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traffic courts

Traffic courts (also known as municipal courts) are generally courts that are dedicated to prosecuting and resolving tickets or citations for traffic, parking, driver’s license, liability insurance, defective equipment (headlights, brake lights, turning lights, etc.), and license plate violations. These are usually lower level misdemeanor offenses (as opposed to felony offenses).

In Massachusetts, traffic courts are not separate entities but are part of the District Court system. The District Courts handle a variety of cases, including traffic violations, which are considered criminal offenses if they are misdemeanors or felonies, and civil infractions for lesser offenses such as parking tickets or minor moving violations. When a person receives a citation for a traffic violation, they may be required to pay a fine, attend a hearing, or both. If the offense is a misdemeanor, it may require a court appearance, and the individual may be represented by an attorney. The process is designed to ensure that traffic laws are enforced and that drivers are held accountable for their actions on the road. For civil infractions, individuals can often pay fines online or by mail, but they have the right to contest the citation in court. More serious offenses, such as operating under the influence (OUI) or driving with a suspended license, are treated as criminal matters and can result in more severe penalties, including jail time.

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Courts

traffic courts

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Massachusetts State Code

Massachusetts State Code

Courts

traffic courts

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