CA Traffic Ticket Fines and Costs

Traffic fines in California are difficult to pinpoint due to additional penalty assessment fees and surcharges that vary by county. Consequently, a ticket with a $35 base fine may actually cost you $146. For help with fee explanations contact the county court listed on your citation.

If you can’t locate your ticket, visit our page on Lost Traffic Tickets for what-to-do options.

Surcharges
The state charges a 20% surcharge on all traffic tickets. This means, for example, a $40 fine will incur a surcharge of $8.

List of Other Additional Fees
– State Penalty Assessment
– County Penalty Assessment
– Court Facility Construction Penalty Assessment
– DNA Identification Fund Penalty Assessment
– Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Penalty Assessment

Options:

Pay Ticket (Plead Guilty or No Contest)

– Pay the fine
– Pay to go to traffic school
– Provide proof of correction if you receive a ticket for a “correctable violation” (e.g., fixing a broken taillight or providing proof of car registration)
– Incur points on your driving record
– Possible increase in auto insurance rates

Fight Ticket (Plead Not Guilty)

– A court trial by a judicial officer
– A trial by mail, or what is often called a “trial by written declaration”
– Choose to represent yourself in court or hire an attorney
– Possibly forfeit option to plea bargain for lesser charges
– No penalties if found guilty but must pay court and legal fees