How to Resolve a Traffic Offense

The 19th District Court has jurisdiction over all traffic offenses, both civil infractions and misdemeanors, which occur in the City of Dearborn. The Court's Traffic Division is responsible for processing all tickets and scheduling court dates for those people who request a hearing.

The division is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Civil Infractions

Civil Infractions (designated as C/I on tickets) may result in fines and costs being assessed against the offender. Typical civil infractions including parking violations, not wearing a seat belt, no proof of insurance, speeding, and running a red light or a stop sign. These are not jailable offenses, but the Secretary of State may assign points to a driver's license.

Civil Infraction Options

To admit responsibility and pay the fines and costs, and accept points added to one's record as determined by the Secretary of State. 

Tickets may be paid by check or money order through the mail or in the 24-hour drop box located east of the entrance to the 19th District Court building. Tickets also may be paid in person at the court by check, money order, Visa/MasterCard, or debit card.

Costs mount rapidly for those who do not take action to resolve their tickets in a timely fashion.

  • After 14 days, a $30 late payment fee is assessed.
  • After 46 days, a clearance fee and a reinstatement fee are assessed if a driver's license has been suspended for failure to pay.
  • After 56 days, a 20% late penalty is charged on the amount owed.
  • A $30 fee if a show cause order is issued for failure to pay.
  • A $30 fee if a warrant is issued for your arrest following a failure to appear for a show cause hearing.

Misdemeanors

The fine/cost schedule on the green pages of a traffic citation determines which misdemeanors criminal offenses are payable and which require a court date. Typical misdemeanor offenses which are payable without a required court appearance include improper license plates, no driver's license on person, and expired plates or licenses.

Payable Misdemeanor Options

Plead guilty and pay the fines and costs. If applicable the Secretary of State will add points to the violator's record.

Plead not guilty and schedule an arraignment.

Arraignments must be scheduled by contacting the court within 14 days from receipt of the ticket. At the arraignment, the party is informed of possible penalties which may be imposed for the charged offense. The defendant has the right to have an attorney present for all court proceedings. A pre-trial date will be set for parties pleading not guilty or standing mute. Those pleading guilty will have no trial.

Tough Penalties

Traffic violations should be resolved immediately.

Those with civil infraction violations who ignore the 14-day reporting requirement have a default judgment entered against them and are automatically deemed responsible for the violation. Further, their driver's license is suspended.

A warrant is issued for drivers with misdemeanor offenses who do not contact the court within 14 days of receiving the ticket.

Costs mount rapidly for those who do not take action to resolve their tickets in a timely fashion.

  • After 14 days, a $30 late payment fee is assessed.
  • After 46 days, a clearance fee and a reinstatement fee are assessed if a driver's license has been suspended for failure to pay.
  • After 56 days, a 20% late penalty is charged on the amount owed.
  • A $30 fee if a show cause order is issued for failure to pay.
  • A $30 fee if a warrant is issued for your arrest following a failure to appear for a show cause hearing.

Traffic Division - Fine Schedule

All payable citations are due within 14 days. After 14 days a $30 late fee will be assessed. All checks and money orders are to be made payable to the 19th District Court. You may pay by cash, MasterCard, Visa, or debit line in person only.

Any second moving violation in one year and all violations occurring in a school zone, construction zone or emergency scene: the scheduled fine will be doubled.

If you are issued an appearance ticket for a misdemeanor (with the exception of payable misdemeanors within 14 days) you must contact the court within 14 days to schedule an arraignment date. Failure to do so will result in a warrant for your arrest.