Where should I go to pay a traffic ticket?
3 Answers
Traffic tickets can be paid at the violation handling windows of various traffic police departments. Alternatively, you can handle traffic violations through the online platform or APP "Traffic Management 12123" or pay the fine at the bank specified on the ticket. On-site traffic violations: On-site traffic fines refer to traffic violation tickets issued by traffic police on the spot when a vehicle driver violates traffic regulations. If you receive a parking ticket, this is considered an on-site violation. After receiving the ticket, the vehicle owner can directly go to the bank specified on the ticket to pay the fine. Non-on-site traffic violations: If you are caught running a red light by an electronic eye or if the violation is documented by traffic police, such as running a red light or speeding, these are considered non-on-site violations and must be handled within one scoring cycle. Legal basis: Article 108 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states that the party concerned shall, within 15 days from the date of receiving the written decision on the administrative penalty for the fine, pay the fine at the designated bank. For fines imposed on pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers, if the party concerned has no objection, the fine may be collected on the spot. The fine shall be accompanied by a uniform fine receipt issued by the finance department of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the central government. If the uniform fine receipt issued by the finance department is not provided, the party concerned has the right to refuse to pay the fine.
Last time I got a traffic ticket for speeding in the city center. As a new driver, it's normal to feel nervous. When I received the SMS notification, it was my first time handling this. I first asked my taxi driver friend, who said the safest way is to visit the service window at the local traffic police station with the original ticket and ID card. If you don't have time to visit in person, self-service machines at major banks like ICBC or China Construction Bank can also process payments with simple operations. Later, I also tried Alipay's city services channel - just search 'traffic violation handling', enter the ticket number and pay directly. It took just minutes. Remember to pay on time, as delays can lead to additional fines or even affect your annual vehicle inspection. Overall, there are now multiple online and offline options available, so new drivers don't need to panic - just start with the simplest method.
Based on my experience, the standard place to pay traffic fines is at the service points designated by the local public security traffic police department. Usually, the address information is printed on the back of the ticket, and I drive directly there to handle it at the counter, bringing all necessary documents to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, some joint service points such as post offices or bank branches also support fine payment services, offering more flexible procedures. It is strongly recommended not to delay payment, otherwise, the fine may double or you may end up on a credit blacklist. Currently, many cities are promoting online platforms, such as the 'Traffic Management 12123' App or WeChat mini-programs, where uploading documents allows instant payment, making the process efficient and eco-friendly. Experienced drivers know that following the rules is key, and paying attention to speed limits while driving helps avoid risks.
