From the many enquiries that we receive regarding ‘Out of Time’ witness statements, the vast majority of people are very confused indeed by the letters from the Traffic Enforcement Centre. If you are considering seeking a review of the rejection of your Out of Time applications, it may assist you to first read this page from our website.

Is there a time limit for filing an N244 with the Traffic Enforcement Centre?

The letter from the Traffic Enforcement Centre will inform you that if you wish to seek a review (or to challenge) the Court Officer’s decision, that you will need to file an N244 within 14 days of the date of service of the letter of rejection (and not 14 days from the date of the letter).

In fact, you are entitled to file an N244 after the period of 14 days. However, you will be required to explain the reason for the delay on the form. Once again, please refer to the note at the foot of this page. Also, if the N244 is not submitted within the time outlined in the letter, the warrant will no longer be suspended and bailiff enforcement can recommence.

Is there a fee to pay to file an N244?

Yes there is. The current court fee to have the rejection of your Out of Time Application reviewed is £123. Payment of the court fee must be made to the Traffic Enforcement Centre before your N244 Application can be processed. However, if you are in receipt of qualifying benefits, you will be exempt from paying the court fee. Instead, you will be required to submit an EX160 form with your N244.

N244 application without a hearing.

N244 applications ‘without a hearing’ are processed by the Traffic Enforcement Centre and passed by them to a Deputy District Judge sitting at Northampton County Court. Once the case has been transferred, the Traffic Enforcement Centre will notify the Local Authority and instruct them to notify their relevant enforcement company to suspend enforcement of the warrant until such time as the N244 application has been considered. As you will not be able to attend the hearing in person address or to answer any questions it is vitally important that your N244 application is completed accurately and that you provide any supporting documentation that you wish the court to consider.

N244 application at a hearing.

This page of our page has been updated in March 2026. Presently, if an Out of Time Witness Statement has been rejected, you may seek to have the refusal ‘reviewed’ by a District Judge at a hearing where you would be expected to attend. There is a court fee to pay of £313. The Ministry of Justice is looking to remove this ability and instead; to have any review of the rejection considered by a District Judge without a hearing (as outlined above).

How to complete an N244

Given that no  two cases are the same, it is very difficult for  us to provide too much information on here about completing the N244. We can assist with drafting the forms if you require. Please contact us using the details below.

Note from Bailiff Advice Online

We have a great deal of experience with Out of Time witness statements and N244 Applications. If you have concerns as to why your Out of Time witness statement has been rejected or require assistance with completing the N244,  you can email a question to us using our online Enquiry Form.

Alternatively, you can contact our free helpline. Please refer to our Contact Page for further details.