Your summons contains important information, including the court where your case will be heard and your scheduled court date and time. Do not assume that every traffic charge can simply be paid before court. Some traffic offenses may be prepaid, while others require a court appearance. If you are unsure about the status of your case, use the Virginia Judicial System's official online case information system or contact the clerk of the court listed on your summons.

Before your court date, confirm: the correct courthouse; your court date and time; the charge listed against you; whether your appearance is required; and any instructions contained on your summons. Court schedules can change, so checking your case information before leaving for court is a good idea.

Give yourself extra time for parking, courthouse security, and finding the correct courtroom. Courthouses have security screening, and you should avoid bringing prohibited items into the building. Once inside, locate your courtroom and follow instructions from court personnel.

Traffic court is still court. Dress neatly, silence your phone, be respectful to court personnel and other people in the courtroom, and do not interrupt proceedings. When your case is called, listen carefully and answer the judge's questions clearly and respectfully.

What you should bring depends upon your particular case. Potentially relevant documents may include your summons; driver's license; current driving record; proof of insurance or registration when relevant; documentation showing completion of a driver improvement course, if applicable; and other documents that you have been instructed to bring.

Some drivers charged with speeding or reckless driving also obtain documentation concerning speedometer calibration or other information they believe may be relevant to their case. Whether any particular document will be considered or affect the outcome is determined by the court.

Traffic cases are often scheduled together on a court docket. When your case is called, the judge will address your case and determine how it proceeds. Depending upon the charge and circumstances, the court may hear evidence and ultimately determine whether the charge is proven and what disposition is appropriate. Do not assume that another person's traffic case predicts what will happen in yours. Every case can involve different facts, driving histories, charges, and circumstances.

A Virginia driver improvement clinic may be taken for several different reasons, including voluntarily, because DMV requires it, or because a court requires it. If a court orders you to complete a driver improvement clinic, follow the court's instructions carefully.

Virginia DMV states that when a court requires attendance, the court determines whether safe-driving points will be awarded. Court documentation concerning safe-driving points must be provided to the clinic when required. If you are considering taking an online driver improvement course for a court matter before your court date, determine whether the particular court will accept the online course.

Before leaving, make sure you understand what the court requires you to do next. Depending upon the outcome, that could include paying court costs or fines, completing a driver improvement program, complying with another court requirement, or taking another action by a particular deadline. Keep copies of completion certificates and other important documents.