California Traffic Tickets: Fines, Penalties & How to Fight Them
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A California traffic ticket can range from a minor infraction to more serious violations. This guide to traffic tickets in California will provide the ins and outs on traffic laws and traffic infractions, fines and fees, traffic school and community service, and the types of traffic violations that can affect your California driving record. It can help you keep your auto insurance premiums low while focusing on safe and smart driving throughout the state of California.
Types of Traffic Tickets in California
A traffic ticket in California can range from a parking ticket to driving infractions such as speeding or running a red light to misdemeanors such as driving under the influence (DUI) and distracted driving in California. Minor traffic tickets are typically handled in traffic courts, while more serious infractions may be adjudicated in criminal court.
Fines, Penalties, and Points on Your Record
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will assign you fines, penalties, and points based on the type of traffic ticket you have received. All of this can add up to a suspended license and expensive fines.
In addition, points can accumulate based on the severity of your traffic violation. Failing to yield, for example, will typically result in one point on your driving record, while a DUI will likely add two points. DWI vs. DUI in California is often the most expensive when it comes to fines and points.
How To Pay a California Traffic Ticket
When you receive a ticket for a non-criminal offense in the Golden State, you can pay the ticket online or opt to contest the ticket at trial. You must choose one option or the other by the payment deadline; otherwise, you will face additional fines and penalties.
The state offers payment plans and options for those unable to pay the full fee. You might also be able to perform community service instead of paying the fine.
Traffic School: Can You Dismiss Your Ticket?
Going to traffic school for a ticket in California is another option for many drivers. If you have not attended traffic school in the past 18 months, you may be eligible to attend a local school. Completion of California traffic schools means that your ticket may be concealed from insurance companies and points will not accumulate on your driving record, which can protect your insurance rates.
If you receive a California traffic ticket, your violation information notice will indicate the fee for attending traffic school. You will also need to pay the school itself. The DMV offers a list of approved traffic schools throughout the state.
How To Contest a Traffic Ticket in California
If you prefer to contest your traffic ticket in California, you can request a trial.
During the trial, both you and the ticketing officer will have the chance to explain what happened. You can also bring witnesses and supporting evidence. You can choose either a trial by written declaration, which means that you will send in a statement and evidence and receive a judgment by mail, or an in-person court trial, which entails a mandatory appearance.
Because there are no juries in traffic court, a judge will determine your guilt or innocence and set fees and fines accordingly.
What Happens If You Ignore a Ticket?
Simply put, ignoring a traffic ticket is never a good idea!
You could be found guilty of the driving offense without a trial, which means the ticket will go on your permanent DMV record. You can also receive a civil assessment fine of up to an additional $100 and be charged with "failure to appear in court."
However, if you miss a deadline due to illness or another plausible reason, you can ask the court to cancel the judgment and assessment.
How Traffic Tickets Affect Car Insurance Rates
Not surprisingly, traffic tickets can negatively impact your car insurance rates. The more serious the violation, the more it will likely increase your auto insurance premiums. Furthermore, multiple tickets can lead to multiple rate increases as you accumulate more points on your record. It is important to focus on safe driving practices in California if you want to maintain reasonable car insurance rates.
Find Affordable Car Insurance After a Traffic Ticket
While traffic tickets and violations can impact your California insurance premiums, you can still find affordable California car insurance after you receive a traffic ticket. EverQuote offers free custom car insurance quotes so you can compare offers and options side by side to find the auto insurance that meets your driving needs.
Car insurance quotes can change as often as daily, so it pays to do your research and to check back regularly. Visit EverQuote today to find affordable and flexible California liability insurance.