About Berrien County
Board of Commissioners
Courts
Visitor Information
Publications
Local Links
Comments & Suggestions
Web Site Search
  Home
  Open This Page Formatted for Printing

Courts
Courts Home Page
Courthouse Decorum
Enforcement Office
Financial Office
Payment Options
Administrative Orders
Civil Division
Civil Division Judges
Civil FAQs
Guide to Garnishment of Periodic Payments
Landlord/Tenant Booklet
Plaintiff Instructions to Fill Out Writ of Garn.
Small Claims Booklet
 
Criminal Division
Criminal Division Judges
Criminal FAQs
Domestic Violence Court
Drug Court
Traffic FAQs
Traffic Tickets
Victim Assistance
 
Family Division
Family Division Judges
Foster Parenting
Friend of the Court
Juvenile FAQs
Child Protection Links
 
Links of Interest
Volunteer Opportunity
 
 
Traffic Tickets
 
If you receive a traffic violation in Berrien County, the original citation will be filed in one of three court locations - Niles, St. Joseph, or Three Oaks. The address of the court of jurisdiction will be listed at the bottom of the citation or on the envelope provided by the police officer.

Traffic Violations are classified as either civil infractions or misdemeanors. Recipients must contact the court within 10 days of the offense to indicate a desire to pay or have a hearing. The reverse side of the citation includes space for choices of plea and hearing types. Failure to answer citations can result in additional fees being assessed, issuance of arrest warrants and suspension of driving privileges through the Secretary of State.

Traffic Fees

Amounts listed apply ONLY if plea and payment are mailed WITHIN the 10 calendar day period. $25.00 should be added to the amount shown for payment made after the 10 days. For your convenience, there is a drive-up drop box at the north side of the Courthouse. Please include your citation number on your check or money order.  Checks should be made payable to the Berrien County Trial Court. 

SPEEDING:
NON-INTERSTATE HIGHWAY
FINE & COSTS (TOTAL)
1-10 MPH OVER $125.00
11-15 MPH OVER $135.00
16-20 MPH OVER $145.00
21-29 MPH OVER $175.00
30+ MPH OVER $215.00
Tractor trucks on interstate refer to above schedule.
SPEEDING: I-94 or I-96 FINE & COSTS (TOTAL)
1-5 MPH OVER $125.00
6-10 MPH OVER $130.00
11-15 MPH OVER $150.00
16-25 MPH OVER $185.00
26+ MPH OVER $210.00
If citation is issued for ANY OF THE ABOVE violations in school zone/construction zone/emergency scene, contact court for fine and costs.
VIOLATION BASIC SPEED LAW
Fail Stop Assured Clear Distance $150.00
Violation of Basic Speed Law $150.00
OTHER VIOLATIONS
Disobey Traffic Signal $160.00
Disobey Traffic Sign $160.00
Seat Belt Violation $65.00
No Operators License on Person CALL COURT
Expired Operators License with Proof of Renewal $115.00
Expired Operators License without Renewal $140.00
Expired Plate/Registration with Proof of Renewal $105.00
Expired Plate/Registration without Renewal $130.00
Improper Plate/Registration $145.00
Defective Equipment $125.00
Defective Equipment - No Brakes or No Lights $125.00
Careless Driving $180.00
Fail to Yield Right of Way $135.00
School Bus Failure to Stop $240.00
No Proof of Insurance CALL COURT
Child Restraint CALL COURT
COURT PHONE NUMBER: 269-982-8680