Top 10 California Traffic Tickets & How to Avoid Them

Getting a traffic ticket in California can turn your day upside down faster than you can say “red light camera.” Whether you’re cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or stuck in LA traffic, california traffic tickets seem to find their way to drivers when they least expect it.

Don’t worry – we’ve got your back! This guide breaks down the top 10 most common traffic tickets in California and shares practical tips to help you avoid them. Plus, we’ll show you what to do if you already have a traffic citation sitting on your kitchen counter.

The Top 10 Most Common California Traffic Tickets

1. Speeding Violations

Speeding tops the list of California’s tickets and for good reason. California’s highways have varying speed limits, and it’s easy to miss those posted signs.

How to Avoid It: Use cruise control on freeways, check your speedometer regularly, and slow down in school zones and construction areas. Remember, going with the flow of traffic doesn’t protect you if everyone’s speeding.

2. Red Light Violations

Those red light cameras aren’t just for show. Running a red light can result in a hefty fine and points on your dmv record.

How to Avoid It: When you see a yellow light, don’t gun it. If you’re close to the intersection, prepare to stop safely. Count “one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi” after the light turns green before proceeding.

3. Illegal Cell Phone Use

California has strict hands-free laws. Using your phone while driving can lead to a traffic ticket and increased insurance premiums.

How to Avoid It: Put your phone in airplane mode, use hands-free devices, or pull over safely if you must take a call. Keep your phone out of reach to avoid temptation.

4. Improper Lane Changes

Cutting across multiple lanes or failing to signal can catch the attention of any law enforcement officer.

How to Avoid It: Check your mirrors, use your turn signals, and change one lane at a time. Give other drivers plenty of space and time to react.

5. Equipment Violations

Broken taillights, cracked windshields, and expired registration stickers are easy targets for traffic citations.

How to Avoid It: Do monthly vehicle checks. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately, keep your registration current, and fix windshield damage before it spreads.

6. Following Too Closely

Tailgating is dangerous and expensive. California law requires you to maintain a safe following distance.

How to Avoid It: Use the three-second rule. Pick a landmark ahead and count the seconds between when the car in front passes it and when you do. Increase distance in bad weather.

7. Improper Turns

Making illegal U-turns or turning from the wrong lane can result in a traffic ticket and potentially cause accidents.

How to Avoid It: Plan your route ahead of time. Look for “No U-Turn” signs and always turn from the correct lane. When in doubt, go around the block.

8. Stop Sign Violations

Rolling through stop signs (also called “California stops”) might seem harmless, but law enforcement agencies watch these intersections closely.

How to Avoid It: Come to a complete stop – your speedometer should read zero. Count to three before proceeding, and check for pedestrians and cyclists.

9. Parking Ticket Violations

Parking tickets might seem minor, but they can add up quickly and affect your ability to renew your driver’s license.

How to Avoid It: Read parking signs carefully, keep quarters for meters, and set phone reminders for time limits. Don’t park in front of driveways or fire hydrants.

10. Seat Belt Violations

California requires all passengers to wear seat belts. This includes back-seat passengers over 16.

How to Avoid It: Make buckling up the first thing you do when getting in any vehicle. Check that all passengers are properly secured before starting the engine.

What Happens When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Getting a traffic citation can be stressful, but knowing your options helps. You’ll receive a court date and citation number, and you’ll need to respond by the due date listed on your ticket.

You have three main options:

Pay the Full Amount: This means you’re pleading guilty. You can often pay online through the court’s website, but you’ll get points on your driving record and potential insurance increases.

Contest the Ticket: You can request a court trial or submit a written declaration to fight the citation. This takes time but might result in a dismissal.

Attend Traffic School: This is often the best option. You can keep the violation off your dmv record and avoid insurance premium increases.

Your Options for Dealing with Traffic Tickets

If you choose to contest your traffic ticket, you can:

• Request an arraignment hearing to plead not guilty
• Ask for a trial by written declaration
• Appear in court for a trial before a judicial officer

Many people find that attending traffic school is the most convenient option. You complete the course, pay your fine, and the violation doesn’t appear on your driving record. Most courts allow traffic school once every 18 months for eligible violations.

Some courts offer payment plan options if you’re experiencing financial hardship. Contact the clerk’s office to discuss your situation and available alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up traffic tickets in California?

You can search for your traffic citation online using your citation number on your county’s court website. You can also contact the traffic division by phone or visit the courthouse in person.

How much is a traffic ticket in California?

Traffic ticket costs vary by violation type and county. Basic speeding tickets start around $250, while more serious violations like reckless driving can cost $500 or more, plus additional fees and court costs.

How do you get a traffic ticket dismissed in California?

You can contest your ticket in court, attend traffic school (if eligible), or complete community service in some cases. Traffic school is usually the easiest option for dismissal and keeps violations off your record.

How many tickets can you get in California?

California uses a point system. You can receive multiple tickets, but accumulating too many points (4 in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months) can result in license suspension.

Keep Your Record Clean with Traffic School

Nobody plans to get a traffic ticket, but when it happens, you want the best solution to protect your driving record and insurance rates. That’s where IMPROV comes in as your ticket-dismissal superhero.

California Online traffic school offers a convenient way to handle your tickets without the hassle of court appearances or insurance premium increases. You can complete the course from home, at your own pace, and get your certificate quickly.

Look for a traffic school that offers:

• DMV and court approval
• 24/7 customer support
• Fast certificate delivery
• Money-back guarantees
• Mobile-friendly courses

The best part? Completing an IMPROV course means your violation won’t appear on your dmv record, so your insurance company won’t see it. You’ll pay your fine, complete the course, and move on with a clean driving record.

Don’t let a traffic citation derail your driving privileges or drain your wallet through insurance increases. Take action today and get back on the road with confidence. Your future self (and your insurance agent) will thank you for making the smart choice to keep your record spotless.