Need to check the status of a traffic ticket you received in Texas or New Jersey? Looking up ticket information and resolving driving violations in these states can be confusing, with different processes depending on the jurisdiction. This guide explains how to look up traffic citations online and understand the associated fines and penalties in Texas and New Jersey.
A traffic ticket lookup allows you to check the status of any citations issued to your driver’s license or vehicle registration. You may need to perform a ticket search to see if you have outstanding fines, view your upcoming court date, or check on options for taking defensive driving to dismiss your ticket.
Traffic citation search procedures vary widely between Texas and New Jersey. Texas does not have a statewide system, so you need to check your ticket paperwork or contact the specific county court. New Jersey uses the statewide online portal NJMCDirect. The table below summarizes the key differences:
| State | Lookup System | Information Needed |
| Texas | No statewide portal, check by county | Citation number, driver’s license, court location |
| New Jersey | NJMCDirect | Citation number, driver’s license, or license plate |
Once you look up your tickets, you can explore online payment options to resolve fines before your court date.
Table of Contents
Checking Your Traffic Ticket Status in Texas
With no centralized database, searching traffic citations in Texas requires contacting the specific court handling your ticket. Around 20 counties, like Harris and Dallas, have searchable online portals, while other areas require calling the court clerk.
To look for a ticket in counties with online systems:
- Visit your county court’s website
- Select the “Traffic Ticket Search” option
- Input your citation number and driver’s license details
- View status, acceptable amounts, court date, and payment options
If your county lacks an online search, call the traffic court clerk with your identification details from the ticket paperwork.
You can also request a copy of your Texas driving record, listing any outstanding tickets, from the Department of Public Safety. Please review it to check for unpaid fines or other active violations.
Understanding Texas Traffic Violation Penalties
Texas assesses drivers’ points for convictions on moving violations like:
- Speeding tickets: $200+ fines, 2 points
- Red light camera tickets: $75 fine, no points
- Reckless driving citations: $300+ fines, 3 points
Accumulating 6+ points can trigger surcharges over three years, while 12+ points lead to license suspension.
Taking defensive driving avoids points for certain one-time violations. More severe offenses require appearing in court.
Looking Up Traffic Tickets in New Jersey with NJMCDirect
New Jersey’s NJMCDirect system allows statewide online traffic citation searches. To look at your ticket:
- Visit the NJMCDirect site
- Select “Pay Traffic Ticket”
- Enter your citation number, driver’s license, or license plate
- Search multiple municipal courts at once
NJMCDirect displays upcoming court dates, acceptable amounts, and online ticket payment options.
Handling Out-of-State Traffic Citations
The Driver License Compact means Texas and New Jersey share conviction data. So, offenses like speeding tickets will transfer between both states.
It’s usually best to pay the fine for minor out-of-state violations instead of traveling to contest, which avoids administrative fees. However, consulting a local traffic lawyer may be wise for severe citations to avoid points and insurance impacts.
Looking up a traffic ticket requires different approaches in Texas versus New Jersey. While New Jersey has NJMCDirect for citations statewide, Texas counties manage their systems. Understanding the associated fines and penalties is also essential. Drivers should maintain clean records, but this guide helps you search for active court cases.
