Common Questions
Common Questions
The Lorain Police Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Record Room opens on a continual basis. Normal operating hours for the Investigative Bureau, Traffic Bureau, and Chief's Office are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Copies of Police Reports
Copies of police reports are available free of charge. Reports may be picked up at the Record Room or they can be mailed out or faxed to you. Requests for copies of reports can be faxed to (440) 204-2541. Investigative reports are not permitted to be released. You must allow 24 hours after an incident/accident is reported before you can obtain a copy of a police report.
Vehicle Release
If for some reason you have had your vehicle towed, you must obtain a vehicle release. This can be picked up at the Record Room. You will need to be sure the vehicle is currently registered and have either the registration or title with you. The Lorain Police Department currently utilizes two towing companies: Ernie's (288-3567) 2600 Colorado Ave., and Fritz's (277-8172) 1845 E. 28th St.
Citizen Fingerprinting
Civilian fingerprinting is handled by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact their Record Room (329-3703) for exact hours and times available.
Bicycle Licenses
Bicycle licenses are available through the City Auditor's Office. They may be contacted at 204-2090. Their office hours are 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Jail Visitation
Prisoner visitation is on Fridays, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
Record Checks
A citizen requesting a record check for employment purposes must bring in a form from his employer; a release form may be required. This service is also done free of charge.
Traffic Citations
Fees for traffic citations must be paid in the Clerk of Courts Office, located on the 2nd floor of Lorain City Hall. Their business hours are 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The Police Department will only accept payment of traffic citations when the Clerk's Office is closed.
Uniform Waiver Schedule of Lorain Municipal Court
Effective 9/26/2003
Accidents - MM
Proof of insurance must be shown for the time of the incident or traffic citation must reflect that is was shown. $125.00
Speed
$100 + $2.00 per mile over the speed limit, must not be in excess of 30 miles over limit or at a rate of 70 MPH or above >20 miles over limit but less than 70 MPH $165.00
Speed - Construction Zone
$100 + $4.00 per mile over the speed limit, must not be in excess of 30 miles over limit or at a rate of 70 MPH or above >30 miles over limit but less than 70 MPH $265.00
Expired Operator’s License
Expired 0-6 months with proof of new license $110.00
Expired License Plates or Registration
Expired 0-3 months with proof of new registration $110.00
No Seatbelt Driver/No Child Restraint
$95.00
No Seatbelt Passenger
$85.00
Possession of Marijuana
$165.00
Excessive Noise Stereo
(1st offense only) $365.00
Excessive Noise Muffler
$135.00
Window Tint
$135.00
Barking Dog or No Dog License
$85.00
All Other Minor Misdemeanors
$165.00
No Waivers for Speed at Rate of 70 MPH or Over
Gross Overload Violations, Parking Violations, PUCO Violators, ODNR (Wildlife-Watercraft) Violations follow a separate waiver schedule.