If you have been cited to appear in Tigard Municipal Court for a traffic violation you may enter your plea

1. By mail, following the instructions on the citation; or
2. By entering a no contest plea and paying the citation online; or
3. By contacting a court clerk at 503-718-2478; or
4. Appear in person at the time and date printed on your citation.

You may enter a plea of:

• Not Guilty if you wish to contest the charge against you and go to trial, or
• No Contest if you want to waive your right to trial. You may provide a letter of explanation that can be used when assessing the fine. A no contest plea typically results in a conviction. Please see the traffic safety program tab (below) for more information.

If you have a question about your guilt or innocence you should speak with an attorney. Oregon law prohibits court staff from providing legal advice.

Civil Infractions are violations of the Tigard Municipal Code, that are punishable by a civil penalty but not jail time. Civil infractions can be a one-time occurrence or may be a continuous violation with the possibility of penalties accruing each day. Some of the most common infractions are neighborhood nuisances and violations of the zoning, building and business-license ordinances.

For more detailed information about civil infractions and the court process see Civil Infractions in the Tigard Municipal Court: Frequently Asked Questions.

In the Municipal Court of the City of Tigard, County of Washington, State of Oregon.

• General Order - In the Matter of Adoption of Court Rules
• Local Rules - Tigard Municipal Court

In minor traffic and civil infraction cases, you have the right to be represented by an attorney of your choice at your own expense. In such minor cases, defendants and respondents are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney. The Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service can be useful if you need help finding an attorney.

Court clerks can provide you with information about entering a plea, making a payment, requesting a court trial, and other court procedures, rules and practices. However they are prohibited by law (ORS 9.160) from giving legal advice including:

• Speculating about how the judge might decide your case;
• Advising you what to say in court or in court forms; or
• Recommending one procedure or form over another.

The court conducts marriage ceremonies by prior arrangement only. Couples must have a valid marriage license and bring two witnesses. For more information, please contact the court at 503-718-2478. 

The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.

Payment Options

• Mail: please make your check or money order payable to the City of Tigard, include the citation number on the check or money order, and attach your traffic citation. You may also submit a written explanation if you wish.
• Online: Paying online (CitePay USA)  requires a no contest plea, which will result in a guilty finding. There is a fee to pay online.
• In person: Clerks are available at the window Monday -Thursday 8 AM – 6 PM. We are located at 13125 SW Hall Blvd. inside City Hall.
• We cannot accept payment over the phone.

The City of Tigard is committed to increasing public safety. We believe targeted education heightens driver awareness and establishes safer habits that lead to fewer violations and collisions. To incentivize learning, qualified defendants may participate in a traffic safety education program in exchange for the dismissal of certain violations. Contact the court at 503-718-2478 to discuss your case.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The ticket involves a single moving violation.
• Defendant has not been convicted for a moving violation or traffic crime within the last three years.
• Defendant has not participated in a court-supervised traffic safety class within the last three years.
• Defendant does not have a Commercial Drivers’ License.

General Program Description and Requirements:

1. Contact the court to confirm eligibility.
2. Once you sign the application/ agreement the court will provide you with a course referral. Most courses are online and take between 2-4 hours. In-person classes are available upon request.
3. Complete the course and provide proof of completion within 90 days.
4. Pay the court fee within 90 days.
5. Successful completion of the program within 90 days will result in the ticket being dismissed. The court will not extend the completion date for any reason.

If you are interested in applying for the Traffic Safety Education Program, please contact the court at 503-718-2478.