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1. What do I do if I receive an infraction?

Begin by carefully reading your citation. You must respond to the infraction within fifteen (15) days from the violation date. A failure to respond will result in the suspension of your drivers license, further penalties and collections. You can respond by completing the information in the box in the lower right hand corner of the citation and either mailing the citation to the court or bringing it in person to the clerk's office. Court dates will not be given out over the phone. Select one of the boxes in the lower right hand corner and verify your address. If you choose box 1, you are electing to pay the infraction. Box 2 indicates a "guilty" response and box 3 indicates "not guilty" response. A hearing notice will be mailed to you. It will include information to request a hearing by mail or an electronic hearing.

2. What is a Mitigation Hearing?

A mitigation hearing is held when you admit you committed the violation but wish to explain the circumstances to the judge. To request a mitigation hearing, mark box 2 in the lower right hand corner of your citation. The judge may adjust your penalty based on your explanation. The court is required to forward all committed traffic citations to the Department of Licensing and it will appear on your driving record. Mitigation hearings can be held by mail and email.

3. What is a Contested Hearing?

A contested hearing is held when you believe you did not commit the violation. To request a contested hearing, mark box 3 in the lower right hand corner of your citation. The officer will not be present unless you file an officer subpoena which is available from the clerk. Discovery requests should be made in writing to the prosecutor's office. You may testify, present evidence or witnesses at a contested hearing. In the event you have requested witnesses, you may be required to pay court costs. If you have a contested hearing and lose, the penalty may stay the same. Contested hearings may also be held by mail and email.

4. I received a camera ticket in the mail. What do I do?

You can request a mitigation or contested hearing and appear in person, by mail or on-line with a TEC hearing.  Be sure to submit your request by the due date listed on the front.  You may also view the video or photographs for your ticket at ViolationInfo.com and enter the PIN number provided to you on your ticket.  

A camera ticket is very similar to a parking ticket:

Camera tickets DO NOT:  Go on your driving record

                                          Go to your insurance company

Camera tickets CAN:        Place a hold on car registration and tabs for failure to pay.

5. Will a traffic infraction appear on my driving record?

The infraction will go on your Department of Licensing driving abstract if you pay the penalty, mitigate or if the judge finds you have committed the infraction.

6. What is the Deferred Finding Program?

This program allows you to keep an infraction off your record. You must admit the offense, not have had a deferred finding within the past 7 years, enter into a 6 month probationary period and pay a $175 administrative fee within 30 days of entry.

7. What will happen if I don't pay my ticket or appear for my hearing?

A failure to pay or respond to the citation within 15 days will result in a finding of committed. If you requested a hearing and did not appear, a $52 late penalty is added to the original amount of the citation and payment is due immediately. An unresolved citation will show as a "hold" against your license through the Department of Licensing. In this case, payment must be by cash or its equivalent. Personal checks will delay processing and adjudication for approximately 10 days.

8. What about an insurance ticket?

If you receive a citation for no proof of insurance at the time of the stop, and you actually had insurance, you may file the proof with the court clerk and pay a $25 administrative fee, and the infraction will be dismissed,

9. Can I have my hearing held electronically on-line by email?

You may be able to have Mitigation, Contested, Deferred Finding and Teen Court hearings via email. You must have a valid email address.

10. Can I have my hearing held in writing by mail or fax?

Both mitigation and contested hearings can be done by mail or fax. There is no right to appeal from a contested hearing by mail. If the charge is related to an insurance, registration or license violation, you must provide proof of these documents before the court will consider the penalty. You may also request a deferred finding by mail.

11. What about my right to an appeal?

If you do not win at a contested hearing, you have the right to appeal to the Superior Court of King County. The notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of the judgment There will be costs, payable in advance, including a $110 filing fee. The Superior Court will review the record that was made at the municipal court level, but there will not be a new trial. Appeal packets are available from the clerk. There is no appeal from a finding of committed following a contested hearing by mail.

12. What if I can't pay my fine all at once?

If you cannot pay your fines in full at the time of the hearing, the clerk will allow you to sign a time payment agreement. This is a contract with the court for installment payments. Failure to abide by the contract will result in additional penalties, possible suspension of your drivers license and assignment to collection. There is a $10 set up fee.