- Before I decide to contest this ticket… can I just tell you about it and get your opinion on it?
- Can I represent myself in Traffic Court or do I need a lawyer?
- Can I call witnesses on my behalf?
- Are there any court costs if I wish to contest my traffic ticket?
- If I lose my court case, can I receive a higher fine?
- If I set a court date but change my mind and decide to pay the fine, can I do that or must I go to Court anyway?
- If I am found guilty of an offence and I don’t agree with it, what can I do about it?
- When I received my traffic ticket, there was a person with me. Can I call that person as a witness?
- What is the procedure for a postponement?
- How many points will I lose if convicted of breaching Section —- of the Highway Traffic Act?
- I have received a Contraventions Act ticket. What do I do?
1. Before I decide to contest this ticket… can I just tell you about it and get your opinion on it?
No, the staff and judges are not allowed to give legal advice. If you want an opinion you should consult with a lawyer.
2. Can I represent myself in Traffic Court or do I need a lawyer?
Yes, you may represent yourself in Traffic Court. If you so desire, you may engage the services of a lawyer or an agent.
3. Can I call witnesses on my behalf?
If you so desire, you may.
4. Are there any court costs if I wish to contest my traffic ticket?
No, there are no court costs.
5. If I lose my court case, can I receive a higher fine?
At the discretion of the judge, you may receive a higher fine.
6. If I set a court date but change my mind and decide to pay the fine, can I do that or must I go to Court anyway?
Yes, the fine can be paid but you should notify the Court of the cancellation of your court date a few days prior to that date.
7. If I am found guilty of an offence and I don’t agree with it, what can I do about it?
You may file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland within 30 days from the conviction.
8. When I received my traffic ticket, there was a person with me. Can I call that person as a witness?
Yes, this person can be called as a witness, if you so wish.
9. What is the procedure for a postponement?
A postponement cannot be granted over the telephone or by mail. If you are unable to appear, a person should appear in Court for you and ask for a postponement.
10. How many points will I lose if convicted of breaching Section —- of the Highway Traffic Act?
This will be determined by the Registrar of Motor vehicles and not the Court. You will be notified by mail by the Motor Registration Division.
11. I have received a Contraventions Act ticket. What do I do?
If you have received a Contraventions Act ticket you can pay the fine. https://onlinepayments.gov.nl.ca/OnlinePayments/GetPaymentType?id=587.
If you wish to contest the ticket, sign the Notice of Intention to Appear in Court to enter a plea and return it to the Court before the default conviction date so as to be advised of an appearance date OR indicate a plea of not guilty on the back of your ticket and return it to the Court before the default conviction date. If you have questions about your ticket, you can call our toll free number (1-833-765-5366) to receive service in French or English. You can also consult the document Federal Contraventions Tickets – Your Rights and Duties Under the Law Newfoundland and Labrador for more information.