CA Traffic Law
California issues millions of traffic citations annually and has some of the highest fines in the nation. The state uses the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) to track driving records, and accumulating too many points can result in license suspension. However, California also has robust processes for contesting citations, including Trial by Written Declaration — a unique option that lets you contest without appearing in court.
Contest My CA Ticket — $4.99California uses a point system where most moving violations add 1 point and serious violations (reckless driving, hit and run, DUI) add 2 points. Accumulating 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months triggers a license suspension under the NOTS program. Points remain on your record for 3-7 years depending on severity.
California traffic fines are among the highest in the US due to surcharges and penalty assessments that can triple the base fine. A basic speeding ticket with a $100 base fine can cost $490+ after surcharges. Red light violations start at $490. HOV violations start at $490. Cell phone violations start at $162. Stop sign violations can reach $238. These amounts do not include traffic school fees if eligible.
California offers three main contest options: Trial by Written Declaration (CVC 40902) — submit a written statement to the court without appearing in person. If you lose, you can still request a new in-person trial (Trial de Novo). In-person court trial — appear before a judge, cross-examine the officer, and present your defense. Traffic school — eligible drivers can attend traffic school to mask the point (but not the fine) from their record. The deadline to respond is typically printed on your citation or courtesy notice.
Key California traffic laws include: CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law — driving faster than is safe for conditions), CVC 22349 (maximum speed 65 mph), CVC 21453 (red light violations), CVC 22107 (unsafe lane change), CVC 23123/23123.5 (hands-free phone requirements). California also has specific rules for HOV lanes (CVC 21655.5), red light cameras (CVC 21455.5), and automated speed enforcement in school zones.
What is Trial by Written Declaration in California?
Trial by Written Declaration (CVC 40902) allows you to contest a ticket by mailing a written statement to the court instead of appearing in person. If you lose, you can request a new in-person trial.
How many points before license suspension in California?
4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months triggers a NOTS suspension.
Can I go to traffic school in California?
If eligible, traffic school masks the point from your record but does not eliminate the fine. Eligibility depends on your violation type and driving history.
Speeding Ticket
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Red Light Camera Ticket
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Stop Sign Ticket
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Parking Citation
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HOV Lane Violation
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Cell Phone Ticket
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