You’ve been holding on to your CA traffic ticket for a while now and decided to just pay it. Many Californians make the same decision. Just remember, if you pay the ticket without opting to take traffic school, you are pleading guilty to the offense and will most likely have points affixed to your driving record for three years. This also means an increase in auto insurance rates for three years.

If this is okay with you, then the easiest thing to do is to pay the ticket online.

Pay Ticket Online

Usually, all you need to know to pay your CA traffic ticket online is your birthday and drivers license number. Some court websites will be able to find your citation with those two bits of information. But it’d be smart to have your citation number handy.

Check your ticket to see which court you need to pay. Find your court below and click the traffic link to make your payment.

Find Your Court

To find your court’s website, location, contact info, and online payment page CLICK HERE

Pay by Mail

Another payment method available for traffic tickets is mail. In case you pay bail before appearing in the court or trial, the bail deposit will be used to pay for the fees, penalties, and fine if you are found guilty. The court will mail a refund if the bail deposit exceeds the deductions.

Pay by Phone

You can also pay for your ticket by phone. However, you need to check the court website, reminder notice, or the ticket to confirm if this payment method is available in your location.
Sometimes your traffic ticket may not show how much you are supposed to pay. In such, you should contact the CA county court indicated on the ticket for clarification. Paying the ticket on time prevents fines and penalties such as suspension of your driving license among others.

It is fairly simple to pay your traffic ticket. As long as you know your court and ticket information, you can pay your traffic ticket fines and go about normal life. However, don’t forget…

The Repercussions

When you agree to pay your ticket without opting for traffic school, your points will accrue. A moving violation will see 1 or 2 points placed on your record depending on the infraction. Your license may be suspended after accruing 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months. Also, when you pay your CA ticket, you will forfeit your right to take traffic school, points will go on your record and your auto insurance rates will go up. This is because insurance companies always check the driving records when determining rates.

Pay that Traffic School Admin Fee

Whether you pay online, by phone or mail, as long as traffic school is an option, you will be able to pay that fee too. As of 2018, it’s usually between $64-$74. It may seem like a large sum of money, but it is nothing compared to the amount of money you will spend in the next three years in auto insurance rates. Attending an online traffic school will keep points off your driving license.

Given the many benefits that come with attending a traffic school, it is advisable to always go for this option even when not in trouble.

Get Started Now