Mayor's Court
Mayor’s Court handles adult misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and code enforcement violations, from both state statutes and city ordinances, that occur within the incorporated limits of the City of Ponchatoula.
Mayor's Court Magistrate
Ernie Drake III
Court Administrator
Angel Cortez
Assistant Court Administrator
Michelle Roy
Traffic Offenses
Persons who wish to contest a traffic citation must appear in court on the date and time indicated on the bottom of the citation. Persons who pay traffic fines in full prior to the scheduled court date are not required to appear. Failure to pay fines in full prior to court date and/or failing to appear in court as scheduled will result in additional fines and a contempt of court attachment.
MISDEMEANOR CASES, CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES, MUST APPEAR TRAFFIC CASES AND ARREST ON ATTACHMENTS
Persons are required to appear in court for all misdemeanor cases, code enforcement cases, must appear traffic cases and cases in which the defendant was arrested on an outstanding attachment. The date and time of court appearances are listed on the summons, citation and/or Notice to Appear.
- All persons and bags are subject to search prior to entering the courtroom
- No cell phones allowed
- No food or drink allowed
- No children allowed in courtroom
- Proper attire required no shorts, tank tops, or hats allowed
Fines & Payments
Pay Online
Visa, Mastercard, and Discover Cards accepted
The Payment processor will add a processing fee to your fine to cover the cost of your payment. You will be given your full payment amount prior to completing your transaction
Pay In-Person
At City Hall — Monday - Friday, 9:00 am 4:00 pm
During Court Appearance
Cash, Money Order, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Cards accepted.
No Personal Checks Accepted or any type of Tap Pay
Please contact (985) 370-7600 for more court information.
MPH Over Speed Limit
1-10 $168 / School Zone $203
11-20 $178 / School Zone $228
21-30 $198 / School Zone $278
31+ $228 / School Zone $328
Common Fines
Failure to Stop for Traffic Signal (red light, stop sign, etc.) $170
Improper Turn $170
No/Expired Inspection Sticker $158
No/Expired License Plate $158
Driving Under Suspension $310
No Seatbelt
1st Offense $50
2nd Offense $75
No Seatbelt
1st Offense $100
2nd Offense $252
3rd Offense $589
2025 Violations Cost
License and Registration
| Violation Code | Violation | Amount Due |
| 32:52 | No Driver’s License | $200.00 |
| 32:411 | No Driver’s License on Person | $160.00 |
| 32:412 | Expired Driver’s License | $160.00 |
| 32:51 | No License Plate | $200.00 |
| 47:508 | Expired License Plate | $175.00 |
| 32:1304 | Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker | $160.00 |
| 32:53 | No Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker | $160.00 |
Speeding in School Zone
| Violation Code | Violation | Amount Due |
| — | Speeding School Zone 1–10 mph over | $200.00 |
| — | Speeding School Zone 11–20 mph over | $225.00 |
| — | Speeding School Zone 21–30 mph over | $300.00 |
Seat Belt and Restraint
| Violation Code | Violation | Amount Due |
| 32:295.1 | No Seat Belt | $50.00 |
| 32:295 | No Child Restraint | $100.00 |
Traffic Signal
| Violation Code | Violation | Amount Due |
| 32:123 | Ran a Stop Sign | $175.00 |
| 32:232 | Ran a Red Light | $175.00 |
Speeding Violations
| Violation Code | Violation | Amount Due |
| — | Speeding 1–10 mph over | $175.00 |
| — | Speeding 11–20 mph over | $185.00 |
| — | Speeding 21–30 mph over | $250.00 |