Traffic Division

313-277-7480

The 20th District Court has jurisdiction over all traffic offenses, both civil infractions and misdemeanors, which occur in the City of Dearborn Heights.

Civil Infractions

Typical civil infractions include parking violations, not wearing a seatbelt, no proof of insurance, speeding, and running a red light or stop sign.  Civil Infractions may result in fines and costs being assessed against the offender.  These are not jailable offenses, but the Secretary of State may assign points to a driver's license. Visit Civil Infraction Options for more information. 

Misdemeanors

Typical misdemeanor offenses which are payable, without a required court hearing,  include improper license plates, no driver's license on person, and expired license. (You may still need to show proof to the court, please call to verify)

• Plead guilty and pay the fines and costs.  If applicable the Secretary of State will add points to a driver's license.
• Plead not guilty and schedule an arraignment at 9 am from Monday through Friday.
  • Arraignments must be scheduled by contacting the court within 15 days from the receipt of the ticket.  At the arraignment, the party is informed of possible penalties which may be imposed for the charged offense.  The defendant has the right to have an attorney present for all court proceedings.  A pre-trial date will be set for parties pleading not guilty or standing mute.  Those pleading guilty will have no trial. 

Timeline on Civil Infractions & Misdemeanors

Traffic violations should be resolved immediately.

Those with civil infraction violations who ignore the 15-day reporting requirement have a default judgment entered against them and are automatically deemed responsible for the violation.  Further, their driver's license is suspended.

A warrant is issued for drivers with misdemeanor offenses who do not contact the court within 15 days of receiving the ticket.

• After 15 days, a $30.00 late fee is assessed.
  A $45 clearance fee is assessed if suspended.
• After 56 days, a 20% late penalty is charged on the amount owed.  MCL 600.4803
• A show cause is ordered for failure to pay.
• A warrant is issued for your arrest following a failure to appear for a show cause hearing, warrant fees will apply. 

Civil Infraction Warrants

If you are served with a Warrant Collections/Enforcement Letter you will have 48 hours to comply.  Failure to appear within 48 hours will subject you to immediate arrest.  You must bring your letter with you upon coming to the Court.  Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Warrant Collections Division.