If you've got a traffic ticket in Memphis, you've probably heard the address: 201 Poplar Avenue. It's where dreams of a quick court visit go to die.
The Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar houses everything from traffic court to serious criminal cases. For most Memphians, it means one thing: a confusing, frustrating, all-day ordeal for a simple speeding ticket.
December 2025: One Traffic Court Docket
850 people
Scheduled for the same session. The line wrapped through the hallways. People waited for hours.
This guide will help you survive 201 Poplar — or avoid it altogether.
Where to Park at 201 Poplar
There is NO free parking at 201 Poplar. Plan to pay $2-6 depending on the lot.
Closest Parking Options
| Lot | Address | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 Poplar Lot | 212 Poplar Ave | $5-6 | Directly across the street |
| Justice Center Garage | 245 Washington Ave | $6 | Closest garage |
| Best Park | 156 Exchange St | $3 | Behind St. Mary's Church |
| Best Park | 81 N. Second St | $5 | Corner of Jefferson & 2nd |
| Best Park | 60 N. BB King Blvd | $3 | Corner of Jefferson & BB King |
| Alright Parking | Jefferson & BB King | $2 | Closes 6 PM |
| Premier Parking | Jefferson & BB King | $2 | Across from Alright Parking |
| Secure Parking | 219 Adams | $3 | Near D'Army Bailey Courthouse |
Pro Tips
- • Arrive early. The $2-3 lots fill up fast on heavy court days
- • Bring cash — some lots don't take cards
- • Don't feed a meter and assume you'll be out in an hour. You won't.
- • DO NOT park in the jail visitor lot — that's for people visiting inmates
Street Parking
Metered parking is available but risky. Meters run $1/hour, 8 AM - 6 PM. If your court session runs long (it will), you'll get a ticket while fighting a ticket. The irony is not lost on anyone.
What to Bring (and Leave in Your Car)
You will pass through a metal detector and have your belongings X-rayed. Security at 201 Poplar is strict.
BRING
- ✓Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- ✓Your traffic ticket (the paper citation)
- ✓Any evidence you plan to present
- ✓Cash or credit card for potential fines/court costs
LEAVE IN YOUR CAR
- ✗Weapons of any kind (guns, knives, pepper spray)
- ✗Sharp objects (scissors, nail files)
- ✗Recording devices (cameras, audio recorders)
- ✗Food, drinks, and gum
Cell Phones
You can bring your phone, but it must be turned off or silenced before entering a courtroom. Do not record anything. Do not take photos. Violations can result in contempt of court charges.
Dress Code
This isn't strictly enforced for traffic court, but avoid: shorts, tank tops, clothing with holes, anything with vulgar language or images, and flip-flops (security lines sometimes involve removing shoes).
What Happens When You Get There
Security Screening
Enter through the main entrance at 201 Poplar Avenue. You'll go through a metal detector and have your belongings X-rayed. This line can be 10-30 minutes depending on the day.
Find Your Courtroom
Your ticket will show which Division you're assigned to:
- • Divisions 1, 2, 3 — Memphis City tickets (issued by MPD)
- • Division 14 — Shelby County tickets (Sheriff's Office or THP) — 4th floor
Check In
When you arrive at your courtroom, a clerk will be checking people in. Get in line. They'll hand you paperwork.
Wait
This is where 201 Poplar earns its reputation. You will wait. Possibly for hours. Traffic court dockets regularly have 100-300+ people scheduled.
Court sessions are typically scheduled at: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 1:30 PM.
See the Judge
When your name is called, approach the bench. The judge will read the charge. You can:
- • Plead guilty (pay the fine, get points on your record)
- • Plead not guilty (get a trial date)
- • Request driving school (if eligible)
How to Skip 201 Poplar Entirely
Here's what most people don't know: You don't have to go.
If you hire an attorney to represent you, they can appear on your behalf. You stay at work. You stay with your family. You never set foot in 201 Poplar.
What happens when we represent you:
- 1You upload your ticket to us
- 2We review your eligibility for dismissal
- 3We appear in court on your behalf
- 4For most minor violations, we negotiate dismissal with payment of court costs only
- 5No conviction. No points. No insurance increase.
Total Cost
~$230
($100 our fee + ~$130 court costs)
Potential Insurance Savings
$1,530+
Over 3 years
What Actually Happens in Memphis Traffic Court
Here's the reality most people don't understand until they've been through it:
For Minor Violations
Speeding under 10 MPH over, seatbelt, improper lane change, no-injury accidents:
- → Most are dismissed with payment of court costs only (~$130)
- → No conviction goes on your record
- → No points assessed
- → No driving school required for Memphis City tickets
For Shelby County Tickets
- → Typically requires completion of a 4-hour defensive driving course
- → 6-month probationary period
- → Dismissed upon completion if no new tickets
The Catch
You have to know how to ask for this outcome. And you have to spend 2-4 hours at 201 Poplar to get it.
Or you can hire us. We know the prosecutors. We know the procedures. We go to 201 Poplar so you don't have to.
201 Poplar Contact Information
Memphis City Traffic Violations Bureau
- Address: 201 Poplar Ave, LL-80, Memphis, TN 38103
- Phone: (901) 636-3400 or (901) 636-3450
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Shelby County General Sessions Court
- Division 14 (Traffic): 4th Floor, 201 Poplar Ave
- Phone: (901) 222-3200
Skip the Line. Keep Your Record Clean.
Don't waste half your day at 201 Poplar. Upload your ticket and let us handle it. Most cases result in dismissal with no points and no conviction.
Submit Your Ticket Now100% money-back guarantee if we can't help