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Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 9, ch. 9-56, art. 2
in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-56-41 Definitions.

Sec. 9-56-41. - Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this article: Citation means a written order issued by a law enforcement officer requiring a person accused of violating the law to appear in a designated court at a specified date and time, signed by the person agreeing to appear at the time and place indicated. Summons means an order issued by a court requiring a person against whom a charge has been filed to appear in a designated court at a specific date and time, such summons to be signed by the judge or the clerk. Traffic violations bureau means the division of the city court system designated to file and process citations and summonses and to deliver the ticket or citation to the clerk for hearing as provided herein. (Ord. No. 5707, § 15-41, 9-25-2018)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-56-42 Official to designate special officer.

Sec. 9-56-42. - Official to designate special officer. Both the director of the division of public works and the director of solid waste are authorized to designate certain city employees to become special officers of the municipality to issue citations in lieu of arrest to offenders that violate the provisions of this chapter in such cases as they have jurisdiction. (Ord. No. 5707, § 15-42, 9-25-2018)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-56-43 When citations/summonses deemed lawful complaints for prosecution.

Sec. 9-56-43. - When citations/summonses deemed lawful complaints for prosecution. An employee designated as provided in section 9-56-42 of this chapter is authorized to issue misdemeanor citations, in lieu of arrest, for violations of this chapter or sections 9-96-2 , 9-96-6 and 11-52-1. In the event the form of such citation includes information and is sworn to, it shall be deemed to be a lawful complaint for the purpose of prosecution under the section specified. (Ord. No. 5707, § 15-43, 9-25-2018)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-56-44 Procedure applicable to citations/summonses.

Sec. 9-56-44. - Procedure applicable to citations/summonses. A. Every citation or summons issued shall provide for an appearance date. If any offender fails to appear on the appearance date, the court may take a default judgment against the defendant in favor of the city in an amount not to exceed $50.00 plus costs, for each offense. B. The summons shall be sworn to by the officer before a person designated as a city court clerk for the purpose of taking oaths. (Ord. No. 5707, § 15-44, 9-25-2018)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-56-45 Limitation on action for violations—When action deemed commenced—service of summons.

Sec. 9-56-45. - Limitation on action for violations—When action deemed commenced—service of summons. A. No action shall be commenced by the city in any court for the purpose of enforcing any violation of this chapter or section 11-52-1 after one year from the commission of the offense. B. For the purpose of this section, a court action shall be deemed to be commenced: 1. Upon the issuance of a citation to the offender; 2. Upon the arrest of the offender; or 3. Upon the issuance of a summons to the offender. C. A summons may be served by: 1. Personal service on the offender; or 2. Registered or certified mail, addressee only, return receipt requested. (Ord. No. 5707, § 15-45, 9-25-2018)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT9HESA_CH9-56GACODI_ART2ENFetched: 10/28/2026

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