Frequently Asked Questions

TicketClear is an automated document generation tool that helps you create a Trial by Written Declaration for California traffic tickets. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Our system formats your own statements into the proper legal structure required by California courts.

A Trial by Written Declaration is an official California legal procedure under Vehicle Code 40902 that lets you contest a traffic ticket entirely in writing. No court appearance required. You submit a written statement to the court, the citing officer submits theirs, and a judge decides. If you lose, you can still request a new trial in person. There are no additional penalties for filing one.

No. TicketClear provides educational information and automated document generation tools. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney. Results vary. Every citation is unique.

TicketClear works with most California infraction-level traffic tickets, including speeding, red lights, stop signs, and other moving violations. Our system checks your citation against eligibility requirements before you pay.

We cannot generate declarations for DUI, hit-and-run, reckless driving, evading a peace officer, or other misdemeanor-level violations. For these cases, we recommend consulting a licensed traffic attorney.

Yes. You can complete the entire intake process in Spanish. Our tool will generate your declaration in English, as required by California courts. You will see a Spanish language summary of what your declaration contains so you understand every section before you download it.

Your download includes a complete filing packet (usually 5 pages): your pre-filled TR-205 court form (pages 1 to 2) and your Declaration of Facts (pages 3 to 5). You also receive a separate one page filing instruction sheet with your court's mailing address, a checklist of what to include, and your deadline.

The process is straightforward: upload a photo or scan of your ticket, answer a few questions about the circumstances of your stop, select the factors that apply to your situation, and choose a plan. Our system then generates a personalized Trial by Written Declaration formatted for your specific court. You download the packet, print it, and mail it to the court yourself.

Checking eligibility takes about 2 minutes. The full intake process takes about 10 minutes. Once you pay, your declaration is generated immediately and available for download. Courts typically take 4 to 8 weeks to issue a ruling after receiving your declaration.

You will need:

• Your traffic citation (photo or scan)
• The violation code listed on your ticket
• Your court due date
• Basic details about the circumstances of your stop

No. TicketClear is designed exclusively for California traffic tickets. The Trial by Written Declaration process is specific to California Vehicle Code Section 40902. If you received a ticket in another state, we recommend contacting a local traffic attorney in that jurisdiction.

TicketClear offers two plans:

• Standard $49.99: Download your complete filing packet and mail it yourself.
• Enhanced $99.99: Everything in Standard, plus photo evidence exhibits, support for multiple violations on one citation, and email filing reminders counting down to your deadline.

All prices are one-time fees. There are no subscriptions or hidden charges. See our pricing page for full details.

Both plans include your personalized declaration PDF, completed TR-205 court form, step by step filing instructions, and coverage in all 58 California counties. Enhanced ($99.99) adds photo evidence exhibits (formatted photos with your captions included in the filing packet), support for multiple violations on one citation, and email filing reminders counting down to your deadline. Standard is $49.99.

Yes. The bail deposit is paid to the court and is equal to the fine amount on your citation. TicketClear's service fee is separate and covers the generation of your declaration and filing packet. If the judge rules in your favor, your bail deposit is refunded. TicketClear's service fee is not refundable once your declaration has been generated.

Before generating your declaration, we check your citation against California eligibility requirements. If your ticket is not eligible for a Trial by Written Declaration, for example if it involves a DUI or misdemeanor charge, we will let you know before you pay. You will not be charged for an ineligible citation.

No. You do not lose your bail deposit by filing a Trial by Written Declaration. Here is how it works:

• If the judge rules in your favor: Your bail deposit is refunded in full. No points are added to your driving record.
• If the judge rules against you: Your bail deposit is applied toward the fine. You pay the original fine amount, with no additional penalties for having filed a declaration.

The process does not increase your fine or add penalties.

If the judge rules against your written declaration, you have the right to request a Trial de Novo, a new trial in person before a different judge. This is guaranteed under California law.

The Trial de Novo gives you a fresh start. The judge in the new trial does not see your written declaration. You (or an attorney) can present your case in person.

Yes. If the judge rules against your Trial by Written Declaration, California law guarantees your right to request a Trial de Novo (a new in-person trial). You typically have 20 days from the date of the court's decision to submit your request. The Trial de Novo is heard by a different judge who does not see your original written declaration. For specific procedures, contact your court or consult a licensed attorney.

A continuance is a request to the court for more time to respond to your citation. If your court deadline is approaching and you need additional time to prepare your written declaration, you may be able to request a continuance.

Most California courts allow at least one extension. The process varies by court. Some accept requests online, while others require a phone call or written request to the clerk's office.

Learn more about requesting a continuance →

We recommend mailing your declaration via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Your filing packet includes your court's mailing address and a checklist of everything to include.

Processing times vary by county and court. Most courts process Trial by Written Declaration cases within 30 to 90 days, though some may take longer. The court will mail you a written decision. If you do not hear back within 90 days, consider contacting the court clerk's office for a status update.