Getting a traffic ticket dismissed can save you from paying fines, getting points on your license, and seeing your insurance rates increased. But how do you know if your efforts actually resulted in your ticket being dismissed by the court?
There are several steps you should take to verify that your traffic violation was truly dismissed, and not just reduced or negotiated. Leaving it up to assumption could cost you down the road if your ticket wasn’t actually removed.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the key strategies for confirming whether or not your traffic ticket was officially dismissed.
Check Court Records and Website for Case Status
One of the best ways to find out if your ticket was dismissed is to check directly with the court itself. Every court keeps records on the status of cases, so that information is available if you know where to look.
Here are some tips for getting case status information directly from the court:
- Search the court’s website – Many courts these days have online case lookup options where you can search by your name or ticket number. This will show the status and disposition of your case if it’s been closed.
- Call the clerk’s office – Speaking to the clerk’s office by phone is another easy option. Have your ticket number ready and ask them to check on your case status in the system.
- Request to view your physical case file – You can visit the courthouse in person and ask to view the actual paperwork associated with your case. This will contain documentation on hearings, decisions, dismissals, etc.
Getting confirmation directly from the court system is the most definitive way to know if your ticket was truly dismissed and removed from your record. Don’t just rely on your own assumptions!
Look For Court Notifications of Case Resolution
Another clue that your ticket was dismissed will be receiving official notices from the court or traffic school. Here are some examples:
- Notice of decision – If your case went to trial or hearing, the court will mail you a formal notice stating their decision and the dismissal of your charges if applicable. Don’t throw this paperwork away!
- Refund of fines paid – If you originally paid bail or fines before contesting your ticket, a refund check from the court is a great indication it was dismissed.
- Completion certificate – Your traffic school should provide an official certificate once you finish all requirements. Hold onto this to verify you met the terms of a conditional dismissal.
Keep your mail and notify any address changes so you don’t miss important notices sent by the courts or traffic school about your ticket case. Documentation is your friend when confirming a dismissal!
Verify With the Traffic School That They Notified the Court
If you were given the option to attend traffic school in exchange for having your ticket dismissed, don’t just assume that the court automatically knows you completed the class. There is usually a separate step where the traffic school has to formally notify the court of your eligibility for dismissal.
Make sure to follow up and verify that the traffic school actually contacted the court within the required deadline. Get written confirmation if possible. You need to confirm both:
- You finished traffic school requirements.
- The court was informed before the due date.
Failure to do both parts may void your conditional dismissal, so double check with the traffic school that they held up their end of the agreement.
Examine Your Driving Record for Any Violations
Your official driving record through the DMV will indicate whether your ticket appears as a conviction, or if your record remains violation-free. Here’s how to check it:
- Get a copy of your driving record – Request your full driving record or an abstract from your local DMV. This will list any tickets, violations, dismissals, etc.
- Look for ticket details – Carefully review your driving report for any mention of your ticket, the court, or the incident date. The lack of any reference is a good sign.
- Check for points – If points were attached to the violation, verify they weren’t added to your license. Dismissals don’t result in points.
- Consider purchasing a driving record audit – For extra confidence, pay for a professional driving record audit. They will analyze and certify if your record is clean.
Remember that even if your ticket was reduced or negotiated, that still counts as a conviction on your driving history. Only a true dismissal will leave your record free of any violations from that incident.
Don’t Rely Solely on Paying Court Fines and Fees
It’s a common misconception that if you were able to pay off the fines and court fees for your traffic ticket, it must mean your violation was dismissed. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Many courts allow you to pay traffic ticket fines even after being found guilty, as an alternative to completing your sentence. Just because you paid money to the court does not mean your ticket was dismissed – the violation might still be on your record.
The only way to know for sure is to get official confirmation from the court or DMV that your ticket was dismissed. Don’t just assume that paying fines equals having your ticket disappear!
Follow Up if Unsure Whether Your Ticket Was Dismissed
If you are uncertain about the outcome of your traffic ticket case, it’s best to follow up and verify whether it was actually dismissed instead of just waiting to find out down the road. Here are some final tips:
- Call the clerk’s office – Speaking to the court clerk is a quick way to get answers on your specific case. Don’t be afraid to call and check.
- Request documentation – Ask for any notices or certified records that confirm your case dismissal. Get proof in writing when possible.
- Consult a traffic lawyer – If needed, discuss your situation with a traffic attorney. They can help ensure your case was resolved accurately.
- Act quickly – Follow up on your ticket soon after your court date. Don’t wait months or years to verify the outcome.
Knowing for sure if your traffic violation was dismissed is important for protecting your driving privileges, insurance rates and peace of mind. Follow these tips and don’t just take it for granted that your ticket went away. Verify that it was officially dismissed through the proper legal channels. Stay diligent and cover your bases when it comes to traffic violations.
