What to Bring to Traffic Court: Documents, Evidence & Phone Rules (2026)
Updated 2026-11-04 · Tracked across 399 U.S. County Courthouses
Traffic defendants are the visitors most often caught out by courthouse phone bans. Jurors get an exemption, but people with a ticket usually do not. In 109 of the 399 counties we track, you cannot bring your phone past security, so anything you planned to show the judge on your phone has to be on paper.
Traffic court checklist
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Your citation (ticket) or court notice | It has your case number and courtroom. The clerk can look you up without it, but it is slower. |
| Driver's license | Required to identify you and for any license-related charge. |
| Vehicle registration | Needed for equipment or registration tickets (often dismissed with proof of correction). |
| Printed proof of insurance | Proof-of-insurance tickets are often dismissed if you show coverage on the ticket date. Print it; your phone may not get through security. |
| Printed evidence | Photos, maps, dashcam stills, repair receipts. Bring copies for the judge and the prosecutor. |
| Payment method | Card or cash for fines, court costs, or traffic school fees. |
| Witness information | If a witness is coming, confirm they know the courtroom and the time. |
Before you go
- Check the phone rule at your courthouse on its county page. If phones are banned and there are no lockers, do not take an Uber with your phone.
- Get through security early. Morning lines peak between 8:00 and 9:15 AM. Missing your call can lead to a failure-to-appear charge.
- Dress neatly. No shorts, tank tops or flip-flops in the courtroom. See the dress code by county.
- Consider a lawyer for serious charges (DUI, reckless driving, suspended license). In many counties an attorney can appear for you on minor tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to bring your ticket to traffic court?
It is strongly recommended. Your citation has the case number and court information. If you lost it, the clerk can usually find your case with your name and date of birth or license number.
Can I show my insurance on my phone in traffic court?
Only if phones are allowed in that courthouse. 109 of 399 large counties ban phones for the public, so bring a printed insurance card or policy declaration.
What should I wear to traffic court?
Business casual: slacks or clean jeans and a collared shirt or blouse. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats and flip-flops, which many courtrooms refuse.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in your county
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in your county, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.