Kingston Provincial Offences Court – Kingston, ON

Municipal Administration of Provincial Statutes

Governance and Jurisdiction

The Kingston Provincial Offences Court, located at 362 Montreal Street, is administered by the City of Kingston on behalf of the Ministry of the Attorney General. This facility is responsible for processing and adjudicating non-criminal charges issued within Kingston and Frontenac County. These charges primarily fall under the Provincial Offences Act and include violations of the Highway Traffic Act (such as speeding and careless driving), the Liquor Licence and Control Act, and various municipal by-laws (such as noise control and property standards). Unlike criminal courts, this institution focuses on regulatory offences that typically result in fines rather than imprisonment.

Services and Options

Citizens who receive a “yellow ticket” or summons have several options to resolve their case at this location.

• Fine Payments: The court administration office accepts payments for fines. While in-person payment is available, the city strongly encourages the use of the online payment portal available through Payfines.ca or the city’s website to avoid lineups.
• Trial Requests: Defendants who wish to dispute a charge must file a Notice of Intention to Appear. The court schedules trials and resolution meetings with the municipal prosecutor to discuss potential plea deals or withdrawals.
• Administrative Reviews: For parking infractions, the facility manages the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), allowing citizens to request a screening review of their penalty notice without going to a full court trial.

Visiting the Court

The court office is situated north of the downtown core, providing a distinct venue from the criminal courthouse on Court Street.

• Remote Hearings: In response to modernization efforts, many proceedings, including plea dates and judicial pre-trials, may be conducted virtually via Zoom. Litigants should check their hearing notices carefully to determine if an in-person appearance is required.
• Accessibility: The building is wheelchair accessible, with ground-level entry and designated parking. Citizens requiring interpretation services for hearings must request them in advance of their court date.