(Annapolis, MD — September 28, 2007) Motorists who receive payable traffic citations will now be able to pay their traffic fines on the Internet through the Maryland Judiciary's new online payment system, set to launch Oct. 1.

Through the new "ePayment" secured payment system, traffic citations can be paid by logging onto the Judiciary's Web site, http://mdcourts.gov. Users of ePayment can pay their citations using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card. Debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logos will also be accepted. Users will be assessed a fee by the vendor.

"We were hearing from the public who were coming to District Court to pay their fines that it would be nice to be able to pay their citations from the comfort of their own home," said District Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn. "We listened and the Judiciary is excited to be able to provide this new service to the public."

Not only will the ePayment system be more convenient for motorists, but it will also help streamline the administrative process for the District Court. For example, when a fine is paid online, the court clerks do not have to re-enter the traffic citation payment into the system, Clyburn said.

"The computer automatically records the payment, posts the citation information, and closes the traffic case the next business day. The user can print a receipt to document the payment."

Traffic citations that can be paid online include:
• Speeding tickets
• Seat belt violations
• Failure to display license on demand
• Driving without current tags
• Failure to stop at stop sign
• Unsafe lane changing

However, some violations still require court appearances, including:
• Driving on suspended license and privileges
• Driving while under the influences of alcohol
• Driving uninsured vehicle
• Driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substance

Motorists may not pay their traffic citation online if the citation indicates that the recipient "Must Appear" in court. Traffic citations may be paid online up until the trial date.

Only District Court traffic citations may be paid using ePayment. Local municipal parking citations must be paid to, and as prescribed by, the local municipalities.

For more information on the ePayment system, log onto http://mdcourts.gov.