Traffic Tickets

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 responsibility and 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

Pay Online

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

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

Pay by 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 Court
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085

Niles Cases Only
Berrien County Trial Court
1205 N. Front Street
Niles, MI 49120

Pay Via 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 at Traffic 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.