California Traffic Ticket Fines in 2026: What to Expect

How California Traffic Fines Are Calculated (CVC 22350 and More)

California traffic ticket fines — including those issued under CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law), CVC 21453(a) (Red Light), and CVC 22450(a) (Stop Sign) — consist of a base fine set by law plus a series of mandatory penalty assessments, surcharges, and fees added by the state, county, and court. These additions can multiply the base fine by a factor of four or more, which is why the total amount on a traffic ticket is often much higher than drivers expect.

The penalty assessment system includes charges such as the state penalty assessment, county penalty assessment, court construction fee, DNA identification fund assessment, emergency medical services fund, and several others. Each of these is calculated as a percentage or fixed amount based on the base fine.

Understanding this structure helps explain why a ticket with a base fine of $35 might end up costing over $230, or why a base fine of $100 can result in a total exceeding $490. The base fine is just the starting point.

Common Violation Fine Amounts

While specific fine amounts depend on the violation, the speed, and the county, here are some general ranges for common traffic violations in California. These amounts include estimated penalty assessments and surcharges.

• Speeding 1-15 mph over the limit (CVC 22350): Total fines typically in the range of $230 to $360.
• Speeding 16-25 mph over the limit: Total fines typically in the range of $360 to $490.
• Speeding over 25 mph: Total fines can exceed $490.
• Running a red light (CVC 21453(a)): Total fines often in the range of $480 to $530.
• Running a stop sign (CVC 22450(a)): Total fines often in the range of $230 to $280.
• Unsafe lane change (VC 22107): Total fines often in the range of $230 to $280.

County Surcharges

In addition to state-level penalty assessments, individual counties may impose their own surcharges on traffic fines. This means that the total fine for the same violation can differ depending on which county issued the ticket.

County surcharges fund local court operations, law enforcement, and other county services. The variation between counties is one reason why it is important to check the specific fine amount on your citation rather than relying on general estimates.

DMV Point Costs

Beyond the direct fine, traffic tickets carry indirect costs through DMV points. Most moving violations add one point to your driving record, which remains for 36 months. Some serious violations, such as speeding over 100 mph or reckless driving, add two points.

The financial impact of DMV points comes primarily through increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies regularly check driving records, and a single point can increase your annual premium by a significant amount. Over the 36 months that the point remains on your record, the total insurance cost increase can far exceed the fine itself.

• Most moving violations: 1 point (remains for 36 months).
• Speeding over 100 mph: 2 points.
• Reckless driving: 2 points.
• Accumulating 4 points in 12 months may trigger a negligent operator hearing.
• Insurance premium increases can add hundreds or thousands of dollars over 36 months.

Ways to Reduce Financial Impact

If you are facing a traffic ticket in California, there are several strategies that may help reduce the financial impact.

• Contest the ticket through Trial by Written Declaration or a court hearing to try to get it dismissed.
• Attend traffic school (if eligible) to mask the point on your DMV record and avoid insurance increases.
• Request an ability-to-pay reduction if you are experiencing financial hardship.
• Ask about a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
• Request community service in lieu of the fine if the court offers this option.

Learn how to fight a speeding ticket. How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in California →

Compare with speed camera fines under AB 645. Speed Camera Fines in California →