Many traffic cases are heard by a magistrate instead of a judge. A magistrate is a lawyer appointed by the court to hear cases and make decisions that a judge then reviews. This page explains which rules apply, how to ask for written findings, and how and when to object if you disagree with the magistrate's decision. Deadlines here are short.
Traffic Rule 14 allows a court to send nonjury traffic cases to a magistrate. (Traf.R. 14)
Traffic Rule 14(C) says proceedings before the magistrate "shall be conducted as provided in Criminal Rule 19." (Traf.R. 14(C); Crim.R. 19)
Civil Rule 53 does not govern traffic magistrate proceedings. It used to be referenced in the Traffic Rules, but that reference was replaced with Criminal Rule 19 effective February 1, 2002, according to the official commentary printed with Traffic Rule 14. Older cases that applied Civil Rule 53 to traffic cases, such as State v. Crandall (1983), were decided before that change. (Traf.R. 14 commentary; State v. Crandall, 9 Ohio App.3d 291 (1983))
A court may send nonjury traffic cases to a magistrate.
If jail is a possible penalty, the case may be sent to a magistrate only if all parties consent, in writing or on the record in open court.
(Traf.R. 14(B); Crim.R. 19(C)(1)(h))
A magistrate's decision "is not effective unless adopted by the court." No sentence recommended by a magistrate may be enforced until the court has entered judgment. (Crim.R. 19(D)(4)(a), (b))
The decision must be in writing, labeled as a magistrate's decision, filed with the clerk, and served on the parties within three days after filing. It must say conspicuously that you cannot challenge the court's adoption of a finding on appeal unless you object as the rule requires. (Crim.R. 19(D)(3)(a)(iii))
A magistrate's decision may be "general" (just the result) unless you ask for findings of fact and conclusions of law (the magistrate's written reasons). You must ask before the decision is entered or within 7 days after it is filed. If you ask on time, your 14 days to object start when the magistrate files the decision with findings. (Crim.R. 19(D)(3)(a)(ii), (D)(3)(b)(i))
File written objections within 14 days of the filing of the magistrate's decision. This is true even if the judge has already adopted the decision during those 14 days. (Crim.R. 19(D)(3)(b)(i))
If one side objects, the other side may file its own objections within 10 days after the first objections. (same)
Your objections must be specific and state all your grounds with particularity. (Crim.R. 19(D)(3)(b)(ii))
Paying the fine does not waive your right to object. (Traf.R. 14(C))
If the court enters judgment during the 14 days, timely objections automatically stay (pause) execution of that judgment until the court rules on them. (Crim.R. 19(D)(4)(e)(i))
If you object to a factual finding, you must support it with a transcript of the evidence relevant to that finding, or an affidavit describing the evidence if no transcript is available. File it within 30 days after filing your objections, unless the court extends the time in writing. Ask the clerk how to order a transcript and what it costs. (Crim.R. 19(D)(3)(b)(iii))
Except for "plain error," you cannot argue on appeal that the court was wrong to adopt the magistrate's findings or conclusions unless you objected as the rule requires. (Crim.R. 19(D)(3)(b)(iv))
If no one objects, the judge may adopt the decision unless there is an error of law or other defect evident on its face. If you do object, the judge must rule on your objections and independently review the objected matters. (Crim.R. 19(D)(4)(c), (d))
For good cause, the court shall allow a reasonable extension to file objections. Good cause includes the clerk failing to serve you with the decision on time. Ask in a written motion before the deadline runs if you can. (Crim.R. 19(D)(5))
A magistrate may also enter orders that manage the case without deciding it. To challenge one, file a motion to set it aside within 10 days after the order is filed. (Crim.R. 19(D)(2))
Criminal Rule 19(A) applies to courts "other than a mayor's court." If your case is in a mayor's court and was heard by a magistrate, ask the clerk what procedure applies to review of the decision.
Criminal Rule 19 was amended as recently as July 1, 2026. This page summarizes it and links to the official text. If this summary and the official rule differ, the official rule controls.
Last verified: 2026-10-13