Traffic Tickets

S.M.I.L.E. Program CancellationsTHE TRIAL COURT RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED A NEW CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Due to the transition, our call volume has increased.  Please leave a voicemail if no one is available to take your call. 

Should you experience difficulty paying a traffic ticket online or reaching us by phone, please email us . Be sure to include:

  • Your Name
  • Ticket Number
  • Phone Number

The court staff appreciates your patience as we continue to learn our new processes.

  **FRIEND OF THE COURT PAYMENTS ARE NOT AFFECTED**

Pay Online Button

If you receive a traffic violation in Berrien County, the original citation will be filed in either the Niles or St. Joseph court locations.

Traffic Violations are classified as either civil infractions or misdemeanors. The reverse side of the citation contains information for choices of plea and hearing types. Failure to respond to or answer citations within 10 days may result in additional fees being assessed, issuance of arrest warrants, and suspension of driving privileges by the Secretary of State.

Plea or Hearing

Traffic tickets are processed by the 5th District Court. 

Civil Infractions:

  • Admit responsibility/ pay the fine. (review the payment options below); or
  • Deny responsibilityand request a hearing

Misdemeanor:

  • Please call 269-982-8680.

Requesting a Hearing

You may also request a hearing by faxing to us your name, address, ticket number, phone number, and type of hearing. Fax at 269-982-8643 or email the above information to the traffic division. We will schedule you for a hearing and send you your hearing notice.

Payment Options

Online

Pay your fees online with a Credit Card. You must know your case / ticket number. Pay Online Button

Note: Your ticket information may not be available for 48 hours.

Mail

Do not mail cash.

Please include the ticket / citation number on your check or money order. Checks should be made payable to the Berrien County Trial Court. The court's location address and phone number will be at the bottom of the ticket / citation or on the envelope provided by the police officer.

St. Joseph Cases Only
Berrien County Trial Court811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085

Niles Cases Only
Berrien County Trial Court1205 N. Front Street
Niles, MI 49120

Phone

If you have a ticket or case number, you may use our automated phone payment system: 877-885-2982. If you are unable to reach us by phone, you may send us an email and we will get back to you.

Traffic Fees

Amounts listed apply only if plea and payment are mailed within 10 calendar days of the date of the ticket / citation. A $35 fee must be added to the amount shown for payments made after the 10 days. For your convenience, there is a drive-up drop box at the north side of the courthouse.