1.I recently received a traffic citation. What should I do next?
Within 10 days, you must respond in writing to the appropriate Magisterial District Judge. (See Box #1 on the front of the citation for the district court number and box #2 for the district court address). To respond, you must plead NOT GUILTY or GUILTY.
If you plead GUILTY, you must sign the bottom potion of the citation indicating a guilty plea and pay the total amount due as indicated in box #___. If you cannot afford to pay the entire amount due, you must go in person to the appropriate District Court and request a payment plan. If the total amount due is not indicated in box#___, then you must appear before the appropriate Magisterial District Judge to obtain your sentence.
If you plead NOT GUILTY, you must sign the bottom portion of the citation indicating a not guilty plea and pay the required collateral. Generally, the Collateral equals the total amount due PLUS $6.00 (court costs). If you cannot afford the total collateral required, you must contact the appropriate District Court. If the total amount due is not indicated in box #___, then $50 collateral should be forwarded to the appropriate district court.
2. After I plead NOT GUILTY and post the collateral, what happens?
After receiving your not guilty plea, and collateral, the District Court will schedule a hearing and notify you by mail.
3. What happens to the Collateral I posted after the hearing?
If you are found NOT GUILTY, the collateral you posted will be refunded to you. If you are found GUILTY, the collateral will be applied to total amount due.
4. I recently received a notice that my license was going to be suspended. What should I do next?
You must immediately respond to the District Court and follow the steps in question #1. If you fail to respond within 15 days, the District Court will notify Penn DOT and your license will be suspended. In addition, a Warranty will be issued for your arrest.
5. A warrant was issued for my arrest. What should I do now?
You must immediately respond to the District Court and follow the steps in question #1. If you fail to respond, a constable will place you under arrest and you will be brought before the appropriate Magisterial District Judge.
6. Will I receive POINTS if I plead guilty or I am found guilty at a hearing?
Please refer to the Penn DOT publication regarding points found at the bottom of this page.
7. Will my license be suspended if I plead guilty or I am found guilty at a hearing?
Penn DOT determines whether or not to suspend a driver's license. We suggest you call Penn DOT at 1-800-288-1814 to inquire about possible suspension.
8. How can I appeal the District Judges ruling?
Refer to the Appeal section of this website in the main menu.
