New Haven Traffic Ticket Search
New Haven traffic ticket records are processed through the Connecticut Judicial Branch and the Centralized Infractions Bureau. As the third-largest city in Connecticut and the county seat of New Haven County, New Haven handles a significant volume of traffic citations issued by the New Haven Police Department. Residents and visitors who receive traffic tickets in New Haven can search their records, pay fines online, or request court hearings through official state portals. This guide provides essential information about accessing New Haven traffic ticket records and navigating the local court system.
New Haven Quick Facts
Where to Find New Haven Traffic Ticket Records
New Haven traffic ticket records are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of violation. Moving violations and infractions issued by the New Haven Police Department are processed through the Connecticut Judicial Branch Centralized Infractions Bureau. This state-level system handles all payments and court scheduling for standard traffic citations issued within New Haven city limits.
The New Haven Judicial District Geographical Area No. 23 serves as the primary traffic court for New Haven traffic ticket cases that proceed to trial. Located at 121 Elm Street in downtown New Haven, this courthouse handles all contested traffic matters, hearings for not guilty pleas, and any traffic ticket disputes that require judicial review. The court operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Parking tickets issued in New Haven are handled separately from moving violations. The City of New Haven Collections Office manages parking ticket records and payments. Located at 200 Orange Street on the first floor, this office maintains all parking citation records for the city. You can reach them at (203) 946-8055 during weekday hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles maintains comprehensive driving history records that include all New Haven traffic ticket convictions. These records show violations, points assessed, and license status. Insurance companies and drivers themselves can request these records through the DMV to verify traffic ticket history from New Haven and throughout the state.
New Haven Traffic Court Information
The New Haven Judicial District Geographical Area No. 23 is the official traffic court for all contested New Haven traffic ticket cases. This courthouse is located in the heart of downtown New Haven at 121 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06510. The building handles traffic cases from New Haven and surrounding communities, making it a busy hub for motor vehicle violation proceedings.
| Court | New Haven Judicial District - Geographical Area No. 23 at New Haven |
|---|---|
| Address | 121 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510 |
| Phone | (203) 789-7461 |
| Fax | (203) 789-7492 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. |
| Website | GA23 Court Information |
Getting to the New Haven traffic court is straightforward from Interstate 95. From I-95 in West Haven, take Exit 47 to Route 34, also known as the Oak Street Connector. Follow the signs directing you toward downtown and Church Street. Take the first exit off the Oak Street Connector and turn right onto Church Street. Continue straight through four traffic lights. The courthouse will be on your left at the intersection of Church Street and Elm Street.
When visiting the New Haven traffic court for a hearing related to your traffic ticket records, arrive early to allow time for security screening. Bring a valid photo identification, your traffic ticket or case number, and any evidence or documentation supporting your case. Dress appropriately for court proceedings. The court does not provide legal advice, so consider consulting an attorney if your New Haven traffic ticket case involves serious violations or potential license suspension.
New Haven Police Department Traffic Enforcement
The New Haven Police Department is responsible for issuing traffic tickets within city boundaries. With its main headquarters located at 1 Union Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, this department patrols city streets and highways to enforce Connecticut traffic laws. Officers issue citations for speeding, running red lights, illegal parking, and other motor vehicle violations that become part of New Haven traffic ticket records.
The New Haven Police Department can be reached at (203) 946-6316 for general inquiries. For specific questions about a traffic ticket issued by their officers, you may need to reference your citation number and contact the Centralized Infractions Bureau, as the police department transfers ticket processing to the state court system shortly after issuance. Visit the department website at newhavenct.gov/gov/police for additional information about traffic safety initiatives and enforcement priorities in New Haven.
When an officer issues a traffic ticket in New Haven, the citation information is forwarded to the Connecticut Judicial Branch for processing. This typically takes 7 to 30 days to appear in the online system. During this processing period, you may not be able to find your New Haven traffic ticket records through the online portal. If your ticket does not appear immediately, wait several days and check again before contacting the court.
How to Search New Haven Traffic Ticket Records
Searching for New Haven traffic ticket records is possible through several official channels. The most convenient method is using the Connecticut Judicial Branch online payment portal. Visit the CIB payment system to look up your ticket by entering the ticket number and the first three letters of your last name. This system displays all current New Haven traffic ticket details including the violation type, fine amount, and answer date.
For comprehensive driving history that includes all New Haven traffic ticket convictions, request your driving record from the Connecticut DMV. This record shows violations from throughout the state, including any tickets you received in New Haven. The DMV offers online requests at their driving records page. You will need your Connecticut driver's license number and Social Security Number to access these records. The fee is $20 for a certified copy of your driving history.
If you have lost your New Haven traffic ticket and cannot find the citation number, contact the Centralized Infractions Bureau directly. Call (860) 263-2750 Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Provide your full name and date of birth to the representative, who can locate your New Haven traffic ticket records in their system. You can also email Centralized.InfractionsBureau@jud.ct.gov with your identifying information to receive ticket details by return message.
Parking tickets issued in New Haven are searched separately through the city's Collections Office. Call (203) 946-8055 to inquire about parking citation records. You can pay New Haven parking tickets online, by phone using Visa or MasterCard, by mail, or in person at the Collections Office on Orange Street. Unlike moving violations, parking tickets do not appear in the state CIB system and must be handled directly through the city.
How to Pay New Haven Traffic Tickets
Paying New Haven traffic tickets online is the fastest and most convenient option. The Connecticut Judicial Branch operates the CIB payment portal where you can pay fines with a credit card. The system accepts Visa and MasterCard for New Haven traffic ticket payments. After completing the transaction, print your receipt and save the confirmation email for your records. Online payments typically process immediately but may take up to two business days to reflect in the system.
To pay your New Haven traffic ticket by mail, send a check or money order made payable to "Clerk of Superior Court" to the Centralized Infractions Bureau at P.O. Box 5044, Hartford, CT 06102-5044. Write your ticket number on the payment to ensure proper credit. Never mail cash. Allow sufficient time for postal delivery before your answer date to avoid additional penalties or license suspension.
When you pay a New Haven traffic ticket, you are entering a plea of nolo contendere, which means no contest. This has the same effect as a guilty plea for the purposes of your driving record. Most violations paid through the CIB do not add points to your license, with the exception of mobile phone violations under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-296aa, which carry at least one point.
Paying your New Haven traffic ticket before the answer date shown on the citation is essential to avoid additional consequences. Missing the deadline can result in license suspension and extra fees to reopen your case. If you cannot pay the full fine, contact the court to discuss possible payment plan options before your answer date passes.
New Haven Online Traffic Ticket Review Program
The Connecticut Online Ticket Review Program offers New Haven drivers an alternative to paying or going to court. This program allows a prosecutor to review your New Haven traffic ticket and potentially offer a reduction or dismissal. To participate, you plead not guilty online through the ticket review portal. A prosecutor examines the circumstances of your citation and may dismiss the ticket, offer a reduced fine, or send the case to court for a hearing.
The online review process takes approximately 4 to 5 weeks for a decision. During this time, your New Haven traffic ticket case is on hold. If the prosecutor offers a reduction, you can accept it and pay the lower fine without appearing in court. If the prosecutor declines to reduce the ticket, your case proceeds to a court hearing where you can present your defense before a judge.
This program is particularly useful for first-time offenders or those with minor New Haven traffic ticket violations. It provides an opportunity to resolve citations without the time and expense of a court appearance. Not all violations qualify for the review program, and the prosecutor has discretion about which cases to reduce. Serious violations or cases involving accidents typically proceed directly to court.
New Haven County Traffic Ticket Records
New Haven is the county seat of New Haven County, which includes multiple municipalities with their own traffic enforcement. While New Haven traffic ticket records are processed through the GA No. 23 court, other towns in the county may use different Geographical Area courts depending on their location. The county court system handles thousands of traffic cases annually from drivers throughout the region.
For information about traffic courts serving other communities in New Haven County, court jurisdictions, and county-wide traffic record resources, visit the New Haven County traffic ticket records page. This resource provides comprehensive information about all courts serving the county and their respective coverage areas.