In any criminal action arising out of an alleged violation of the law relating to motor vehicles, except a violation of § 14-219 specified in subsection (e) of said § 14-219, appearances, pleas of not guilty and requests for trial by jury or court may be made by or on behalf of the defendant by mailing such pleas and requests by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the clerk of the court in which such case is to be tried, which pleas and requests shall be received by said clerk not later than the court day next preceding the court day on which the defendant is to appear. Said pleas and claims shall be filed on forms approved by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator.