(1)  A defendant may plead not guilty under rule 27 and so be excused from attending court as required by the summons by –

(a) signing the endorsement on the summons that is headed "PLEA OF NOT GUILTY" in the presence of a justice who attests the defendant's signature; and

(b) lodging the endorsed summons at the office of the clerk not less than 5 days before the time fixed for the hearing.

(2)  On receipt of a summons endorsed with a plea of not guilty and attested as provided in subrule (1) , the clerk is to cause notice of a new hearing date to be served on the defendant in accordance with these rules.