Skip to main content

Kern County Traffic Court Guide

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed

TicketClear is not the court and is not affiliated with it. To pay or check your case, use the court's official website linked below.

Kern County traffic court

Kern County traffic cases are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. Your citation or courtesy notice shows which courthouse has your case.

Official Kern County court links

To pay your ticket, check your due date or look up your case, go to the court's own website.

Not sure which court has your ticket? Use our Find My Court tool →

Links checked on the court's website on October 18, 2026.

Kern County's traffic cases are heard at these courthouses:

Where to mail a trial by written declaration request

Use the court address printed on your courtesy notice or citation. Traffic courthouses in this county:

  • Metropolitan Traffic Division (Bakersfield): 3131 Arrow St, Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • Delano Courthouse: 1122 Jefferson St, Delano, CA 93215
  • Lamont Courthouse: 12022 Main St, Lamont, CA 93241
  • Mojave Courthouse: 1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave, CA 93501
  • Ridgecrest Courthouse: 132 E Coso Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
  • Shafter Courthouse: 325 Central Valley Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263

Your deadline

The due date on your citation or courtesy notice is the date that counts. Under California Rules of Court, rule 4.210, your request (and bail, if your court requires it) is due by that date, or a later date the court gives you.

California Rules of Court, rule 4.210

Contest by mail in 3 steps

  1. Fill out your request and written declaration. Most courts use form TR-205; check your notice for your court's steps.
  2. Send everything to the court, with bail if your court requires it, by the due date on your notice.
  3. The judge decides from the papers, and the court mails or delivers the decision to you.
Form TR-205, explained →
Start my declarationLearn how it works →

Free to start · $49.99 when you're ready to download

6courts
Camera programs on file:1
Speeding 1–15 mph over (statewide schedule):$234

Traffic Courts in Kern County

Kern County stretches from Bakersfield through the Tehachapi Mountains and into the Mojave Desert, with consistent CHP enforcement on SR-99, I-5 (Tejon Pass), and SR-58. Bakersfield sees high volumes of citations from both local agencies and the CHP Bakersfield area command.

Metropolitan Traffic Division (Bakersfield)

Accepts TBWD

3131 Arrow St, Bakersfield, CA 93308

(661) 610-7000

Court website →Courthouse guide →

Delano Courthouse

Accepts TBWD

1122 Jefferson St, Delano, CA 93215

(661) 610-7300

Court website →Courthouse guide →

Lamont Courthouse

Accepts TBWD

12022 Main St, Lamont, CA 93241

(661) 610-7100

Court website →Courthouse guide →

Mojave Courthouse

Accepts TBWD

1773 State Highway 58 Business, Mojave, CA 93501

(661) 610-7400

Court website →

Ridgecrest Courthouse

Accepts TBWD

132 E Coso Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

(661) 610-7450

Court website →Courthouse guide →

Shafter Courthouse

Accepts TBWD

325 Central Valley Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263

(661) 610-7200

Court website →Courthouse guide →

Court details checked against official court websites on October 2, 2026. TicketClear prepares your TBWD documents. You file directly with the court.

Camera Tickets in Kern County

California has three kinds of camera ticket, and each is contested a different way. Your notice tells you which one you have: a city notice of violation goes through the city's review process, and a court citation goes to the superior court.

Red light cameras (court or civil)

Check your notice: it says whether it is a court citation (contested in superior court, where trial by written declaration is available) or a city notice of violation (contested through city review).

Officer-issued red light and speeding tickets can be contested by trial by written declaration.

Last verified October 7, 2026.

See camera citation options →

How Much Will This Ticket Cost?

ViolationBase fineTotal bail (2026 schedule)DMV points
Speeding, 1–15 mph overVC 22350$35$2341 point
Speeding, 16–25 mph overVC 22350$70$3631 point
Speeding, 26+ mph overVC 22350$100$4861 point
Red lightVC 21453(a)$100$4861 point
Handheld phone, first offenseVC 23123.5(a)$20$158Check with the DMV

Source: Judicial Council of California, Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules, 2026 edition. Totals assume the maximum county penalties; each court adjusts them. View the schedule (PDF)

Fine amounts are estimates based on the California Judicial Council bail schedule. Actual totals vary by court, surcharges, and case specifics.

What Are Your Options?

Pay the Fine

Pay the full amount by the due date. The ticket stays on your record and the DMV point is assessed.

Traffic School

Masks the point from your insurance record for eligible violations. You still pay the fine plus school fees.

Trial by Written Declaration

Contest your ticket in writing — no court appearance required. A judge reviews your statement and the officer's report. If the court dismisses the citation, it refunds any bail you paid.

In-Person Court Appearance

Request a trial date and appear before a judge. More time-consuming but allows live testimony and cross-examination.

Guides to Common Traffic Tickets

Each guide explains the fine, DMV points, and how to contest that ticket in California.

Trial by Written Declaration in Kern County

A Trial by Written Declaration (TBWD) lets you contest your ticket entirely in writing under California Vehicle Code §40902. No court date, no lawyer required.

Filing deadline: Your deadline is the date shown on your citation or on the court's courtesy notice. Courts set their own deadlines and rules, so check the date on your notice and confirm with the court if you're unsure. See the California Courts guide to trial by written declaration.

What TicketClear does

  • Reads your citation and extracts all key details
  • Asks you questions about what happened
  • Prepares a court-formatted declaration from your answers
  • Provides mailing instructions for your county's court

What you do

  • Review and sign your declaration
  • Mail it to the court, with bail if your court requires it
  • Wait for the judge's written decision
Start my declaration

How to fight this ticket

Free guides that explain how contesting a California traffic ticket works.

How to Request a Deadline Extension in Kern County

Some courts allow you to ask for more time before your deadline. Whether an extension is available, and for how long, is up to the court. Ask the court before your deadline passes; see the California Courts guide to trial by written declaration.

How to Request

Online

Request an extension through the court's online traffic portal.

Visit court portal →

By Phone

Call the traffic clerk and request a continuance. Have your citation number ready.

In Person

Visit the court clerk's window during business hours and request additional time.

By Mail

Send a written request to the court before your deadline. Include your citation number, name, and the reason for the request.

Tips

  • Request your extension before the due date — late requests may be denied.
  • Keep a copy of any confirmation number or written request for your records.
  • An extension delays your deadline but does not dismiss the ticket.
Read our full extension guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Prepare Your Kern County Documents?

Done in 10 to 15 minutes. No court date. No attorney fees.

Start my declaration

Free to start · $49.99 when you're ready to download

TicketClear is a document preparation service, not a law firm. We prepare TBWD documents at your direction. We do not provide legal advice.

Your ticket has a deadline. Tell your side today.

Most California citations have a 60-day deadline. Write what happened in your own words, then review, edit and sign your declaration.

Start my declaration

Free to start · $49.99 when you're ready to download