JANUARY 13, 2009

The time-saving convenience of renewing a license plate tab at a Secretary of State Self-Service Station has expanded to allow Ann Arbor residents to pay parking and traffic tickets, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

Customers of the Washtenaw County PLUS Office at 353 N. Maple Road can use the Self-Service Station there to pay any civil-infraction ticket under the jurisdiction of the 15th District Court, which serves the city of Ann Arbor, including the University of Michigan campus.

"I'm pleased that Ann Arbor residents have the first opportunity to experience this innovative pilot program," Land said. "Our customers have made Self-Service Stations a huge hit, and I hope that in time we can create partnerships with courts throughout the state. I encourage area residents to take advantage of this convenient option."

The pilot program is made possible through a partnership among the Secretary of State's Office, the 15th District Court and the State Court Administrative Office with the support of the Michigan Department of Information Technology. The state court office hosts a Web site that allows people to pay a civil-infraction ticket online for four court districts and now the Self-Service Station offers Washtenaw County residents access to that online technology.

"We're happy to partner with Secretary Land in offering this time-saving service," said Carl L. Gromek, Michigan's state court administrator. "We view this pilot program as a first step toward making this convenience available statewide."

Ken Theis, director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology, said the self-service option in Ann Arbor is yet another way the state is testing new technology that will benefit state residents.

"We're not content with having the state conduct business the same way it always has," Theis said. "We're constantly looking for more ways to serve Michigan residents by taking advantage of new technology. Secretary of State Self-Service Stations offer the potential for state departments and local governments to give their customers a self-service option located in their community."

Self-Service Stations have proved to be popular with customers across the state since their introduction three years ago. The 38 stations statewide have issued more than 275,000 license plate tabs and collected more than $27 million. The Washtenaw County PLUS Office has featured the self-service option since September 2007 and has taken in more than $380,000. Customers pay with a Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit or branded debit card.

The court's online system allows people to find their ticket by using their name, or ticket, driver's license or license plate number.

If people wish to contest a ticket, they would have to contact the court and should not use the Self-Service Station. Additionally, the terminal won't allow payment for violations other than civil infractions, tickets under the jurisdiction of another court or if a person is late in paying the ticket.

To use a Self-Service Station to renew a license plate tab, a person's insurance company must participate in the department's electronic insurance verification program. If it does participate, a personal identification number will be listed on the renewal notice that is mailed out 45 days before the tab expires.

For more information about Secretary of State programs and services, including the locations of Self-Service Stations, visit the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.