Checking your car tickets in California can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Traffic tickets are a routine matter handled by courts across the state every day. By following some simple steps, you can easily look up your citations online, get information about your options, and take care of outstanding tickets.
Why Should I Check My Tickets?
Here are some key reasons why you’ll want to check the status of any traffic tickets you’ve received in California:
- Avoid Additional Penalties – If you ignore a ticket, you could incur significant additional fines and penalties. Checking your ticket status promptly lets you resolve matters before this happens.
- Prevent Suspension – Ignoring tickets could potentially lead to a hold being placed on your driver’s license, preventing renewal. Checking your tickets helps you avoid suspension.
- Maintain Insurance Rates – Traffic violations can cause your insurance rates to spike at renewal time. Taking care of tickets quickly prevents points from hitting your DMV record.
- Learn Your Options – Checking your ticket gives you the chance to review options like traffic school or contesting the ticket that can potentially help your case.
Knowing your ticket status is always the smart first step after receiving a citation.
Checking Tickets Online
Fortunately, the entire process of checking your traffic citation status can be done online. Here are some tips:
Locate Ticket Information
Gather any ticket documentation you have received. This should contain key details like:
- Ticket number
- Date issued
- Violation code
- Fine/fee amount
- Court location
Having this information ready will make checking your ticket faster and easier.
Find the Courts Website
Most county or city courts in California have an online portal you can use to look up ticket information. For example:
- Los Angeles: www.lacourt.org
- San Diego: www.sdcourt.ca.gov
- San Francisco: www.sfsuperiorcourt.org
- Sacramento: www.saccourt.ca.gov
Do a web search for your specific court’s website if you do not have the address.
Navigate to Ticket Search
The court’s website will provide an option to search or check your violation. Common links are “Traffic Tickets & Violations” or “Look Up a Case.”
You may need to select options like “Traffic” and then “Citation” from menus to find the traffic ticket search.
Enter Ticket Details
In most cases, you will need to provide details like:
- Citation Number
- Driver’s License Number
- License Plate Number
- Date of Birth
Double check your ticket information to enter it correctly. Matching on multiple fields often yields the best search results.
Review Search Results
The ticket search will produce results displaying your violation details, status, fine due, and next steps. Be sure to review closely.
Actions like requesting traffic school, paying your fine, or disputing the ticket may be done directly on the court’s website.
Understanding Violation Status
When you check your ticket, it is especially important to note the status. This will inform you of where things stand and if any action is required.
Common Status Options
Here are some common status states for traffic tickets:
Status | Meaning |
---|---|
Issued | Ticket was recently issued. No action taken yet. |
Past Due | Fine has not been paid by the due date. |
Contested | You have submitted a request to contest the ticket. |
Traffic School | Request for traffic school is in process or completed. |
Failure to Appear | You did not appear for your court date. More fines likely assessed. |
Suspended License | Your driver’s license has been suspended over unpaid tickets. |
Next Steps by Status
You should take further action depending on the status:
- Issued – Pay fine or contest ticket before due date.
- Past Due – Pay immediately to avoid added penalties.
- Contested – Wait for court date notice by mail.
- Traffic School – Complete course and bring proof to court.
- Failure to Appear – Contact court immediately to prevent suspension.
- Suspended License – Resolve ticket matters to have suspension lifted.
Following up appropriately based on status prevents extra complications down the line.
Paying Traffic Tickets
If you do not wish to dispute your California traffic citation, then paying the fine is the next step. Here is how to do it:
Observe Due Date
Your ticket will include a due date for payment, typically within 30 days of issuance. Note this date and be sure to pay on time.
Paying on the due date prevents additional late penalties being added to your citation.
Check Fine Amount
The ticket should clearly state the total fine amount owed. This will include a “base fine” for the violation plus assorted court fees and assessments.
Be sure to verify the full fine amount so you pay the court the proper total owed.
Select Payment Method
Courts offer various payment options including:
- Online payment by credit/debit card or eCheck.
- Phone payment by credit/debit card.
- Mail in check or money order.
- In-person payment at clerk’s office.
Choose a convenient option for you. Online or by phone using a card is fastest. Mailed payments take longer to process.
Keep Receipt
When your payment is accepted, retain the receipt for your records. This serves as proof of payment should any issues arise later.
If paying by mail, request delivery confirmation. For online payments, save digital copies.
Notify DMV
Once fully paid, your ticket violation should automatically get reported to the DMV within 30 days. However, you can proactively notify them when paid.
Doing this helps ensure no issues arise, and that DMV records immediately reflect the resolution of your citation.
Contesting Your Ticket
If you believe your traffic ticket was issued unfairly or in error, you have the right to contest it. Here is the process:
Research Grounds to Contest
There are specific reasons you can contest a California traffic citation:
- Officer made an error or lack of evidence.
- You were not properly identified as the violator.
- There were circumstances out of your control.
- You do not believe you committed the violation.
Consider if any of these apply in your case. You will need to be able to articulate valid grounds for contesting.
File Request to Contest
To begin the contest process, you must file a request with the court.
Many courts let you submit the request online through their ticket portal. There is typically a form to complete.
If done by mail, send a letter clearly requesting a hearing to contest your ticket. Include relevant details on why you are contesting.
Appear at Court Hearing
Once a hearing request is filed, the court will select a future date and notify you by mail.
Be sure to attend this hearing. This is where you will present your argument before a judge or hearing officer.
Bring any evidence or documentation that supports your grounds for contesting the ticket issuance.
Await Decision
At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will make a determination on your case.
If they decide in your favor, your ticket will be dismissed or modified. If not, you will be required to pay the original fine.
The court clerk will provide you the judge’s decision in writing after the hearing.
Attending Traffic School
For minor California traffic tickets, attending traffic school can be a way to avoid points on your DMV record and prevent insurance impact.
Determine Eligibility
Traffic school is an option only for certain minor violations. Common eligible tickets include:
- Speeding less than 15 mph over limit
- Failing to stop at sign or signal
- Improper lane change or turn
- Cell phone violation
Check your specific violation code online to confirm you qualify for traffic school.
Request Traffic School
Start by submitting a request to the court to attend traffic school. Many let you request online.
If approved, you will receive instructions and deadline date to complete the course. Approval is not guaranteed.
You still must pay your ticket fine in addition to traffic school fees.
Register for Course
Search for California DMV approved online traffic school courses. Costs start around $30.
After registering, you can access course materials and exam online. Complete course before your deadline.
Submit Completion Proof
Once done, the traffic school will give you a completion certificate or letter. Forward this to the court.
Keep copies for your records as well. This will serve as verification you met your traffic school obligation.
Impact of Traffic Tickets
It is important to check and resolve any California traffic tickets promptly. If left unresolved, tickets can lead to increased fines, suspended driver’s licenses, and other penalties including:
Driver’s License Suspension
Failure to pay traffic fines or appear in court can potentially result in a suspended license after a series of notifications. Fixing underlying issues is the only way to lift a suspension.
Increased Auto Insurance Rates
Points accumulating on your DMV record from unpaid tickets can drive up your car insurance costs significantly. Too many points can make companies view you as high risk.
Car Impound or Boot
Those with large amounts of unpaid parking tickets may return to find their car impounded in a lot or booted with an immobilizing device. This requires even more fees to resolve.
Wage Garnishment
Courts have power to order wage garnishment where they can legally have an employer withhold part of your paycheck to cover unpaid fines you owe.
Tax Refund Interception
State and federal taxes due to you can be intercepted to pay off overdue traffic fines and fees. The court can legally collect from your expected refund.
Conclusion
Checking your traffic tickets promptly and taking necessary action prevents numerous headaches down the road in California. Use the court’s online portal to view your citation status, payment options, and abilities to contest or take traffic school. Understanding the repercussions of leaving tickets unpaid makes it clear why you should regularly check for any new citations against you. Resolving matters in a timely manner protects your driving privileges, DMV record, insurance rates, and finances.