INFRACTION PROCEDURES

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What is an infraction?

A: A violation of traffic infractions rules of the road. Including, but not limited to such charges as speeding, failure to stop at stop light or stop sign, defective equipment, Failure to provide proof of insurance, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, violation of license restriction, violation of instruction permit, not having your license on person, no motorcycle endorsement when driving a motorcycle, improper passing, improper lane usage, improper turn, etc.

Q: What must I do if I receive an infraction?

A: Start by reading the entire front and back side of your citation (ticket). If you follow the instructions given there, you can't go wrong. You should note that you MUST respond in writing within fifteen (15) days of the date that the ticket was issued. An infraction is not a crime, but failure to respond can result in the suspension of your driver's license. You can respond by either mailing the green ticket to the Court or bringing it in person to the clerk's office at 311 Cedar, Suite A at the Public Safety in Burlington. Select one of the boxes on the back of the ticket and verify your address.

• If you select box #1, you are electing to pay the penalty you should enclose payment with the copy of the citation.
• If you select box #2, you are admitting that you committed the infraction and are asking to explain the circumstances in hopes that it may reduce the penalty. The court will send you a court date; make sure you give us your current address, please.
• If you select box #3, you are contesting (challenging) the charge. You are asking for a contested hearing, stating that you did not commit the infraction and you want to present evidence or testimony to dispute it. A finding of committed; at which time you will be required to pay the penalty, or not committed; the case will be dismissed, will be the result of this hearing.

Q: Will a traffic infraction appear on my driving record?

A: When you pay the penalty, mitigate, or if the Judge finds you have committed a traffic infraction at a contested hearing, the state law requires that the infraction be reported to the Department of Licensing. The infraction will then appear on your driving record. Neither the Court Clerk nor the judge has the authority to keep the infraction off of your record.

Q: What if I don't respond or pay my ticket or appear for a hearing?

A: A failure to pay or respond to the ticket within 15 days results in an order that the infraction was committed. If you asked for a hearing and do not appear, your payment is due immediately. When an infraction is not paid in a timely manner or a hearing is missed, a $52 state assessed penalty is added to the amount shown on the ticket. Your license may then be suspended if the penalty is not paid immediately, and the account may be assigned to a collection agency. The court does not issue warrants for failure to pay fine.

Q: What if I can't pay my penalty all at once?

A: If you are unable to pay your entire penalty at the time of the hearing, the Judge or the Clerk will work out a time payment agreement. This is a contract with the Court for installment payments, which you must follow. Read the contract carefully and completely. Failure to follow the contract can result in late fees, possible suspension of your driver's license and assignment to a collection agency. There will be a $10 charge for infraction time pay agreements.