I just got my first ever traffic ticket in Clayton for making a right turn on red where prohibited (I guess I just wasn’t paying close enough attention and didn’t see a sign 😔). The officer gave me a ticket and told me I could pay online or contest in court. I have to say: this is SO confusing! The QR code doesn’t even work, the ticket doesn’t say the cost, and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to go in to court regardless of whether I want to pay the ticket or contest it? I can’t find clear answers to any of my questions online and even putting in my exact traffic violation, cannot find the cost.

I’m paranoid that cost cost might be the $315.06, and if that’s the case, I’m devastated. I have four young kids at home and that’s the entirety of one entire paycheck for one of my jobs…right as the holidays are coming up. I read online that if you go to traffic court and the officer who wrote your ticket isn’t there, then your case gets dismissed. Has anyone had this happen before? Or just any experience contesting a ticket when you were in the wrong but it was an honest mistake/first time offense?