Infraction - Contested Hearing

Issuance of Infraction

The issuance of a Notice of Infraction is a determination by a law enforcement officer that you violated a traffic/non-traffic law. You must respond to the Court within 15 days of receiving an infraction.

Qualification

You may request a Contested hearing if you do not believe you committed the infraction. Information is available on the Washington State Courts and the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction websites.

No Proof of Insurance Infractions

If you had valid insurance coverage when the infraction was issued, the violation can be dismissed by the Court Clerk upon presentation of proof of insurance and payment of a $25 administrative fee.

What to Expect

A Contested hearing is an informal proceeding. You may bring a lawyer at your own expense. You may subpoena witnesses to attend the Contested hearing.

Upon receipt of your request for a Contested hearing, the Court Clerk will schedule your court date and send you a Notice of Hearing. If you have a conflict with the hearing date, contact the Court. Your hearing date will only be rescheduled once. Failure to appear for your Contested hearing will result in a determination that you did commit the infraction and your license will be suspended.

If you prefer, you may send in, via mail or email, a letter explaining the circumstance, rather than appear in person.

Fees

You can be required to pay a monetary penalty. Suspension, revocation, or denial of your driver's license may also result from your having committed this infraction.