The Georgia Pre-Trial Intervention-Traffic (PTIT) Program Explained
Georgia's PTIT program allows eligible drivers to pay a participation fee instead of a fine, resulting in a completely dismissed ticket. This prevents points on your Georgia DDS record and protects your insurance rates.
What is the PTIT Program?
For drivers facing minor traffic citations in Georgia, the Pre-Trial Intervention-Traffic (PTIT) program offers a valuable alternative to standard prosecution. Authorized under O.C.G.A. § 15-18-80, this diversion program allows local prosecuting attorneys to dismiss charges for eligible individuals who complete the program requirements and pay a designated fee. Unlike pleading guilty or Nolo Contendere, successfully completing the PTIT program means the citation is completely dismissed. It will not be forwarded to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Conyers, meaning no points are assessed and the charge never appears on your official driving record. This makes it an ideal solution for protecting your auto insurance rates.
Step-by-Step Process to Complete PTIT in Georgia
The PTIT program is widely used in busy jurisdictions, including the Municipal Court of Atlanta, Atlanta, the State Court of Fulton County, Atlanta, and the Municipal Court of Columbus, Columbus. While minor local rules vary, the general process involves the following steps. If you feel overwhelmed, remember that you can easily hire a local attorney from our US Lawyers Catalog to handle this process for you.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Not every citation qualifies for PTIT. Generally, prosecutors reserve this program for minor moving violations, such as basic speeding, running a stop sign, or improper lane changes. Severe offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or fleeing police are strictly ineligible. Additionally, CDL holders are prohibited by federal law from participating in masking programs. You usually must not have participated in a PTIT program within the last 12 to 24 months, depending on the county.
Step 2: Apply to the Prosecutor's Office
In some courts, you must proactively contact the Solicitor-General's office to request entry into the program. In others, like Atlanta, you may be automatically evaluated and offered PTIT when you log into the court's online portal or appear in person. If appearing in court, ask the prosecutor if your ticket qualifies for pretrial diversion before speaking to the judge.
Step 3: Sign the Agreement and Pay the Fee
If accepted, you will sign a formal agreement. You must then pay the PTIT participation fee. It is crucial to understand that this fee is not a 'fine' for a guilty plea; it is an administrative cost for the program. The fee must usually be paid in full on the same day or within a very short window.
Step 4: Complete Additional Requirements (If Any)
While many courts only require the fee, some may require you to complete a defensive driving course approved by the Georgia DDS. If a course is mandated, you must submit your certificate of completion to the court by the specified deadline. Once all conditions are met, the prosecutor files a dismissal.
Out-of-State and Out-of-County Drivers
If you received a ticket while passing through Georgia, returning for court can be a massive burden. Fortunately, many Georgia courts allow out-of-state or out-of-county residents to complete the PTIT program remotely. You can often sign the agreement electronically or by mail. If a defensive driving course is required, Georgia courts usually accept online courses, provided they meet state standards. However, it is highly recommended to consult a local traffic lawyer to coordinate a remote PTIT resolution so you do not risk a failure-to-appear warrant.
Costs: Program Fees vs. Standard Fines
The financial cost of the PTIT program varies by court. In most cases, the PTIT participation fee is roughly equivalent to, or slightly higher than, the original traffic fine. For example, a speeding ticket fine might be $150, but the PTIT fee could be $200. Although you might pay slightly more upfront, the long-term savings are substantial. Because the ticket is dismissed, your insurance company never sees it, saving you hundreds of dollars in premium hikes over the next three years.
PTIT vs. Standard Processing
| Feature | Paying Ticket Normally | PTIT Program |
|---|---|---|
| Record of Offense | Goes on DDS Driving Record | Dismissed completely |
| License Points | Yes (1 to 6 points) | Zero points |
| Insurance Impact | High risk of premium increase | No impact (not reported) |
| Upfront Cost | Standard fine amount | Program fee (similar to fine) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the PTIT program a conviction?
No. Successful completion of the program results in a complete dismissal of the charges, meaning you are not convicted of the traffic offense.
Do all courts in Georgia offer PTIT?
No. The program is at the discretion of the local prosecuting attorney. While major courts offer it, some smaller rural jurisdictions may not have a diversion program.
Can I do the PTIT program more than once?
It depends on the county, but generally, courts only allow you to participate in PTIT once every 12 to 24 months.
What happens if I miss the deadline to pay the PTIT fee?
If you fail to meet the requirements or miss the payment deadline, the program agreement is voided, and your case will be returned to the active court docket for prosecution.
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