The Bail Deposit

Under California Vehicle Code Section 40902, a court can require the bail amount to be deposited before it decides a Trial by Written Declaration. The court holds the money while the case is pending.

The bail amount is usually the total shown on your courtesy notice — the same amount you would pay if you paid the ticket.

Bail is paid to the court. It is separate from any fee you pay TicketClear for preparing your documents.

One exception: under Government Code 68645.4, courts that offer online trial by declaration through MyCitations may not require bail in advance unless the court makes specific findings for you. Some of those courts still describe bail for mailed declarations, so follow your court’s instructions.

How bail works varies by county. In some counties, paying online or by phone is treated as paying the ticket and ends the case — so follow your court’s instructions for a trial by written declaration, not the general “pay your ticket” instructions. We show your county’s instructions on your ready-to-mail screen.

Some courts require the bail to be mailed with your packet, usually as a check or money order payable to the court. Others let you post bail first and then send your declaration within a set time.

Never mail cash, and write your citation number on the check or money order.

The court reviews your declaration together with the officer’s statement. Processing typically takes several weeks; some courts publish their own timeframe.

The decision arrives by mail. Keep your Certified Mail receipt and tracking number until then.

If the court finds you not guilty, your bail is refunded. If not, most courts let you request a new trial in person (a Trial de Novo, Vehicle Code 40902(d)) within 20 calendar days after the court mails its decision. Courts that offer online trial by declaration through MyCitations do not allow a new trial; you can appeal instead.