How to pay a Clinton, NY traffic ticket (Dutchess County version)

It’s unfortunately not that difficult to get a traffic ticket in the town of Clinton, New York, because the officers patrolling the Taconic know where drivers are most likely to be seen as potentially breaking the Vehicle and Traffic Law. (Hint: they love to catch people when they’re coasting downhill and gaining speed.)

Paying a traffic ticket in Clinton isn’t that difficult either, but how you get to the point of paying can cause you problems for years to come, if you’re not careful. Never plead guilty to a Clinton traffic ticket without getting legal advice first. It can be tempting, because you just get a fine notice in the mail and can put a stressful situation in the rear-view mirror. However, a plea of guilty means that you will receive the full points for the original charge. If you rack up six points in just 18 months, you’re going to have to pay a driver responsibility assessment on top of your fine, and if you reach 11 points in 18 months then your license will be suspended. Most of my clients come to me because they want to avoid points on their licenses.

Pleading “not guilty “ does eventually involve going to court, or hiring an attorney to go to court for you. This is the only way to get a traffic ticket dismissed, and for many drivers with relatively clean driving histories the prosecutor will offer to reduce the charges to a non-moving violation. Charges like these do not accrue points, or incur hidden fees, or impact insurance rates. It takes a little longer, but you or your attorney will leave court with a fine notice and instructions to pay.

Once you have a fine notice, you can pay your Clinton traffic ticket in person, through the mail, or online.

1. to pay in person, call 845-868-2269 to confirm the window hours,.

2. payment options in Clinton are as follows. Always bring the exact amount:

   1. money order

   2. bank check

   3. credit or debit card (extra fee will apply)

3. to pay by mail, get a money order or bank check for the exact amount of the fine. Personal checks are not accepted, and neither is US currency. Enclose your payment and the fine notice in an envelope; if you don’t have a fine notice then make sure to write your case number on the bank check or money order. You can call the court to get that information.

   Mail it to the court:
   Clinton Justice Court
   1215 Centre Road
   Rhinebeck, NY  12572
   It’s a good idea to pay for a tracking number, and if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope you’ll get a receipt back.

4. to pay online, you’ll need the fine notice for the case number and pay location code. You can call the court for this information.
   Visit govpaynow.com and enter the pay location code in the search box. You’ll be prompted for your case number and personally-identifiable information. Due to the service fee, this is the most expensive option.