Citations, Tickets and Warrants
Traffic Infractions (Non-Criminal)
If you have been charged with a traffic infraction, please read the instructions on the citation carefully. You must respond within 30 days of the date of the violation by:
- Paying the fine in full;
- Requesting a payment plan;
- Requesting a mitigation hearing; or
- Requesting a contested hearing.
After 30 days from the date of the violation, a penalty for failure to respond will be added. Unpaid balances will be sent to a collection agency and may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Criminal Citations
If you have been charged with a criminal citation from a Mercer Island police officer or receive a summons in the mail, your appearance in court is mandatory. Failure to appear may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
Look for an appearance (arraignment) date in the lower left-hand portion of the citation. If no date is written on the citation, the court will summon you in 2-3 weeks. The summons may be mailed to the address on the face of the citation. It is your responsibility to contact the court if the address is incorrect or the summons is not received within 2-3 weeks.
Parking Tickets
You must respond to a parking ticket within 30 days of the violation by either requesting a hearing or by paying the fine in full. After 30 days, a penalty for failure to respond will be added. Unpaid balances will be sent to a collection agency. You may be unable to renew your vehicle license tabs until all fines are paid.
Bench Warrants or Failure to Appear
If you have a bench warrant or failed to appear for a court date, please contact the Court at 206.275.7604 during court business hours for instructions.
