How to Pay or Contest a Traffic Ticket in LaGrange County

If you received a Traffic Complaint & Summons in LaGrange County, act before the appearance date printed on the citation. Your options are simple: pay it or deny it (contest it). Letting that date pass can create bigger problems than the ticket itself.

1. Get a money order for the amount listed. Personal checks are not accepted.
2. Add your ticket details. Include a copy of the ticket, or write the ticket number on the money order.
3. Mail it to the Traffic Violation address. Send it to: LaGrange County Traffic Violation, 105 N. Detroit Street, LaGrange, IN 46761.
4. Do not mail cash. Cash should not be sent through the mail.

• ✓ Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a receipt for your mailed payment.

Want to pay by card? LaGrange County traffic violations can be paid by credit or debit through Pay.gov by phone at 1-866-480-8552 (available 24 hours a day). You can also use the State of Indiana Online Court Payment System.

If you want to contest the citation, you need to deny the ticket in writing. Send your written denial to the court, and they will set a trial date. Make sure you can actually show up for that date, because the case moves forward once you respond.

Practical Checklist Deferral

• ✓ If you are paying by mail, use a money order (no personal checks) and do not send cash.
• ✓ Include a copy of the ticket, or write the ticket number on the money order.
• ✓ If you want a receipt for a mailed payment, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
• ✓ If you are paying by card, use Pay.gov by phone (1-866-480-8552, 24 hours a day) or the State of Indiana Online Court Payment System.

Before you pay, check whether you might qualify for LaGrange County's deferral program for traffic tickets. If you are eligible, you will receive written notice within 30 days. The county advises holding payment for at least 20 days to see if deferral information arrives. Why? Paying before you receive that notice eliminates you from the program. Note that federal law prohibits CDL drivers from qualifying for deferral.

1. Pause and consider deferral first. If you might be eligible, hold payment for at least 20 days so you do not eliminate yourself by paying too early.
2. Watch for written notice. If you qualify, deferral information is sent within 30 days.
3. Avoid a suspension situation. If a judgment and costs are not paid within 30 days, a “Failure to Appear to Pay” notice can go to the BMV and your license can be suspended until payment is made.