Traffic Fine Amounts in Miramichi: Real Ticket Examples
In Miramichi, New Brunswick, traffic fines range from $25 for minor parking violations to $542.50 for excessive speeding (46+ km/h over), with the most common speeding ticket (1–20 km/h over) costing $172.50 including surcharges; all fines are set under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act and local Miramichi by-laws.
1. Real Traffic Fine Amounts in Miramichi
All traffic fines in Miramichi are governed by the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act (R.S.N.B. 1973, c. M-17) and the City of Miramichi Traffic By-law No. 2020-12. Fines below include the mandatory victim surcharge where applicable.
Violation
Fine Amount (CAD)
Legal Reference
Speeding 1–20 km/h over limit
$172.50
MVAct s. 106(1)
Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit
$242.50
MVAct s. 106(2)
Speeding 31–45 km/h over limit
$347.50
MVAct s. 106(3)
Speeding 46+ km/h over limit
$542.50
MVAct s. 106(4)
Distracted driving (cell phone)
$172.50 (1st offence)
MVAct s. 283.1
Running a red light
$172.50
MVAct s. 116
Failure to stop at stop sign
$172.50
MVAct s. 117
Seatbelt violation (driver)
$172.50
MVAct s. 213
Parking — expired meter (Miramichi)
$25.00
By-law 2020-12
Parking — no parking zone (Miramichi)
$35.00
By-law 2020-12
Parking — handicap space violation
$200.00
MVAct s. 215
Note: All amounts are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and reflect the most current fine schedules published by Service New Brunswick and the City of Miramichi as of 2025. Fines are subject to change — always verify at snb.ca.
2. Best Parking Areas in Miramichi to Avoid Fines
Miramichi’s downtown core has both paid and free parking zones. Knowing where to park can save you from unnecessary tickets.
King Street (upper section): Free 2-hour parking available north of Henderson Street; monitor posted signs.
Water Street (south of Jane Street): Designated free parking lots with no time limits in some areas.
City Hall parking lot (141 Henry Street): Free for visitors with a permit obtained at the front desk.
Ritchie Street public lot: Free all-day parking, a 3-minute walk from downtown businesses.
Big box retail plazas (Newcastle Boulevard): Private lots — park only in designated customer spots.
Tip: Always check for seasonal parking bans (November 1 – April 1) — overnight street parking is prohibited and carries a $35 fine. Refer to miramichi.org for current by-laws.
3. Step-by-Step Process for Handling a Traffic Ticket in Miramichi
Follow these steps if you receive a traffic ticket in Miramichi:
Read the ticket carefully — note the violation code, fine amount, and the 14-day payment window.
Choose your option:
Pay the fine — online at paytickets.ca, by mail, or in person at Service NB.
Contest the ticket — file a notice of dispute at the Provincial Court (155 Pleasant Street) within 14 days.
If paying online: Have your ticket number and plate number ready. A convenience fee of $1.50 applies.
If disputing: Attend your court date at 155 Pleasant Street. Legal counsel is advised for serious offences.
After resolution: Keep your receipt or court disposition as proof.
Pro tip: Pay within 14 days to avoid a late penalty of 25% of the original fine (NB Regulation 84-204).
4. Local Agencies & Enforcement Bodies
Several agencies oversee traffic enforcement and fine collection in Miramichi:
Miramichi Police Force — issues moving violations and parking tickets. Headquarters: 65 Wellington Street, Miramichi. Phone: (506) 623-2100.
Service New Brunswick (Miramichi) — handles fine payments, license suspensions, and driver records. Address: 155 Pleasant Street, Miramichi.
Provincial Court of New Brunswick (Miramichi) — hears traffic disputes. Same address: 155 Pleasant Street.
City of Miramichi — By-law Enforcement — handles parking complaints and local traffic by-laws. Contact via City Hall at 141 Henry Street.
All agencies operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (except statutory holidays).
5. Safety & Legal Risks of Unpaid Fines
Ignoring a traffic ticket in Miramichi carries serious consequences beyond the original fine:
License suspension: The Registrar of Motor Vehicles may suspend your driver’s license for unpaid fines under MVAct s. 296.
Collection proceedings: Unpaid fines are referred to the Provincial Collections Agency, adding 15% administrative fee.
Warrant for arrest: For serious offences (e.g., careless driving), a failure to appear in court can result in a bench warrant.
Insurance impact: A conviction for moving violations raises premiums by 15–30% for 3 years (source: Insurance Bureau of Canada).
⚠ Legal notice: Under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act, s. 296(3), the Registrar must suspend a license after 30 days of non-payment. Always respond to a ticket promptly.
6. Time Efficiency & Waiting Periods
Understanding timelines helps you plan and avoid penalties:
Payment processing (online): Instant confirmation; funds reflect in 1–2 business days.
Payment processing (in-person): 10–20 minutes at Service NB (155 Pleasant Street). Mid-month mornings are least busy.
Court hearing scheduling: 4–8 weeks from filing a dispute; typical hearing lasts 15–30 minutes.
License reinstatement after suspension: 5–10 business days after full payment and submission of reinstatement fee ($50).
Demerit point reduction: Points are removed 2 years from the offence date (not conviction date).
Peak times: Service NB is busiest on Mondays and the first week of the month. Visit between Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM for shortest waits.
7. Parking Vacancy Rates in Miramichi Downtown
Based on the City of Miramichi’s 2024 Parking Study, average vacancy rates vary by zone:
Zone
Weekday Vacancy (10 AM–2 PM)
Weekend Vacancy (noon–4 PM)
King Street (core)
22%
65%
Water Street (south)
38%
72%
City Hall lot (Henry St)
15%
55%
Ritchie Street lot
45%
80%
Source: City of Miramichi Parking Demand Analysis, 2024 — available at miramichi.org.
8. Nearby Hospitals & Emergency Services
In case of an accident or medical emergency related to a traffic incident:
Miramichi Regional Hospital — 500 Water Street, Miramichi, NB E1V 3N5. Phone: (506) 623-3000. Emergency department open 24/7.
Miramichi Urgent Care Clinic — 201 Henry Street, Miramichi (non-life-threatening injuries). Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Ambulance service: Dial 911. Ambulance New Brunswick response time in Miramichi averages 9 minutes (urban) and 18 minutes (rural).
Note: If you are injured in a traffic accident, request police attendance and seek medical evaluation even for minor symptoms.
9. Major Roads & Speed Limits in Miramichi
Knowing speed limits on key roads helps avoid costly tickets:
Road / Highway
Posted Speed Limit
Common Enforcement
King Street (downtown)
40 km/h
Frequent radar patrols
Water Street
40 km/h (school zone 30 km/h)
School zone cameras active 8:00–9:30 AM & 2:30–4:00 PM
Newcastle Boulevard (Route 11)
60 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (rural)
RCMP and Miramichi Police joint patrols
Pleasant Street
50 km/h
Speed traps near Service NB building
Chatham Head Road
50 km/h
Occasional radar; residential area
Wellington Street
40 km/h
Near police station — strict enforcement
Did you know? Miramichi Police issued 1,847 speeding tickets in 2024 — the highest concentration was on King Street between Henderson and Jane streets (source: Miramichi Police Annual Report 2024).
10. Office & Payment Locations
Here are all the physical locations where you can pay fines, dispute tickets, or get information:
Service New Brunswick – Miramichi 155 Pleasant Street, Miramichi, NB E1V 1X7 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Phone: 1-888-762-8600
Miramichi Police Force – Front Desk 65 Wellington Street, Miramichi, NB E1N 1L9 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (ticket payments by appointment)
Provincial Court of New Brunswick (Miramichi) 155 Pleasant Street, Miramichi, NB E1V 1X7 Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (filing disputes)
Miramichi City Hall – By-law Office 141 Henry Street, Miramichi, NB E1N 2K8 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (parking ticket inquiries)
Date: March 2024 | Location: King Street at Jane Street intersection Violation: Speeding 18 km/h over the 40 km/h limit (actual speed 58 km/h) Fine: $172.50 | Outcome: Paid in full within 14 days. No demerit points added.
Note: The driver reported using a radar detector; however, Miramichi Police use both radar and LiDAR. The ticket was issued by Cst. M. LeBlanc (badge #214).
Case #2 — Parking Violation on Water Street
Date: November 2024 | Location: Water Street (south of Jane) Violation: Overnight street parking during winter ban (Nov 1 – Apr 1) Fine: $35.00 | Outcome: Disputed — driver proved vehicle was moved by 7:00 AM; ticket rescinded.
Note: The City’s winter parking ban is strictly enforced regardless of actual snowfall. Check miramichi.org for exemption permits.
Case #3 — Distracted Driving on Newcastle Boulevard
Date: February 2025 | Location: Newcastle Boulevard near the Irving Big Stop Violation: Using a handheld electronic device while driving (s. 283.1 MVAct) Fine: $172.50 (1st offence) | Outcome: Paid; driver completed the NB Driver Improvement Program to avoid insurance hike.
Note: The officer observed the driver holding a phone at a red light. Under NB law, holding a device while stopped in traffic is still an offence.
Case #4 — Stop Sign Violation at Wellington & Henry
Date: August 2024 | Location: Wellington Street at Henry Street Violation: Failure to stop at a stop sign (rolling stop) Fine: $172.50 | Outcome: Driver contested in court but lost — dashcam footage confirmed incomplete stop. Fine upheld plus $35 court costs.
Note: This intersection is known for strict enforcement due to its proximity to the police station (65 Wellington).
These cases are based on public records and driver reports. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common traffic fine in Miramichi?
A. The most common traffic fine in Miramichi is speeding between 1–20 km/h over the limit, which carries a base fine of $172.50 under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. Parking violations on King Street and Water Street are also frequently issued.
How much is a speeding ticket in Miramichi?
A. Speeding fines in Miramichi range from $172.50 for 1–20 km/h over, $242.50 for 21–30 km/h over, $347.50 for 31–45 km/h over, and $542.50 for 46+ km/h over. All amounts include the victim surcharge.
Can I pay a parking ticket online in Miramichi?
A. Yes, parking tickets issued by the City of Miramichi can be paid online through the official city portal at miramichi.org. You will need your ticket number and vehicle plate information. Payment by mail or in person at City Hall is also accepted.
Where do I go to contest a traffic ticket in Miramichi?
A. To contest a traffic ticket, you must appear at the Provincial Court of New Brunswick located at 155 Pleasant Street, Miramichi, NB. You may file a notice of dispute within 14 days of receiving the ticket. Legal representation is recommended for serious offences.
How long do I have to pay a traffic fine in Miramichi?
A. You have 14 days from the date the ticket is issued to pay a traffic fine in Miramichi. If payment is not received within 30 days, additional late fees may apply and the matter may be referred to a collection agency.
What happens if I don't pay a traffic fine in Miramichi?
A. Failure to pay can result in late penalties, suspension of your driver's license (MVAct s. 296), additional collection fees, and a warrant for your arrest in serious cases. Unpaid fines also affect vehicle registration renewal.
Are there any driver improvement programs available in Miramichi?
A. Yes, the New Brunswick Driver Improvement Program is available to Miramichi residents. Voluntary participation can reduce demerit points and may lead to insurance discounts. Contact Service NB at 155 Pleasant Street for enrollment.
How can I check if I have outstanding traffic fines in Miramichi?
A. You can check for outstanding fines by visiting Service NB at 155 Pleasant Street in Miramichi, calling 1-888-762-8600, or accessing the online portal at snb.ca. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic fine amounts, procedures, and laws are subject to change. Always consult the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act (R.S.N.B. 1973, c. M-17), City of Miramichi Traffic By-law No. 2020-12, and official government sources for the most current information.
No solicitor-client relationship is created by your use of this guide. For advice specific to your situation, contact a licensed lawyer in New Brunswick or the Provincial Court of New Brunswick at 155 Pleasant Street, Miramichi.