what does it mean when the judge says your ticket is withheld and you only have to pay a court fee?

Answer 1

Normally it would mean the judge has withheld an actual verdict of guilty or not guilty , usually for a probationary period of either 6 or 12 months. If you have no further violations the charge is dismissed completely & never posted to your record. If, however you do get another ticket the original one will be posted as a guilty verdict. (It's a good thing !! Usually referred to as probation before judgement)