Find Traffic Ticket Records in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County traffic ticket records are split across multiple district courts depending on where in the county your ticket was issued. The 15th District Court in Ann Arbor, the 14A District Court serving Chelsea and surrounding townships, and the 14B District Court in Ypsilanti each maintain their own case files. This page explains how to find your records, who to contact, and what the process looks like whether you were cited in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, or anywhere in between.
Washtenaw County Overview
Washtenaw County Circuit Court
The Washtenaw County Circuit Court sits at 101 E Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. County Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum manages records access for the circuit court. You can call them at (734) 222-3270 or visit washtenaw.org for general county information. The circuit court handles serious traffic felonies and appeals from the district courts.
Washtenaw County's official website is the main starting point for court-related questions. You can find contact info, court locations, and links to online tools all in one place. Most routine traffic ticket records are held by the district courts, but if your case was appealed or involved a felony charge, the circuit court is where to look.
Record requests at the circuit court go through the Legal Records Division. You can visit in person or send a written request by mail with payment. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for standard copies and $10.00 for certified copies. Certified copies are needed when you must prove court outcomes to an insurer, employer, or another state's motor vehicle agency.
Washtenaw County Trial Court Information
The Washtenaw County Trial Court page at washtenaw.org/departments/trial-court provides department-specific contact info, forms, and guidance on court procedures. This includes information relevant to traffic cases, small claims, and general civil matters that may follow a traffic stop. If you need to find out which division of the court handles your specific issue, start here.
Washtenaw County uses a unified trial court structure. The circuit and district court functions share the same administrative framework under county management. This can make it easier to get answers in one place, though your actual case file will be at the specific district court that issued the citation.
15th District Court Washtenaw Traffic Records
The 15th District Court at 301 E Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 serves the City of Ann Arbor. Call (734) 222-3370 with questions about cases filed there. This court handles traffic infractions, OWI charges, and other vehicle-related offenses that happen within Ann Arbor city limits. Office hours for record requests are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays.
Ann Arbor has some specific enforcement priorities worth knowing. The city has zero tolerance for distracted driving. Campus areas near the University of Michigan see strict enforcement, and there are designated bicycle and pedestrian safety zones with heightened attention from officers. If your ticket came from one of these areas, the citation will reflect the applicable city ordinance or state statute. Parking violations in Ann Arbor are handled separately by the city, not the district court.
Under MCL 257.907, most moving violations are civil infractions. You can admit responsibility and pay the fine, or you can contest the ticket at a hearing. Either way, the 15th District Court is where Ann Arbor traffic ticket records are stored. Copy fees are $1.00 per page and $10.00 for certified copies.
The MiCOURT case search system covers all district courts in Washtenaw County, including the 15th, 14A, and 14B courts. Search free by name or case number. You can see hearing dates, fine amounts, violation codes, and case status without visiting the courthouse. This is the fastest way to check whether a Washtenaw County traffic case is open or resolved.
14A and 14B District Court Locations
The 14A District Court covers areas outside Ann Arbor city limits, including Chelsea, Manchester, and Ann Arbor Township. The 14B District Court in Ypsilanti handles traffic cases for Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Superior Township. If your ticket was issued in any of these areas, that is where your Washtenaw County traffic ticket records will be.
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 14A - Chelsea | 318 S Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118 | (734) 475-8609 |
| 14A - Manchester | 500 W Old Mill Circle, Manchester, MI 48158 | (734) 428-8600 |
| 14A - Ann Arbor Township | 4133 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | (734) 222-3300 |
| 14B - Ypsilanti | 1420 Washtenaw Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | (734) 222-3305 |
For mail requests, send your written request and payment to the court location that holds your case. Processing times vary by location. Call ahead to confirm current wait times before mailing a request.
Traffic Convictions and Washtenaw County Driving Records
When you are convicted of a traffic violation in Washtenaw County, the court reports the outcome to the Michigan Secretary of State. The SOS updates your driving record under MCL 257.320 and assigns points based on the type of offense. Points stay on your record for two years from the date of conviction. A standard speeding ticket for 11-15 mph over the limit is 3 points. Speeding 16 or more mph over carries 4 points. Reckless driving and OWI are each 6 points.
You can pull your own driving record at mvic.sos.state.mi.us through the ExpressSOS portal. Non-certified records cost $11.00 and certified records cost $12.00. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The record shows all convictions, point totals, and any license sanctions currently on file. Mail requests for driving records use Form BDVR-154 and go to the SOS Record Sales Unit in Lansing.
Note: Accident reports in Washtenaw County are covered by MCL 257.617. Police must file a report within 24 hours for any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
Cities in Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw County and the county seat. Traffic tickets issued in Ann Arbor go through the 15th District Court.
Other communities in Washtenaw County include Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and Saline. These areas are served by the 14A or 14B District Court depending on their location.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Washtenaw County. Check your ticket to confirm which county court has your case if you were cited near a county line.