In California, the length of time you have to pay a traffic ticket depends on the type of violation and whether you plan to contest the ticket. Generally, minor traffic infractions must be paid within 30 calendar days from the mailing date of the notice of violation. More serious traffic violations, criminal offenses, and parking citations have different deadlines.
Minor Traffic Infractions
For minor traffic infractions, such as a speeding ticket or failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, you have 30 calendar days from the mailing date on the notice to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. The notice is considered served or “mailed” on whichever date comes first:
- The date the citation was issued, if handed directly to the driver
- 5 calendar days after the postmark date on the envelope
- The date the court receives proof you refused delivery or the envelope was returned as undeliverable
So for example, if you receive a speeding ticket on March 1 but the notice is postmarked March 5, the 30 days starts on March 1. If the ticket was mailed on March 5 but you didn’t receive it until March 15, the 30 days still starts on March 10 (5 days after March 5 postmark).
If the last day to pay or contest the ticket falls on a weekend or court holiday, you have until the end of the next business day to pay or appear in court. You can pay the fine by mail, online, by phone, or in person at the court clerk’s office.
Contesting a Minor Traffic Ticket
If you want to contest a minor traffic infraction, you must appear in court by the deadline instead of paying the fine. At your court date, you can plead not guilty and present a defense. If the judge finds you not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed and you won’t have to pay the fine. But if you are found guilty, you will be ordered to pay the full fine amount.
Failure to Pay Minor Ticket Fine
If you fail to pay the fine or contest the ticket within 30 days, the court will send you a “Notice of Intent to Suspend Driver License” reminding you to pay or appear in court. You will have another 15 days from the date on this notice to pay the fine or a civil assessment fee will be added, increasing the amount owed. If you still do not pay or appear in court, the DMV will suspend your driver’s license until the fine is paid.
More Serious Traffic Violations
For more serious traffic violations that can result in license suspension by the DMV, such as reckless driving or driving on a suspended license, you must act within 15 calendar days instead of 30. The same rules apply in terms of when the 15 days starts based on mailing date vs. receipt date. If you do not pay the fine or contest the ticket within 15 days, your license may be automatically suspended.
Criminal Offenses
If you are given a ticket for a misdemeanor criminal offense like driving under the influence (DUI), you are still required to deal with the traffic court on the ticket within the normal deadlines. However, you must also appear for your scheduled arraignment hearing date in criminal court, which will be specified on your citation. If you miss your arraignment, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.
For felony arrests, you will be kept in custody or released on bail rather than given a ticket. You must appear at your criminal court arraignment at the scheduled date and time given by the judge, or a warrant will likely be issued. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is highly recommended if you are facing criminal charges related to a traffic stop.
Parking Citations
The deadline for paying parking citations in California depends on local regulations, but is usually 14-21 calendar days from the issue date on the ticket. For example, in Los Angeles, parking tickets expire 21 days after issuance. In San Francisco, parking tickets expire 14 calendar days after being issued.
To check the exact payment deadline for a parking citation, look at the local court’s website that handles parking violations or call the clerk. Pay close attention to the issue or citation date, not the day you actually find the ticket on your windshield.
If you forget and miss the deadline, late fees and escalating fines will be added the longer you wait to pay. In some cities, missing a deadline for a parking ticket can even result in your car being booted until you pay.
Options for Paying Traffic and Parking Tickets
Traffic and parking tickets in California can usually be paid using the following options:
- By mail – Send a check or money order to the court address on the ticket.
- Online – Some courts allow online payments by credit card or eCheck.
- By phone – Some courts have automated phone payment systems.
- In person – Pay at the courthouse clerk’s office by cash, check, credit/debit card.
Make sure to include the relevant information from your ticket so the payment is properly applied. Many courts also allow you to attend traffic school online or in person to avoid getting points on your DMV record.
Getting a Time Extension
If you need more time to pay a ticket or get money together for the fine, you can request a one-time 30-60 day extension from the court clerk. This will waive the late fee during that period. Make sure to check the court’s process for requesting an extension before the payment deadline passes.
Conclusion
Knowing the deadlines for paying or contesting traffic tickets in California is crucial. Minor traffic infractions must be addressed within 30 calendar days, while more serious violations have a 15 day deadline. Parking tickets expire 14-21 days depending on the city. Failure to act by the initial deadline can lead to much higher fines and even license suspension. Carefully note the issue/citation date and make your payment or court appearance before time runs out.