▼

Traffic Nuisances

Show All Answers

1. How do I report a traffic collision?

In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency situation, please call the Aberdeen Police Department at (605) 626-7911.

2. Should I leave my car in its final resting place after a traffic collision?

Yes, if possible you should leave your car in the same position.

3. Does the investigating officer at a traffic collision determine who is at fault at the accident scene?

No, an officer will only determine if traffic ordinances were violated and issue citations where violations have been determined

4. Where do I get a copy of my accident report?

Major report copies are $5 each, and minor report copies are $3 each. To obtain a copy, please visit the Accident Records Division at the Aberdeen Police Department:
114 2nd Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 626-7995

5. Where do I pay my traffic citation?

Fines can be paid in person or by mailing a check along with the summons to:

Clerk of Courts
Brown County Courthouse
101 First Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401

6. Am I entering a plea of guilty when I sign the traffic summons in front of the officer?

No, you are only promising to appear on or before the date noted on your traffic summons. You will have until the court date to either pay the fine or appear in court.

7. How long do I have to pay my traffic citation?

You must pay the citation by the court date listed on the ticket.

8. How can I contest a traffic citation?

You may contest your traffic citation by going to court on the date listed on the citation. You will be able to plead your case before a judge and question the officer.

9. What if I don’t pay the ticket and don’t appear in court on the date specified?

If you do not appear in court on or before the assigned court date, a “failure to appear” charge will filed against you and a warrant for your arrest will be issued. The fines and fees for this action will be determined by the judge and will be added to your previous fines.

10. Can I get a different court date from the one specified on my traffic citation?

If you are unable to appear in court on the scheduled date, you can request a new date at the Clerk of Court's Office:
101 First Ave. SE.
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 626-2451

A request must be made at least one day prior to your initial court date.

11. What does it mean if my traffic citation is marked “must appear?”

If you receive a citation that has been marked “must appear”, you must be in court at the date and time specified. You cannot pay the fine prior to your court appearance.

12. Is there a dress code in the courtroom?

Yes, everyone is required to wear shoes. Men are required to remove their hats. No tank tops, open shirts, or T-shirts with obscenities are allowed.

13. What do I do if I lost my traffic citation?

If you lost your traffic citation, please contact the Clerk of Court's Office at (605) 626-2451.

14. Where can I pay my parking ticket?

If the City of Aberdeen issued you a parking ticket, you can drop your payment in any of the yellow ticket drop boxes throughout the downtown area, you can drop it in the 24-hr. ticket drop box located in the main entrance to the Police Department, you can mail it to the Parking Division, or you can stop by the Aberdeen Police Department, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to make payment in person:

Parking Division
Aberdeen Police Department
114 2nd Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 626-7053

15. How long do I have to pay my parking ticket?

You have 72 hours from the time the ticket was issued to pay the fine. The fine amount is listed on the ticket. After the 72-hour period, late fees and penalties are added to the initial cost of the ticket, and a summons may be issued for you to appear in magistrate court.

16. What do I do if I lost my parking ticket?

To resolve a lost ticket, please call or visit the Parking Division of the Aberdeen Police Department, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.:
114 2nd Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 626-7053

Please have your vehicle license number and vehicle description available.

17. How can I get my car out of impound?

If your vehicle is cleared from an investigation, bring a paid receipt from the towing company to the Aberdeen Police Department:
114 2nd Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401

If the vehicle needs to be towed from the impound, you must make and pay for the towing arrangements.

18. How can I find out if my vehicle has been towed?

For a list of towed vehicles, please call dispatch at (605) 626-7911.

19. How can I report an abandoned vehicle?

To report an abandoned vehicle, please call dispatch at (605) 626-7911. An officer or patrolman will be sent to check the vehicle.

20. What can be done about illegally parked vehicles, such as those blocking a driveway?

To report an illegally parked vehicle, please call dispatch at (605) 626-7911. An officer will be sent to check the status of the vehicle.

21. What should I do if my car is stopped by a police officer?

Please follow the following procedure when being stopped by an officer:

• If you are driving a motor vehicle and an officer signals you to stop, you must pull over.


• Stay in your car. If it’s dark, turn on the interior light. Do not leave your car until directed to do so by the officer.


• Relax. Don’t make any sudden movements or reach for items inside the vehicle, which could be construed by an officer as a potential threat to his / her safety.


• Keep your hands on the steering wheel.


• Wait for the officer to approach your vehicle.

22. Are the Aberdeen Police Department’s traffic stops recorded?

Yes, most of the Aberdeen Police Department’s traffic stops are video/audio recorded.

23. Why do officers appear to be “sneaking up” on the driver of a stopped car?

For the same reason an officer will shine their lights into a car at night - safety. The officer’s actions during a traffic stop are guided by the fact that several police officers are assaulted and killed each year during traffic stops. Our goal is to protect you, the motorist, and to ensure our own safety.

24. Why do additional officers show up for a traffic offense?

It is not uncommon for officers who are in close proximity to back each other up, even if they are not requested. This is just a routine safety measure.