I. California Traffic Tickets: What You Need to Know
Getting a traffic ticket in California can be a stressful experience. Not only do you have to pay a fine, but the ticket can also affect your insurance rates and your driving record.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about California traffic tickets, including:
- The different types of traffic tickets in California
- The penalties for traffic tickets in California
- How to pay a traffic ticket in California
- How to contest a traffic ticket in California
- How to keep your traffic ticket off your driving record
II. Types of Traffic Tickets in California
There are many different types of traffic tickets in California, each with its own set of penalties. Some of the most common types of traffic tickets include:
- Speeding tickets
- Lane change tickets
- Red light tickets
- Stop sign tickets
- Cell phone tickets
The penalties for traffic tickets in California vary depending on the severity of the offense. For example, a speeding ticket of over 100 MPH in California may result in a 30-day license suspension as well as 2 points on your driver’s license and fees, while a speeding ticket under 100 MPH may result in a point on your license along with fees.
III. Penalties for Traffic Tickets in California
In addition to the fine, traffic tickets in California can also result in other penalties, such as:
- Points on your driving record
- Increased insurance rates
- Suspension of your driver’s license
The number of points you receive for a traffic ticket depends on the severity of the offense. If you accumulate too many points on your driving record, your driver’s license may be suspended. The number of points required to suspend your driver’s license varies depending on your driving history.
IV. How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in California
You can pay a traffic ticket in California online, by mail, or in person at the court where you received the ticket.
To pay your ticket online, you will need to visit the website of the court where you received the ticket. Have your citation number handy and follow the instructions posted on the court’s website. If your ticket is out of Riverside Superior Court, you can read our previous blog post where we give you step-by-step instructions.
To pay your ticket by mail, you will need to send a check or money order to the court where you received the ticket. Be sure to include your ticket number and your name and address. Check the court’s website for the mailing address you need to send your check to and any additional instructions.
To pay your ticket in person, you can go to the court where you received the ticket during business hours. You can usually go to the clerk’s window to make your payment. You will need to bring your ticket with you.
V. How to Contest a Traffic Ticket in California
If you believe you were wrongly issued a traffic ticket in California, you have the right to contest the ticket. You can contest a traffic ticket in California by:
- Hiring an experienced Orange County traffic ticket lawyer to help you fight your ticket
- Requesting a trial by written declaration
- Appearing in court
VI. How to Keep Your Traffic Ticket Off Your Driving Record
If you are convicted of a traffic violation in California, the conviction will be placed on your driving record. This can affect your insurance rates and even your ability to get a job (if you are a commercial driver).
There are a few ways to keep a traffic ticket off your driving record:
- Attend traffic school (if traffic ticket is eligible)
- Hire a Orange County traffic ticket lawyer to help you fight the ticket and have it dismissed
- Fight the ticket yourself and have it dismissed
VII. Get Help Today
Getting a traffic ticket in California can be a stressful experience. However, by understanding the different types of traffic tickets in California, the penalties for traffic tickets in California, and how to pay a traffic ticket in California, it can make the process a little bit easier.
Most traffic tickets are worth fighting, which is why it’s always in your best interest to hire an experienced Orange County traffic ticket lawyer to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. The Law offices of Mark A. Gallagher has been successfully handling traffic tickets in Southern California for over 20 years. If you or a loved one needs help with a traffic ticket, visit www.socaldefenselawyers.com for more information or call 800-797-8406 to schedule your free consultation.
