Traffic Citations Information
A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal violation which usually can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or election to attend a defensive driving course. A court appearance is not required, except in cases where the violation involves an accident with serious bodily injury, a fatality or certain other violations.
Your options for a Traffic Citation
In Indian River County, you have 30 days from the date of issuance to elect one of the following:
- Option 1: Plead guilty, accept points on your driver license and pay the ticket
- Option 2: Pay the ticket and Elect Traffic School to withhold adjudication off your driving record
- Option 3: Contest the ticket and request a court hearing
Option 1 - Pay the Ticket
By paying the Traffic Civil Penalty, you are admitting guilt and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will assess points on your driving record for moving violations.
Pay Online, by mail or in person.
Option 2 - Go To Traffic School
A fee must be paid in the county in which the citation was received within 30 days and proof of the driving school completion must be provided to the Clerk’s office in the county in which the citation was received within 90 days.
No points are assessed against your Driver’s License if you attend a driver improvement school.
Remember, you may only elect the traffic school option five (5) times in your life and the election can only be made once every twelve (12) months. Failure to timely complete the school course or timely submit your completion certificate or pay the fine will result in removal of the fee reduction, points being assessed, and suspension of your license and/or late fees being assessed.
Option 3 - Contesting Your Ticket
After receiving a plea of not guilty, a court date will be set and a Notice to Appear will be mailed to you.
Indian River County Clerk of Court
Mailing Address
PO Box 1028Vero Beach, FL 32961
Physical Address
2000 16th AveVero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: 772-226-3100 Ext 3188
