How To Pay Traffic Tickets In California

Traffic ticket cost differs in every state, and it cost also depends on the violation type. However, traffic tickets in California are relatively higher than in other US states. You should pay for a traffic ticket on time. Do you not know how to pay a traffic ticket in California? Don’t worry; in this article, we will tell you how you can pay a ticket and also about the online way of traffic ticket payment.

How long do I have to pay for a traffic ticket in California?

How To Pay Traffic Tickets In California

The date will be written at the bottom of your traffic ticket. You have to pay the ticket before or on that date. Generally, the traffic court gives you 60 days to pay a traffic ticket in California. If you don’t take any action on it and ignore the ticket; so, it can put you in trouble. The court can charge you a higher amount of fine, or it can suspend your driving license also.

Ways to Pay Traffic Tickets in California

There are many ways to pay for traffic tickets in California. These areas following:

Online Payment

There is an official traffic ticket online payment portal of California, where you can view and pay tickets online. It will charge some extra fee for this. But it will save you much take. It is a fast, secure and convenient way of traffic ticket payment. You can access this site and pay your ticket from anywhere.

Offline Payment

You can pay the fine by visiting the traffic courthouse in California. Courts open from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., But it is a very time-consuming way. You have to stand in a long queue and wait for your turn.

Payment Through Telephone

You can pay your traffic ticket by calling at California traffic court phone number. There are two phone numbers (909) 481-4228 or (760) 241-9529; you can get any of them. You can use a credit card or debit card to pay tickets. You can contact them during working hours. Traffic courts open from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on weekdays and from 6:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (PST) on weekends in California.

Payment Through Mail

Traffic tickets also can pay off by sending payment with necessary documents (don’t forget to attach the bottom part of the traffic ticket). You can pay through cheque or money order.

What happens if you don’t pay a traffic ticket in California?

If you don’t pay a traffic ticket in California, then traffic court can take the following actions against you:

  • The court will impose you extra fine as plenty of charges. It can be up to $300, and they will give you only 24 hours to pay the plenty fee with a traffic ticket fine.
  • If you don’t pay a traffic ticket, it can lead you to jail or revoke your license.

If you didn’t pay your fine due to financial issues, so you should appear in court and tell the judge about your problem. The judge can negotiate your fine or can allow some more time.

Fines and Penalties for Traffic Ticket Infractions 

Fines and penalties can vary in Us states. It also depends on the violation’s nature. If your violation is typical, then you have to pay significantly less amount. But if you did a serious offense, it can result in a higher fine and lead you to jail. Your driving license also can suspend. The following are some specific fine and penalties for traffic ticket infractions:

Speeding at more than 100 mph – Vehicle Code Sections 22348(b), 42000.1

  • Two points on driving record
  • First offense: fine of up to $500, 30-day license suspension
  • Second offense within three years: fine of up to $750, six-month license suspension
  • Third offense within five years: fine of up to $1,000, one-year license suspension

Driving while using a cellphone – Vehicle Code Sections 23123, 23123.5, 23124

  • First offense: $20 fine (total fees around $165)
  • Second offense: $50 fine

Not wearing a seat belt – Vehicle Code Sections 27315(d)-(f), (h)

  • First offense: maximum fine of $20

Failure to use a child restraint system for the child – Vehicle Code Sections 27360, 27360.6

  • First offense: $100 fine
  • Second offense: $250 fine

Parking in loading/unloading zone – Vehicle Code Sections 22500(i), (l), 42001.5

  • Minimum fine of $250

Littering on the public highway – Vehicle Code Sections 23111, 23112, 23113(a), 42001.7

  • First offense: $100-$1,000 fine, 8 hours picking up litter or cleaning graffiti
  • Second offense: $500-$1,000 fine, 16 hours picking up litter or cleaning graffiti
  • Third offense: $750-$1,000, 24 hours picking up litter or cleaning graffiti
  • Second and subsequent offense: maximum fine of $50

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my ticket and not go to court, California?

If you plead guilty, so you can pay your traffic ticket online, through a phone call, and by sending a money order or cheque to the California traffic court mailing address. You don’t need to go court in California. But, if you plead not to be guilty, you have to be present in the court to hear your case. However, you don’t go court or pay the fine, and the judge can issue a warrant to arrest you. You will be charged a higher fine, and your driving license also can be suspended.

How much does traffic school cost in California?

If you want to join a traffic school in California. First, you have to pay the fine, and a state-mandated, non-refundable administrative fee of $52. Traffic school fees can vary from state to state. The cost can range from $20 – $45.

Do I have to appear in court for a speeding ticket in California?

If there is any mistake in Your speeding ticket, you should go court to determine the correct amount of fine or other correct error, if there is any. Or you want to appeal not to be guilty, so you need to appear in the California municipal/traffic court. If you plead guilty, so you don’t need to appear in the court. You can pay fine through the online traffic ticket payment portal of California.

How many points is a speeding ticket in California?

It depends on the violation type. Following are some offense and points which will add in your driving records if you do that traffic violation:

  • 1 Point: Speeding, Unsafe Lane Change, At-Fault Accident, Running a Red Light, etc.
  • 2 Points: DUI, Hit and Run, driving with a suspended license, Reckless Driving, etc.

Generally, a speeding ticket carries on 2 points. A first offense of speeding over 100 mph will add 2 points in your driving license. If you receive 4 points within a year in California, your license can be revoked.

Conclusion 

When you receive a traffic ticket, you have to option – plead guilty or plead not to be guilty. In case you claim guilty, so pay a fine before the date given at the bottom of your ticket. If you want to appeal not to be guilty, you have to appear in the court to fight your case. If you win the case, then your ticket will be closed. You don’t have to pay for it.

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