Court offers a break on traffic tickets

By Alan Madlane
Traffic ticket scofflaws, here’s your chance to make it right with the world.

Or at least, the Hamtramck part of the world.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 1 and lasting the entire month through Wednesday, Oct. 31, the 31st District Court here in town — that’s the one located in the city hall building in the center of the city — is holding an “amnesty program” to help people make good on their delinquent traffic tickets.

Per the court’s press release on the matter, they stress that the program provides individuals an opportunity to settle outstanding financial court obligations while saving money (as many late fees and court costs will likely be waived or reduced).
The program is designed to coincide with the upcoming plan by the Michigan Secretary of State to eliminate driver responsibility fees — an extra burden that was added, in many cases, to already onerous costs.

The amnesty program can be taken advantage of either in person or online. Don’t trust them not to arrest you? Simply go onto the city’s website and follow the links to where you can make your payments from the comfort of your own hideout or bunker.

For more information on the amnesty program, the Online Amnesty Application, and a link to information about driver responsibility fees, court users should visit the 31st District Court website at www.31stdistrictcourt.net.
For those still wishing to appear in person at the court, extended business hours are being offered on Tuesday, Oct. 23, when the court will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the other business days of October, standard business hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

So pony up, people, and ride clean! As in, with a clean conscience.

Sept. 28, 2018