Pennsylvania lets you pay most traffic citations online through the Court of Common Pleas website for the county where you received the ticket
You can pay a Pennsylvania traffic citation online if the court that issued it offers online payment. Most Pennsylvania counties do, but not all. The process requires your citation number (also called a ticket number), your driver's license number, and the amount owed. Payment goes directly to the court, and you receive a confirmation number by email or on screen.
Online payment does not change the violation record or remove points from your license — it only settles the fine. If you want to contest the ticket or discuss the charge with a judge, you will need to appear in court instead of paying online.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online through your county's Court of Common Pleas website, but you must find the correct county court first.
- You will need your citation number, driver's license number, and the fine amount to complete payment online.
- Online payment settles the fine but does not change the violation or remove points — it is a payment method only.
- If your county court does not offer online payment, you can pay by mail, phone, or in person at the courthouse.
- Paying online does not waive your right to contest the ticket in court if you choose to do so later.
Finding your county court's online payment system
Start by identifying which county issued your citation — this is printed on the ticket itself. Then search for "[County Name] Court of Common Pleas" plus "pay citation online" or "pay traffic fine online." Most county court websites have a dedicated traffic or citations payment page.
If you cannot find an online payment option on the court website, call the traffic division of that county's Court of Common Pleas. The phone number is listed on your citation or on the county court website. Staff can tell you whether online payment is available and direct you to the correct link or payment method.
What information you need before you start
Gather your citation before you begin. You will need the citation number (the ticket number printed at the top or bottom of the ticket), your driver's license number, and the fine amount. Some systems also ask for your date of birth or the date you received the ticket.
If you have lost your citation, call the traffic division of the court that issued it. They can look up the ticket using your name and driver's license number and tell you the citation number and amount owed.
Steps to pay online
Once you reach your county court's payment page, enter your citation number and driver's license number. The system will pull up your ticket and show the fine amount. Review the amount to make sure it matches what you expected.
Select your payment method — most courts accept credit cards, debit cards, or bank account transfers. Enter your payment information and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and usually by email. Save this confirmation number for your records.
Payment processing time varies by county and payment method. Credit and debit card payments often process within one business day. Bank transfers may take longer. The court will send you a receipt once the payment has been processed.
What happens after you pay online
Paying the fine means you are accepting the citation and settling the financial obligation. The violation will still appear on your driving record and may result in points on your license, depending on the type of violation. Your insurance company may see the violation when your policy renews.
If you paid online but later decide you want to contest the ticket, contact the court when ready. Some courts allow you to withdraw payment and request a hearing, but this depends on the county and how much time has passed. Call the traffic division to ask about your options.
If your county does not offer online payment
Not all Pennsylvania counties have online payment systems. If your court does not, you can pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the address listed on your citation. Include your citation number with your payment.
You can also pay by phone by calling the traffic division of the court. Some courts accept credit or debit card payments over the phone. In-person payment at the courthouse is always an option — bring your citation and payment method to the traffic office during business hours.
Avoiding late payment penalties
Your citation shows a due date for payment. Paying after that date may result in additional fees or a suspension of your driver's license. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the court to ask about a payment plan or extension. Many courts will work with you if you reach out before the important date.
If your license has already been suspended for non-payment, paying the citation will not automatically restore it. You will need to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to request reinstatement once the fine is paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Pennsylvania traffic citation online if I live out of state?
Yes. Online payment systems do not require you to be in Pennsylvania. You can pay from anywhere using the county court website and a credit or debit card. The process is the same whether you live in the state or not.
Will paying online remove points from my license?
No. Paying the fine settles the money owed, but the violation stays on your record and points remain on your license. Only a judge can reduce or dismiss points, which requires contesting the ticket in court.
What if I entered the wrong information when I paid online?
Contact the traffic division of the court that issued the citation as soon as possible. If the payment was applied to the wrong account or citation, staff can help correct it. Bring your confirmation number and citation number when you call.
Can I get a refund if I paid online by mistake?
Contact the court's traffic division when ready. Refund policies vary by county. Some courts will issue a refund if you request it within a certain time frame, while others may require you to contest the ticket in court to recover the payment.
Does paying online count as pleading guilty?
Paying the fine is treated as an admission of the violation, which is similar to pleading guilty. However, you can still request a hearing afterward in some cases. Call the court to ask whether you can withdraw payment and request a court date if you change your mind.