Frequently Asked Questions for Traffic
What should I do if I received a collection notice from
the law firm Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson regarding unpaid traffic fines in Pasco County?
What types of cases are heard in traffic court?
What is a criminal traffic charge?
What is a civil traffic infraction?
How soon after issuance must I pay the citation?
Can I use my credit card to satisfy my traffic citation?
What happens if the citation is not paid timely?
Are there other options available to me other than paying my citation?
How do I enter a not guilty plea to a civil traffic infraction?
Who will be present at the hearing?
What must I do if the court finds me guilty?
Can the Clerk & Comptroller's Office advise me about points assessed against my license?
Can I plead not guilty to a traffic citation if I live
out of Pasco County?
What are the fine amounts?
Where does the fine money go?
If my license is under suspension, how can I reinstate
my driving privilege?
If I receive a traffic citation in another county can I
take care of it in Pasco County?
What should I do if I received a collection notice from the law firm Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson regarding unpaid traffic fines in Pasco County?
The Law firm Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, has been hired by the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's Office as an agent to collect outstanding traffic fines.
Since payment for your traffic citation is past due, your driver's license has been suspended and all enforcement conditions will remain in effect, pursuant to Florida Statutes 318.15.
For instructions and additional information you must contact Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, at (866) 234-9790.
What types of cases are heard in traffic court?
The Traffic Division of the County Court is set up to hear criminal traffic, traffic
infractions and parking citation cases. Criminal traffic cases are heard by County
Judges, and most
civil infractions are heard by Hearing Officers during the evening
hours. Contested parking citation cases are also heard by Hearing Officers.
What is a criminal traffic charge?
This is a charge, such as driving under the influence, which requires a court appearance
as it carries with it criminal penalties which may include fines and costs, probation
and/or
the possibility of a jail term. Payment of the citation cannot be automatically
made to the Clerk's Office. Persons charged with a criminal offense will be sent
a notice showing when
they must appear in court.
What is a civil traffic infraction?
A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal charge that can usually be disposed
of by payment of a civil penalty or an election to attend a defensive driving course.
A court appearance
is not required, except in cases involving an accident with serious
bodily injury or fatality. Payment can be made by mail by using the traffic envelope
provided by the officer, or in
person by coming to one of the traffic locations.
Drop boxes are also available at both locations
To elect to attend a defensive driving course online, please visit MyFloridaCounty.com.
Individuals who do not have the ability to pay the fine via the internet, may complete
the election to attend a driver improvement course
form online and then print it. The completed form should then
be mailed or hand delivered to the Clerk & Comptroller's Office.
Please note: You are not eligible for defensive driving school if you possess a commercial driver's
license.
To view and complete the form you must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer, click the link below
to
download the free Adobe Reader.
How soon after issuance must I pay the citation?
Infraction violations must be paid within 30 days from the date the citation was issued.
Can I use my credit card to satisfy my traffic citation?
If you are charged with a payable traffic violation you may pay the citation or
elect to attend a state approved defensive driving course online by using your MasterCard
or Visa.
A convenience fee will be assessed.
To obtain further information about paying your traffic citation online using a credit card, please visit the Traffic Violations Bureau web page.
What happens if the citation is not paid timely?
A suspension will be entered against your driver license which could affect your insurance rates and will subject you to additional penalties.
Are there other options available to me other than paying my citation?
Yes, payable civil infractions may be satisfied by any of the following methods:
- Enter a plea of Not Guilty - You will be notified by mail of your hearing date and time.
- Elect to attend a defensive driving course. An applicable fine/costs will apply.
- To elect to attend a defensive driving course online, please visit MyFloridaCounty.com.
Individuals who do not have the ability to pay the fine via the internet, may complete the election to attend driver improvement course form online and then print it. The completed form should then be mailed or hand delivered to the Clerk's Office. Please note: You are not eligible for defensive driving school if you possess a commercial driver's license.
To view and complete the form you must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer, click the link below to download the free Adobe Reader.
Safety Equipment Violations - Have the violation corrected and have the back of the yellow copy of the citation (Faulty Equipment Affidavit of Compliance) signed by the local Police Department or Sheriff's Office. Return the signed copy of the Affidavit together with the required fee amount due to the Clerk & Comptroller.
Dismissals - If you were charged with failure to carry your driver's license, registration and/or insurance and these documents were valid at the time the citation was issued, you may present the driver's license, registration or proof of insurance within 30 calendar days to the Clerk & Comptroller. A dismissal fee will also be assessed at that time.
How do I enter a not guilty plea to a civil traffic infraction?
You must notify the Clerk & Comptroller's Office, in person or in writing, within the required time frame of 30 calendar days from the date of issuance of the citation. Your case will be scheduled for a court date and you will be advised when and where to appear.
A plea of not guilty form can be completed online and then printed on your printer. The completed form must then be mailed or hand delivered to the Clerk & Comptroller's Office within the required time frame.
To view and complete the form you must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer, click the link below to download the free Adobe Reader.
Who will be present at the hearing?
The officer who issued the traffic citation and any other witnesses called by the officer or any witnesses that you may wish to call to testify on your behalf.
What must I do if the court finds me guilty?
If you are found guilty of a civil traffic infraction, the court may assess fine and costs, order you to attend a defensive driving course or impose other penalties. If you should fail to pay the fine and cost within the time allotted you by the court, a suspension will be issued against your driver's license and additional penalties will be imposed.
Can the Clerk & Comptroller's Office advise me about points assessed against my license?
No, deputy clerks cannot advise you on the number of points assessed against your driver history record or on how points will affect your insurance. You must address these concerns with the Bureau of Driver Licenses and/or your insurance agent.
Can I plead not guilty to a traffic citation if I live out of Pasco County?
Yes, you may plead not guilty by completing an Affidavit of Defense and filing it with the Clerk & Comptroller's Office. A bond is required to be posted with the Clerk & Comproller's Office before the Affidavit can be reviewed and ruled on by the court. You will not need to appear before the court.
To view and complete the form you must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer, click the link below to download the free Adobe Reader.
What are the fine amounts?
Fines for civil infractions are governed by Florida Statutes. Use the following link to view the most current fine schedule.
Where does the fine money go?
Fines are distributed to various funds established by the legislature with a portion being returned to the issuing law enforcement agency and a service charge retained by the Clerk & Comptroller.
If my license is under suspension, how can I reinstate my driving privilege?
If your license is suspended for failure to pay a civil infraction in Pasco County, you may pay the fine amount owing plus the assessed delinquent fee. The Clerk & Comptroller's Office can assist you in reinstating your license. If there are other reasons for the suspension, you will need to go to a driver license office for reinstatement. A reinstatement fee is required.
If I receive a traffic citation in another county can I take care of it in Pasco County?
Citations must be satisfied in the county in which they were issued.
Department Contact Information
DADE CITY | NEW PORT RICHEY |
---|---|
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller 38053 Live Oak Avenue Suite 112 Dade City, FL 33523-3894 352-521-4542, Option 2 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday Directions |
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Mailing Address P.O. Box 338 New Port Richey, FL 34656-0338 Physical Location: 7530 Little Road Suite 101 New Port Richey, FL 34654 727-847-8031, Option 2 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday Directions |