How to Postpone Your Traffic Court Date (Request a Continuance)

Can't make your traffic court date? You can usually postpone it. This is called "requesting a continuance." Here's how to do it the right way.

Not legal advice

This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. If you need legal counsel, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

What is a continuance?

A continuance is a fancy word for "rescheduling." You're asking the court to move your hearing to a later date. Courts grant continuances regularly — it's not a big deal.

Valid reasons for a continuance

Judges approve continuances for reasonable reasons. Here are the most common:

Reason	Likely approved?
Work conflict you can't reschedule	Yes
Medical appointment or illness	Yes
Already scheduled vacation or travel	Yes
Need more time to gather evidence	Yes
Family emergency	Yes
Hired a lawyer who needs time to prepare	Yes
Military deployment or duty	Yes
"I just don't feel like going"	No
"I forgot"	No (and you may already be in trouble)

Request it BEFORE your court date

Don't wait until the day of court to ask for a continuance. The earlier you request it, the better your chances of approval. Ideally, call or file the request at least 1–2 weeks ahead.

How to request a continuance

Method 1: Call the court clerk

The easiest way. Call the number on your ticket or court notice and say:

"Hi, I have a hearing scheduled on [date] for citation number [your ticket number]. I need to request a continuance because [your reason]. Can I reschedule?"

The clerk may be able to reschedule you right over the phone.

Method 2: Submit a written request

Some courts require a written motion. Here's a simple template:

[Your name] [Your address] [Date]

Re: Citation #[ticket number] — Request for Continuance

Dear Court Clerk / Your Honor,

I respectfully request a continuance of my traffic court hearing currently scheduled for [current date] at [time] in [courtroom/department].

The reason for this request is: [your reason — work obligation, medical issue, travel, need to hire attorney, etc.]

I am available on the following dates: [list 2–3 dates that work for you].

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully, [Your name] [Phone number] [Ticket/citation number]

Method 3: Online request

Some courts let you reschedule online through their website. Check your court's site for a "continuance" or "reschedule" option.

Method 4: Show up and ask

If you're already at court and need more time, you can ask the judge directly:

"Your Honor, I respectfully request a continuance. I need additional time to [prepare my case / consult with an attorney / gather evidence]. I apologize for the late request."

How many times can you postpone?

Most courts will grant one continuance without much pushback. A second one is harder. Three or more and the judge will likely deny it and require you to proceed.

Number of continuances	Likelihood of approval
First request	Very likely (almost automatic)
Second request	Possible (need a good reason)
Third+ request	Unlikely (judge may force the hearing)

What happens if you just don't show up

If you miss your court date without requesting a continuance:

The judge can rule in your absence — Automatic guilty verdict
Additional fines — Failure to appear penalties
Bench warrant — The court issues a warrant for your arrest
License suspension — The DMV is notified

This is why it's so important to either show up or reschedule ahead of time. Never just skip court.

Missing court is worse than losing in court

If you lose your case, you pay a fine. If you miss your court date, you get the fine PLUS a warrant PLUS possible license suspension. Always show up or reschedule.

The alternative: skip court entirely

If the reason you want to postpone is because court is inconvenient — you're not wrong. Traffic court is a hassle. Between the time off work, the wait, and the stress, it's not a fun experience.

For most traffic tickets, you can avoid court completely by taking traffic school. The ticket is dismissed, no court appearance needed.

	Going to court	Traffic school
Schedule	Court's schedule, not yours	Your schedule
Location	Courthouse	Your couch
Time commitment	Half day+	A few hours
Dress code	Business casual	Whatever you want
Result	Maybe dismissed	Almost always dismissed
Cost	$0–$500 (lawyer optional)	$39.99

Check if you're eligible for traffic school with our free quiz.

No court date to postpone

If you take traffic school, there's no court date to worry about. No rescheduling, no continuances, no stress. Just a few hours online and your ticket is dismissed.

Related reading:

Rather avoid court altogether?

Start Traffic School — $39.99