Pay Overdue Traffic Tickets Without Penalty

DEARBORN, MI — If you have unpaid parking or traffic tickets, now is the time to take care of it. The 19th District Court in Dearborn is currently running its amnesty program, which allows the tickets to be paid without fees attached. But the program ends on April 28, so time is of the essence.

“We believe it is in the best interest of all to provide citizens with an opportunity to resolve their outstanding tickets, avoid possible arrest and take advantage of the court waiving late penalties and fees,” said Chief Judge Sam Salamey.

While helping residents, the amnesty program also helps the court, Salamey said. He explained that it helps clear a backlog of files without additional court resources and collection costs.

The judge said when the program ends, however, the court will “move more aggressively to enforce and collect on unpaid tickets, including all penalties and late fees,” Salamey said.

While default fees, late fees and warrant fees will be waived, those participating in the program may still have to pay a $45.00 driver license clearance fee. Other stipulations apply to the amnesty program, including:

• Amnesty applies only to those individuals who present themselves at the 19th District Court, 16077 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48126. The court is open for business 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The court is closed Friday, April 14.
• Included in the program are all payable parking and traffic civil infraction tickets issued within the City of Dearborn.
• Under the program, individuals with arrest warrants for failure to appear in court on a civil infraction will have their outstanding warrant canceled. These individuals may come to court without the fear of being arrested for their voluntary appearance.
• During the period of amnesty, the ticket will be reduced to the original fine plus the $45.00 driver license clearance fee, if applicable. Upon full payment the court will notify the Secretary of State to lift the suspension.
• No payment plans. All payments must be cash, certified check, money order or credit card.

Photo by Rumble Press via Flickr Commons