- Why has the amount I owe increased?
A late penalty of $5 is added 21 days after the ticket enters our system and an additional fee of up to $50 is added 24 days after that.
If you signed an agreement to pay the fine and defaulted on the agreement, the fine will increase by the amount stated on the agreement.
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- Can I contest a ticket after paying the fine?
No. Paying the fine amounts to an admission of guilt. If you have questions about contesting a ticket, read the "How do I contest a ticket?" section below.
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- Can I contest a payable ticket without going through a trial?
Yes. In all cases where the fine is payable and you want to contest your ticket, the first step is to verify that your ticket is on file. To do so, either look up your ticket on our Web Payment Home Page or call the Violations Bureau at (651) 266-9202. Once you have verified this, you must come to either our St Paul or Maplewood locations and ask to speak with a Hearing Officer. Violations Bureau Locations
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- How do I contest a ticket?
To plead not guilty or to plead guilty and offer an explanation:
- Look up your ticket on the Web Payment Home Page or call (651) 266-9202 to find out if the ticket has been filed. It may take up to 10 business days for your ticket to be filed with the Court.
- Once you have confirmed that the ticket has been filed, appear at our St. Paul location between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday or between the same hours at our suburban office on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday *(See note below). Bring any paperwork that you have and a photo ID. Follow this link for Violations Bureau Locations.
- Tell the cashier that you would like to contest the ticket. You will first speak with a Hearing Officer. If you cannot resolve the matter with the Hearing Officer, the case may then be set for a court hearing or a trial.
- See also, Can I make an appointment to see a Hearing Officer?
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Effective January 2nd, Hearing Officers will be available by appointment only. If you intend to speak with a Hearing Officer after then, follow the instructions for making an appointment.
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- Can I contest a ticket through the mail?
No, you must see a Hearing Officer in person.
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- What is a Hearing Officer?
A Hearing Officer is someone authorized by the Court to hear what you have to say about your ticket and make a decision about your fine based on your explanation. Hearing Officers also have the authority to dismiss certain offenses under specific circumstances, to make arrangements to pay a fine over time, to authorize special programs, and to accept a plea of Not Guilty and set your case for court. Hearing Officers are available at the St. Paul and Maplewood Court locations between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
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- Can I make an appointment to see the Hearing Officer?
Until Dec 31st, 2008, Hearing Officers are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday at our St. Paul location and Monday through Wednesday at our suburban location in Maplewood. Court locations. Bring any paperwork you have with you. If you prefer, you can make an appointment by calling either of these locations. When speaking to phone staff, be prepared to provide your citation number.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective Jan 2nd, Hearing Officers are available only by appointment. To make an appointment at either location, call (651) 266-9202. (When options are prompted, press "0" to speak directly to our phone staff.)
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