory court appearance.

Pursuant to Chapter 318.14(9), Florida Statutes, when selecting the driver improvement course option, you must certify:

  • You have not elected to attend a driver improvement course within the preceding 12 months.
  • You have not elected to attend a driver improvement course more than eight times within your lifetime.
  • You do not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Check your eligibility to elect a driver improvement course via the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Approved Courses

A list of approved driver improvement school providers is available online from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. It is your responsibility to contact the provider of your choice.

Certificates

Your driver improvement course must be completed within 60 days of election. Upon completion, you are responsible for filing the certificate with the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office. Failure to complete a driver improvement course is still considered one of your allowed elections.

A certificate of completion will not be accepted after the due date and will result in:

  • Points being assessed to your driver’s license.
  • A $23 late fee.
  • An $18 penalty and payment of the 18% discount provided at the time of election. 

Option 3 – Request a Payment Plan

Payment plans are available for criminal cases and traffic citations. Upon initiation of a payment plan, the total financial obligation for all included cases, along with any outstanding conditions that may impact your driving privilege, will be provided. A down payment along with a signed copy of the finalized payment plan will be due upon your agreement with the terms. There is a $25 service fee added per case. Contact the Clerk's Office to submit a request.

Additional Information 

  • Payment plans establish timeframes for payment of traffic citations. Funds due to other entities will not be included in your payment plan. 
  • Payment plans do not extend due dates of outstanding conditions, including, but not limited to, court-ordered defensive driving school or community service.  
  • Entering a payment plan waives your right to elect a driver improvement course.
  • Contact the Clerk's Office if you have additional questions concerning your payment options, payment plan, or driver's license clearance status.

Option 4 – Plead Not Guilty & Request a Court Hearing

If you choose to enter a not-guilty plea and contest the traffic citation in court, you must notify the Clerk's Office in writing within 30 days from the citation issuance date. To request a hearing, complete a Plea of Not Guilty form. When you choose this option, you plead not guilty and waive your right to elect a driver improvement course.

Hearing Attendance

After receipt of the completed form by the Clerk’s Office, you will receive a notice in the mail advising of the date and time of your hearing. If you reside outside of Pasco County, you may attend in person, at your expense, or submit an Affidavit of Defense (PDF). Subpoenas will be issued for the law enforcement officer as well as witnesses listed by the officer. You are responsible to ensure witnesses you require are subpoenaed to appear for the hearing to testify.

Guilty Verdicts

If you are found guilty, any combination of the following may apply:

  • Fined up to $1,000.
  • Pay costs ordered by the Court.
  • Required to attend a driver improvement course.
  • Points assessed to your driver's license.

Option 5 – Plead No Contest & Request a Withhold of Adjudication

A Plea of No Contest form (PDF) allows you to ask the Court to withhold an adjudication of guilt without attending a hearing. In your absence, the judge will determine and grant or deny your plea. If you choose to Plead No Contest, you agree to waive your right to a speedy trial. In addition, you are still required to pay the civil penalty and may be ordered to attend a driver improvement course.

Fees

A fee of $17.85 is due at the time of filing the Plea of No Contest form (PDF). This fee covers the costs of a driver’s license history and the postage to return your disposition. If the required fee is not submitted with your plea:

  • Your case will not be reviewed by the Court to withhold an adjudication.
  • You may be subject to a late fee.
  • Your driver’s license may be suspended.

If you are unable to pay the civil penalty due to financial hardship, you may request authorization from the Court to satisfy your civil penalties through a public-works or community-service program.