FAQs • Westerly, RI • CivicEngage

What happens if I do not appear for my court date or fail to pay my violation?: A failure to appear or failure to pay fines and costs may result in a suspension of your driver’s license and/or your automobile registration.

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Municipal Court

1. You have been charged with a Civil Traffic Violation. Who can I call with questions?: If you have questions, please contact the Municipal Court Clerk at 401-348-2514

2. How do I pay by mail?: You may pay by mail using a check or money order made payable to the Westerly Municipal Court.
Our mailing address is:
Westerly Municipal Court
45 Broad St
Westerly, RI 02891

Yes, the town offers the option to pay for traffic tickets online.
Click here to go to the On-line Ticket Payment System

4. Do you take credit cards over the phone?: Yes, we do allow credit card payments for traffic violations online, by phone or in person. Please note that there is a credit card convenience fee in addition to your fine if you choose this payment method. Past due violations can only be paid by phone or in person.

5. What happens if I do not appear for my court date or fail to pay my violation?: A failure to appear or failure to pay fines and costs may result in a suspension of your driver’s license and/or your automobile registration.

6. What if I have a good driving record?: If you have a good driving record you may request that your summons be dismissed upon payment of costs by pleading guilty with a good driving record. You must appear in court to request this procedure. “Good driving record” means no moving violations within the three* years prior to the current violation. *Certain restrictions apply. If you are an out-of-state motorist, you must bring a copy of your driving record from that State to your arraignment.
If you are eligible to enter a plea under the “Good Driving Record” statute, a $60 cost will be imposed.

7. What is the cost if I appear in court and the Judge finds me guilty without a good driving record?: The cost would be the fine on your summons, plus $35 in court costs.

8. What if I want to have a trial?: Your 1st appearance in court (arraignment) is to state your plea or request a trial. If you plead not guilty to the violation, the Judge will set a date for a pre-trial and/or trial.

9. What if I am unable to pay my fines and court costs?: If you are unable to pay, a payment plan may be established if you are arraigned in court.
Failure to pay those costs could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

10. What if I want to appeal my judgment?: You have the right to appeal any judgment of the Westerly Municipal Court to the Appellate Panel of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. You must file a Notice of Appeal within 10 days accompanied by a fee of $25 made payable to the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.

11. What if I want to dispute a parking violation?: You may appear at court on the date listed on your violation in order to explain your defense to the Judge.

12. Are there court costs associated with parking violations?: No, there are no court costs associated with parking violations.

13. How can I pay for a parking violation?: You may pay by cash or check in person or by mailing a check or money order made payable to the Westerly Municipal Court, 45 Broad St, Westerly, RI 02891 . You may also pay online at https://westerly.rmcpay.com/. A service charge will be applied for online payments. Please note that a late fee will be applied if the ticket is not paid within 30 days.