Find Traffic Records in Houghton County
Houghton County traffic ticket records are filed and maintained at the District Court in Houghton. Located in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula region of the Upper Peninsula, this county processes traffic citations from US-41, M-26, and the roads that serve Michigan Tech University and the surrounding communities. This page explains how to search Houghton County traffic records, reach the court, and understand the state's process for traffic violations.
Houghton County Overview
Houghton County District Court and Traffic Cases
The Houghton County District Court is at 401 E Houghton Avenue in the city of Houghton. Both Circuit and District Court functions share this location. The District Court handles all traffic citations and civil infraction cases for the county. When an officer issues a ticket anywhere in Houghton County, the case lands here once filed. The clerk's office keeps all records and processes payments, hearings, and copy requests.
Houghton County is home to Michigan Technological University. The college town of Houghton has regular traffic enforcement from local police, the county sheriff, and Michigan State Police. US-41 is the main highway through the county and is a primary enforcement corridor. Citations from all of these agencies are filed with the Houghton County District Court.
The Circuit Court phone is (906) 482-5420. The District Court, where you should call for traffic matters, is at (906) 482-3357. Staff can check your case status, give you the amount owed, and tell you your options for a hearing or payment.
| Court | Houghton County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 E Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (906) 482-5420 |
| District Court Phone | (906) 482-3357 |
| Case Search | MiCOURT Case Search |
How to Look Up Houghton County Traffic Records
Start with MiCOURT. This free state tool covers Houghton County District Court records. Search by a full name or case number. The results include the violation, filing date, and current status. It is the quickest way to confirm a case without calling the court. Most cases appear in MiCOURT within a few days of the ticket being filed.
For documents and copies, call (906) 482-3357. The clerk can tell you whether a record is available, what it costs to get a copy, and whether you need to come in or can request by mail. Certified copies cost a bit more than plain copies. If you mail your request, send it to 401 E Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931. Include your name, case number, the document you need, and a check or money order for the fee.
Your Michigan driving record is a separate item. Order it from the Secretary of State through ExpressSOS for $12. A non-certified copy by mail costs $11 using BDVR-154 form. Your record shows all convictions from Houghton County and statewide, your current points, and your license status. Under MCL 257.328, the SOS must keep this record accurate and up to date.
Traffic Fines and Driving Record Impact in Houghton County
Traffic ticket fines in Houghton County follow the statewide fee structure. Under MCL 257.907, civil infraction fines go up to $100 for most violations. Add the $40 Justice System Assessment and court-specific fees, and the total owed is usually higher. Speeding tickets typically run between $120 and $250 or more depending on the speed and the road type. Construction zone and school zone violations carry higher fines.
Points from Houghton County convictions follow the same statewide schedule under MCL 257.320. Speeding 11 to 15 over: 3 points. Speeding 16 or more over: 4 points. Careless driving: 3 points. Reckless driving: 6 points. OWI: 6 points. Points remain on your record for two years from the conviction date. Getting to 12 points in that window means the SOS schedules a mandatory reexamination. You must pass it to keep your license.
If you want to contest your Houghton County ticket, call the District Court at (906) 482-3357 to request a hearing. You must do this before the deadline on your citation. The court schedules a date and sends you a notice. Show up and present your case. If the magistrate or judge finds you not responsible, the case is dismissed and no points are added. If found responsible, you pay the fine and the conviction goes to the SOS.
Note: Once a Houghton County fine goes past due, the court can assess additional costs and notify the SOS, which may affect your license renewal.State Resources Connected to Houghton County Traffic Records
The ExpressSOS portal provides Houghton County residents with fast access to their driving records and license information. It runs 24 hours a day and accepts credit or debit card payment.
This online system shows your full driving history, including any convictions from Houghton County courts. You can see the exact violations, dates, and points assigned. If you believe something is wrong on your record, contact the SOS Record Sales Unit at (517) 322-1624. They can look into errors and correct them if the court reported inaccurate data.
For fine payments online, check the Michigan court payment portal. Some Houghton County cases qualify for online payment. If yours is not listed, call the court at (906) 482-3357 to arrange payment in person or by mail. The general SOS number for all driving record and license questions is (888) 767-6424.
Nearby Counties
Houghton County is in the Keweenaw Peninsula region of the Upper Peninsula. These counties are nearby.