Lansing, MI

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Traffic Tickets

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1. What is a traffic ticket?: A traffic ticket, also known as a traffic citation or civil infraction, is an act or omission which is not a crime. You are either responsible or not responsible for a traffic ticket; there is no determination of guilt. Traffic tickets result in fines but are not subject to jail sentences.

2. What are my options if I receive a traffic ticket?: You may admit responsibility, admit responsibility with explanation, or deny responsibility. For full information, see the Traffic Ticket Options page.

3. What if I don't show up for my hearing?: Failure to appear for a hearing will result in entry of a default judgment. A notice of fines and costs will be mailed to your address on record. If payment is not made within 30 calendar days, your driver's license may be suspended and additional fees will be added until the judgment is paid.

4. How do I file a Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment?: You may file a motion to have the default judgment set aside within 14 calendar days from the day the default judgment notice was sent. You must come to court, complete the motion form and post a bond in the amount of the judgment. Your motion will be reviewed by the Court and a decision mailed back to you. If the motion is denied, the bond will be used to pay the judgment. If the motion is granted a new hearing will be scheduled and a notice mailed to you.

5. Which offenses can have fines and costs waived?: The following tickets may be waived if proof of operator's license, registration, repair or certificate of insurance is shown within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the ticket: No Operator's License in Possession, No proof of Registration, and Defective Equipment.

Proof may be submitted directly to the court or certified by a police officer on the reverse side of the ticket. If you have an officer sign the back of your ticket it still remains your responsibility to submit that ticket to the court within 14 calendar days. Your ticket will not be dismissed by the court but the fines and costs will be waived.