Can't Afford Your Traffic Ticket? California Ability to Pay Options

California's Ability to Pay Program

California has an ability to pay tool through the MyCitations portal that allows qualifying drivers to request a reduction in their traffic fine based on their income. This is separate from contesting the ticket. You are not arguing that the citation was wrong. You are asking the court to reduce what you owe.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for a fine reduction if your income is at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. The court considers your household size and income when making this determination. There is no cost to apply.

• Individual earning less than approximately $36,450 per year (2025 guidelines)
• Family of four earning less than approximately $75,000 per year
• Recipients of Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or other public benefits automatically qualify in most counties

How to Apply

1. Visit mycitations.courts.ca.gov and look up your citation by number or license plate.
2. Select the ability to pay option for your citation.
3. Complete the income verification form online.
4. The court will notify you of the adjusted fine amount, typically within a few weeks.

Other Options If You Cannot Pay

• Payment plan: Most courts allow you to pay over time. Contact the court directly or use MyCitations to request a payment schedule.
• Community service: Some courts allow you to substitute community service hours for part or all of your fine. Availability varies by county.
• Traffic school: If you are eligible, completing an approved traffic school course can mask the DMV point from your insurance record, though you still pay the fine plus school fees.
• Trial by Written Declaration: Contesting your ticket through TicketClear gives you a chance at a full dismissal and complete refund of your bail.

Ability to Pay vs. Contesting Your Ticket

These are two different tools with different outcomes. Ability to pay reduces what you owe if you are found guilty. Contesting your ticket through TBWD challenges whether you should be found guilty at all.

If you have a valid defense, fight the ticket first. If the ticket is not contestable or you choose not to fight, ability to pay can make the outcome more manageable.

See if your ticket is contestable before deciding Check my ticket eligibility →