Traffic law resources are listed on the court's Self-Help Traffic Resource page. In either case, setting the matter for a trial without appearing before a judge will require that you deposit the bail amount along with the request. You must appear as instructed on the citation, even if you do not receive a courtesy notice. Pay to go to traffic school (as long as you are eligible to go to traffic school). Traffic and Ticket Basics. If you click on a link below, you will be leaving the Self-Help website. Confirm Traffic School Dismissal These violations are considered “infractions” and include, for example, things like speeding, automobile equipment needing repair, and expired licenses. (You can also see if the parking agency has a website with instructions about how to handle your parking ticket.) We do not charge for this verification and no appointment is required. The court finds (and states the reasons for the findings) that, based on the circumstances of your particular case, you are unlikely to appear without a deposit of bail. Traffic Citations can only be handled through the traffic court specified at the bottom of the form. To take advantage of this convenience, deposit of traffic bail is required. If you elect a trial by declaration, you will also be required to post bail (Veh. If you are found not guilty, your bail will be returned. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted and a 5% service charge will be added to the fine/fee amount. Code, § 40902). You must pay the required dismissal transaction fee ($25) for each violation and submit proof of correction. Visit our Traffic Self-Help pages to learn all about traffic tickets, including: You will get a courtesy notice 45 – 60 days after you receive your citation (ticket). Sometimes it can take longer than this. You can pay the amount on the ticket. What Should I Do if I Have an Auto Accident? you can plead “no contest” or “not guilty” and ask for a trial date; 2. you can also ask the court to have your matter decided by trial by written declaration, which requires that you post the full bail amount. Electronic payments AND courthouse drop boxes allow you to make traffic payments even when Traffic Court is closed, including holidays. What Should I Do if I Have an Auto Accident? Traffic (Infraction) Appeals. For more information on correctable violations, and how to get your certificate of correction, go to the Correctable Violations (“Fix-It” Tickets) section below. If this is your first ticket and the court lets you go to traffic school, you should not get any points on your record. Code, § 40902.) Traffic Citations can only be handled through the traffic court specified at the bottom of the form. If you refuse to sign the ticket the officer is required by law to take you into custody and present you before a judge for arraignment on the charges. If the charges do not involve alcohol or drugs, the officer can ask you to sign the ticket, also called the “Notice to Appear.” Signing the “Notice to Appear” does NOT mean that you admit you are guilty. If you plead not guilty at arraignment, you may ask for a court trial on a separate date. If the violation(s) included a mechanical violation, which has been corrected, it may be brought to our station for verification prior to clearing it with the court. © 2020 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. Extend Citation Due Date, Fine Due Date, or Traffic School Completion Due Date. Trial by written declaration. For more information on the law and photo citations, see California Vehicle Code section 21455.5. (See Veh. Rules of Court, rule 4.105.) Other, more serious automobile related matters, such as reckless driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), and vehicular manslaughter, are either misdemeanors or felonies, carry potential jail or prison time as possible punishment, and are addressed in the Criminal section of the website. Plead not guilty in writing and request a trial date. By signing the ticket, which is also called your “Notice to Appear,” you promise to (1) appear in court in person or by filing a pleading in response to the notice, or (2) pay the fine.