Somerville Traffic Court Records
Somerville traffic court records are handled by the Somerville District Court, which sits at the Medford courthouse complex at 175 Fellsway in Medford. Somerville is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States with about 81,000 residents packed into just four square miles, and the volume of traffic citations reflects that density.
Somerville Overview
Find Traffic Cases in Somerville
The Somerville District Court is based at 175 Fellsway, Medford MA 02155. This is the same location as the Medford courthouse complex, which also houses the Cambridge District Court and Malden District Court. Despite the name, the Somerville District Court has no physical courthouse in Somerville itself. All hearings and clerk visits happen at the Medford address.
If your citation lists Somerville District Court, go to Medford. Many residents make the mistake of looking for a Somerville courthouse and end up missing their hearing. The Fellsway location has parking and is near Route 93 exits. MBTA access is limited, so driving or taking a rideshare is usually the most practical option.
The Somerville District Court handles civil motor vehicle infractions and criminal traffic charges for violations that occurred within Somerville city limits. Somerville Police Department issues most of the tickets. Massachusetts State Police may also write citations on Route 28 or during special enforcement operations in the area.
The image below shows the Somerville District Court as listed on mass.gov, confirming the Medford address and court contact information.
The Somerville District Court page on mass.gov has the official address, phone number, and hours for the court.
Confirm the hours and contact info on this page before you go in person, as court schedules can change.
Searching Somerville Traffic Records
The free way to search Somerville traffic cases online is through MassCourts at masscourts.org. Select Somerville District Court from the dropdown, then enter the name of the person cited or the case number. Results show charges, hearing dates, and docket history. Most traffic case records are public and accessible without a login.
The court docket search guide on mass.gov explains how to interpret what you find. It walks through field names, case statuses, and what each type of docket entry means. This is useful if you are not familiar with court records and want to understand what you are looking at.
For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 175 Fellsway in Medford. Staff can search by name or case number and make copies from the file. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call ahead to ask about current copy fees and what you will need to bring.
Mail requests are also an option. Send a written request to Somerville District Court at 175 Fellsway, Medford MA 02155. Include the name on the case, the approximate filing date, and a check or money order for the applicable copy fee. The court will mail the records back to you.
Somerville Traffic Laws and Local Enforcement
Somerville follows Massachusetts traffic law under MGL Chapter 90C for civil violations and MGL Chapter 90 for criminal traffic offenses. Civil infractions are the standard non-criminal tickets. Criminal charges like OUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license go through the same court but as criminal cases with more serious consequences.
Somerville is one of the most densely populated cities in the US, and traffic moves through narrow streets that were laid out before the car was invented. Intersection violations, failure to yield, and speeding in residential zones are among the most common citations. Union Square, Davis Square, and the Brickbottom area are major traffic hubs where enforcement is regular.
The MBTA Green Line Extension added new stations in Somerville, and pedestrian activity near those stops has increased. Officers pay close attention to crosswalk compliance and bicycle lane violations near transit hubs. Route 28 (McGrath Highway) and Route 16 pass through the city and see heavier enforcement than residential side streets.
Somerville Police Department runs regular speed enforcement operations. The city has installed speed feedback signs in several neighborhoods to reduce violations before they result in tickets. Still, speeding tickets remain common on the main commercial corridors. Speed limits on city streets are governed by MGL Chapter 90, Section 17.
Contesting or Paying a Somerville Traffic Ticket
You have 20 days from the date on the citation to respond to a civil traffic ticket. If you do nothing, the violation is recorded on your driving record and insurance points are added. Your registration may also be suspended if you ignore the ticket long enough.
To pay your ticket online, go to pay your traffic ticket on mass.gov. You will need the citation number from your ticket. Paying means you admit the violation and accept the SDIP points.
To contest the ticket, request a clerk-magistrate hearing. The fee is $25. At the hearing you present your side to a clerk, not a judge. If the officer does not show up, the case is typically dismissed. If you lose, you can appeal to a judge for a $50 fee. The officer must attend the judge appeal or the case is dismissed. Both levels are explained at appeal your traffic ticket on mass.gov.
The Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) assigns points based on violation type. Minor violations add a small surcharge to your insurance. Major violations like OUI add significantly more. Over time, accumulated points can cause substantial premium increases. Contesting a ticket, even a small one, may be worth the $25 fee if you already have points on your record.
The image below shows the docket search tutorial on mass.gov, which helps you check the status of a hearing or case after you request one.
The docket search tutorial on mass.gov explains how to find your hearing date after you request a clerk hearing.
Use the docket search to confirm your hearing is scheduled and to check the status of your Somerville traffic case at any time.
OUI and Criminal Traffic in Somerville
Criminal traffic cases in Somerville are more serious than civil infractions. OUI is the most common criminal traffic charge. Massachusetts OUI law is found at MGL Chapter 90, Section 24. A first OUI offense can result in a fine of $500 to $5,000, a 45 to 90 day license suspension, and up to two and a half years in jail. The court may offer a 24D disposition for first offenders, allowing the person to complete an alcohol education program in exchange for a reduced suspension.
Leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and operating with a suspended license are other criminal traffic charges that come before the Somerville District Court. These cases have more steps than a civil infraction. The Middlesex DA prosecutes criminal traffic cases in Somerville. Cases that involve serious injury or death may move up to Superior Court level.
Specialty court programs may be available for some defendants with underlying substance use issues. See specialty courts on mass.gov for information on drug courts and related programs in Middlesex County.
Your driving record reflects all traffic convictions in Somerville. Request a copy at the RMV driving record page. If you were in a crash in Somerville and need the police crash report, see request a copy of a police crash report for steps to get that document.
Middlesex County Traffic Court Records
Somerville is in Middlesex County. For county-level information on courts, resources, and records access across the county, see the Middlesex County page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have traffic court record pages: