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

Where is the Williston Municipal Court?

The court's location is 205 East Broadway, and its mailing address is 223 East Broadway Ste 201, Williston, ND 58801. Court is held Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Williams County Courthouse, Courtroom 119A. The phone number is 701.577.9900.

How do I pay a Williston traffic ticket?

• Online. Through the payment link on the court's website, with Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.
• In person. At the court office, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with cash, check, money order or card.
• By phone. With a card in hand.
• By mail. Check or money order to Williston Municipal Court, 223 E Broadway Ste 201, Williston, ND 58801. Put the citation number or the defendant's name on it.

The court charges a $3.00 processing fee on all credit card payments.

How long do I have?

State law gives 14 days from the citation to post bond or ask for a hearing. The due date is on your citation.

How do I contest the ticket?

Sign the request for hearing on the citation and post the bond within 14 days. Call the court at 701.577.9900 for the schedule.

What if my ticket isn't from Williston police?

It depends on who stopped you. The court says city cases are "typically interactions with the Williston Police Department (they have the blue uniforms)." Tickets from the Williams County Sheriff or the Highway Patrol go to the Williams County District Court, on the first floor of the county courthouse. Parking tickets are paid at the Police Department.

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.

Williston's court pages don't explain how to record an election in lieu of points. Call 701.577.9900 before you pay online 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.