Grand Forks traffic ticket: how to pay it, and how to keep the points off

Where is the Grand Forks Municipal Court?

At 1701 N. Washington St., Grand Forks. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and court starts at 8:30 a.m. The phone number is (701) 787-8160.

How do I pay a Grand Forks traffic ticket?

Post the bond amount listed on your citation. The court says the bond "must be paid in full" and partial payments are not accepted. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, you can leave it in the drop box in the entryway of the court building. Call the court for card and phone payment options.

How long do I have?

The due date on the citation. If you don't post bond, the court says you must appear "on or before the 14th day from the offense date or the date given on your citation." If you want to plead guilty and ask for more time to pay, appear on or before that date.

How do I contest the ticket?

Post the bond and tell the clerk you're pleading not guilty. The clerk gives you a trial date. The city has to prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence. If you're found not guilty, the bond is returned. If you miss the trial, the bond is forfeited. An appeal to district court has to be filed in writing within 30 days.

What if my ticket isn't from Grand Forks police?

A ticket from the Highway Patrol or the county sheriff goes to the district court. Use the court named on your citation.

Does the court decide my points?

No. NDDOT does. The court reports the violation to NDDOT, and NDDOT enters the points from the state schedule. A stop sign ticket is 2 points. Speeding is 0 to 15 depending on your speed. Points by violation.

How do I keep the points off?

State law lets you elect a driver training course in lieu of points for a violation worth 5 points or fewer. You have to tell the court at the time you post bond, then get your certificate to NDDOT within 30 days.

The Grand Forks court's page points drivers to NDDOT at 701-328-2604 for point reduction, and doesn't explain how to record an election. Call the court at (701) 787-8160 before you post bond and ask.

How the election works.

What if I've already paid?

The points will post. A defensive driving course takes 3 off, once every 12 months. Email the certificate to drs@nd.gov. How the course works.