Learn About California Traffic Tickets
Free educational articles to help you understand your rights, options, and the process for handling California traffic citations.
Speed Cameras (AB 645)
Everything you need to know about California's speed camera pilot program under AB 645.
What Is AB 645? California's Speed Camera Law Explained
Learn about AB 645, California’s speed camera pilot program. Understand which cities participate, how the program works, and what to do if you receive a notice.
4 min read
How to Contest a Speed Camera Ticket in California
Step-by-step guide to contesting a speed camera ticket in California under AB 645. Learn about common defenses, deadlines, and the administrative review process.
4 min read
Speed Camera Locations in San Francisco: What Drivers Need to Know
Find out where speed cameras are located in San Francisco under AB 645. Learn about school zones, safety corridors, and what to expect if you receive a citation.
4 min read
Speed Camera Fines in California: How Much Will You Pay?
Understand the tiered fine structure for AB 645 speed camera violations in California. Learn how fines differ from traditional tickets and what assistance may be available.
4 min read
AB 645 Administrative Review Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how the AB 645 administrative review process works for contesting speed camera tickets in California. Understand what to include and what outcomes to expect.
4 min read
California's AB 645 Speed Camera Program: What Drivers Need to Know in 2026
AB 645 created California's first automated speed camera pilot program. Here's how it works, which cities are participating, and what to do if you receive a citation in the mail.
3 min read
San Francisco Speed Camera Tickets: Locations, Fines, and How to Contest
San Francisco was among the first California cities to deploy AB 645 speed cameras. Here's what you need to know about SF camera locations, fine amounts, and how to respond to a citation.
2 min read
Oakland Speed Camera Tickets: What to Do When You Get One in the Mail
Oakland is an active AB 645 speed camera city. If you received a Notice of Violation in the mail, here's exactly what to do, what the fines are, and how to contest.
2 min read
San Jose Speed Camera Program: Fines, Deadlines, and Your Contest Options
San Jose is one of the first California cities deploying AB 645 speed cameras. Here's what you need to know about San Jose camera citations, the fine structure, and how to respond.
2 min read
California's Income-Based Speed Camera Fines Explained (AB 645)
AB 645 created a first-of-its-kind income-based fine structure for speed camera citations in California. Here's how it works, who qualifies for a reduction, and how to apply.
2 min read
California Construction Zone Speed Cameras: AB 289 and What It Means for Drivers
AB 289 authorized automated speed cameras in California construction zones. Here's how construction zone camera citations work, the fine structure, and your response options.
2 min read
How Long Do You Have to Respond to a Camera Ticket in California?
California camera citation deadlines are strict — 30 days from the notice date. This guide explains what happens at each deadline, what the consequences of missing it are, and how to protect yourself.
3 min read
Speed Camera Citations and Rideshare Drivers: What AB 645 Means for Your Income
AB 645 speed camera tickets are civil penalties with no DMV points and no insurance impact. But rideshare drivers still need to respond before the deadline. Here is what to know.
2 min read
Speed Cameras Are Coming to Los Angeles: What Drivers Need to Know
Los Angeles is deploying 125 speed cameras across all 15 council districts in 2026 under AB 645. Learn where the cameras are going, how the fines work, and how to contest a citation.
3 min read
5 Defense Strategies for California Speed Camera Tickets
Think a speed camera ticket is impossible to fight? It is not. These five defense strategies can be raised in a Trial by Written Declaration for any AB 645 citation in California.
3 min read
Long Beach Speed Cameras: 18 Locations, Fine Schedule, and How to Fight Back
Long Beach is installing 18 speed cameras under AB 645. Learn the 18 exact locations, how the program works, and how to contest a citation if you receive one.
3 min read
San Francisco Has Issued 122,000 Speed Camera Tickets. Here Is How to Fight Yours.
San Francisco issued over 122,000 AB 645 speed camera tickets in 2025 — and most people just paid. Learn how to contest yours online through MyCitations OTBD.
2 min read
Red Light Cameras (SB 720)
Understand red light camera enforcement, fines, and how to respond to a citation.
What Is SB 720? California's New Red Light Camera Law
Learn about SB 720, California’s red light camera law. Understand which cities have programs, how the cameras work, and how SB 720 differs from speed cameras.
4 min read
How to Contest a Red Light Camera Ticket in California
Step-by-step guide to contesting a red light camera ticket in California. Learn about common defenses including right turns, yellow timing, and the review process.
4 min read
Red Light Camera Fines in California: Complete Guide
Understand red light camera fines in California, including base fines, surcharges, total costs, DMV points, and options if you cannot afford the fine.
4 min read
Affidavit of Nonliability in California: When You Were Not the Driver
Learn when and how to submit an affidavit of nonliability in California for red light or speed camera tickets when you were not driving the vehicle.
4 min read
SB 720 Red Light Cameras: Every California City Now Has Authority to Install Them
SB 720, effective October 2025, expanded red light camera authority to all California cities and counties. Here is what the law means, how fines work, and how to respond if you receive a citation.
3 min read
How to Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket in California (2026 Guide)
Got a red light camera citation in California? This step-by-step guide explains exactly how the administrative review process works, what arguments succeed, and how to submit your response.
3 min read
Trial by Written Declaration
Learn how to contest your traffic ticket without going to court using a written declaration.
What Is a Trial by Written Declaration in California?
Learn about Trial by Written Declaration under California Vehicle Code 40902. Understand who is eligible, the benefits of filing, and key requirements.
4 min read
How to Write a Trial by Written Declaration
Learn how to write an effective Trial by Written Declaration for your California traffic ticket. Understand format, content, common mistakes, and filing tips.
3 min read
Trial by Written Declaration vs. Court Appearance: Which Is Better?
Compare Trial by Written Declaration with in-person court appearances for California traffic tickets. Learn the advantages of each and when each option makes sense.
3 min read
How to Request a Continuance for a California Traffic Ticket
Learn how to request a continuance for your California traffic ticket. Understand when to request one, the process, and what to expect after your request.
3 min read
Bail Deposit Requirement for California Trial by Written Declaration
Understand the bail deposit requirement for filing a Trial by Written Declaration in California. Learn how much to pay, how to make the deposit, and what happens to it.
3 min read
What Happens After You File a Trial by Written Declaration?
Learn what happens after you file a Trial by Written Declaration in California. Understand the review process, possible outcomes, and Trial de Novo options.
4 min read
Trial by Written Declaration in California: The Complete 2026 Guide
Trial by Written Declaration lets California drivers contest traffic tickets entirely by mail — no court appearance required. This complete guide covers eligibility, the process, deadlines, and how to write a winning declaration.
4 min read
When Officers Don't Respond: How the TBWD Process Benefits California Drivers
Officer non-response is one of the leading reasons California traffic tickets are dismissed through Trial by Written Declaration. Here's how it works and why filing TBWD is almost always worth it.
3 min read
Can a Traffic Ticket Be Dismissed If the Officer Does Not Respond?
If the citing officer does not submit their statement in a Trial by Written Declaration, the court may dismiss your ticket. Here is how officer non response works in California.
2 min read
Trial de Novo in California: Your Second Chance After a Written Declaration
If you lose a Trial by Written Declaration in California, you can request a Trial de Novo within 20 days for a brand new hearing. Here is how the process works and where it applies.
2 min read
Online Trial by Declaration (OTBD): What California Drivers Need to Know
Learn about California's Online Trial by Declaration (OTBD) system on MyCitations. Understand which counties offer it, how it works, and how it differs from the traditional mail-in process.
7 min read
What Happens If You Lose Your Trial by Written Declaration
Lost your Trial by Written Declaration? You still have options. Request a new in person trial, apply for fine reductions, or set up a payment plan.
3 min read
What Is Trial by Written Declaration in California? A Complete Guide
Trial by Written Declaration lets you contest a California traffic ticket entirely in writing — no court appearance. Learn exactly how it works, what to write, and how to submit.
4 min read
How to Use California's Online Trial by Declaration System
California's MyCitations OTBD portal lets you contest a traffic ticket entirely online. Learn which counties offer it, how to submit, and why the declaration you upload determines your outcome.
3 min read
Traffic Tickets
General guides on California traffic ticket fines, deadlines, insurance, and when to contest.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in California
Learn how to fight a speeding ticket in California. Understand your options for contesting, common defenses, the TBWD process, and what happens if you do nothing.
4 min read
California Traffic Ticket Fines in 2026: What to Expect
Understand how California traffic ticket fines are calculated in 2026. Learn about common violation costs, county surcharges, DMV points, and ways to reduce impact.
4 min read
How a Traffic Ticket Affects Your Insurance in California
Understand how a traffic ticket affects your auto insurance in California. Learn which violations matter most, how long tickets affect rates, and ways to minimize impact.
4 min read
California Traffic Ticket Deadlines: What You Need to Know
Understand California traffic ticket deadlines, the consequences of missing them, how to request more time, and how camera citation deadlines differ.
4 min read
Should I Contest My California Traffic Ticket?
Evaluate whether to contest your California traffic ticket. Consider factors like fines, DMV points, insurance impact, and your chances of a favorable outcome.
4 min read
California Traffic Ticket Statistics: Data Every Driver Should Know
Comprehensive California traffic citation data including annual stops, fine amounts, dismissal rates, county volumes, camera citations, and license suspension statistics. Sources: SafeTREC, DMV, Judicial Council.
5 min read
Camera Ticket vs. Officer Ticket in California: Key Differences
Camera citations and officer-issued tickets are handled completely differently in California. This guide explains the differences in process, deadlines, DMV impact, and how to contest each type.
2 min read
How a Traffic Ticket Affects Your Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash Account
A traffic ticket conviction can affect your rideshare or delivery driver account. Here is how Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash handle moving violations and what California drivers can do.
2 min read
How Many DMV Points Trigger a Deactivation Review on Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash
Platform deactivation reviews are tied to your DMV driving record, not the ticket itself. Here is how points accumulate and what thresholds matter for California rideshare and delivery drivers.
2 min read
Why You Should Fight Your California Traffic Ticket
A $35 traffic fine becomes $237 after California penalties and fees. Learn why contesting your ticket is worth it and how the system really works.
2 min read
Can't Afford Your Traffic Ticket? California Ability to Pay Options
Learn about California's MyCitations ability to pay tool for traffic ticket fine reductions, payment plans, and community service options.
2 min read
The Real Cost of a California Traffic Ticket (It Is Not What You Think)
A $35 California traffic fine becomes $237 after penalties and fees. Learn exactly where the money goes, why the system works this way, and what you can do about it.
3 min read
California's $10 Billion Traffic Debt Crisis and What It Means for Your Ticket
California has $10 billion in outstanding traffic fine debt. Learn how the penalty system broke down, who it hurts most, and the two paths available to drivers facing unaffordable fines.
3 min read
Traffic School in California: When You Can Use It and When You Cannot
Understand California traffic school eligibility rules, what it costs, what it does and does not do for your record, and how it compares to Trial by Written Declaration.
4 min read
Cell Phone Ticket in California: CVC 23123 and 23123.5 Explained
Understand California cell phone ticket laws CVC 23123 and 23123.5 — what they prohibit, fines and DMV points in 2026, legal exemptions, how to contest through TBWD, and special rules for minor drivers.
4 min read
Your Rights
Know your rights as a California driver — how to read your ticket, understand deadlines, and protect your record.
How to Read Your California Traffic Citation
Every field on a California traffic ticket explained. Learn how to find your violation code, speed alleged, method of detection, court info, and due date.
3 min read
What Happens When You Don't Pay a Traffic Ticket in California
Unpaid California traffic tickets can trigger civil assessments, wage garnishments, bank levies, and tax refund intercepts through the Franchise Tax Board. Here is the full escalation chain.
4 min read
How to Request an Extension on Your California Traffic Ticket
Most California courts allow at least one extension on traffic ticket deadlines. Here is how to request one, what varies by county, and what to do if your court says no.
3 min read
California Traffic Tickets for Out of State Drivers: What You Need to Know
Got a traffic ticket in California but live in another state? Here is how California handles out of state citations, what happens to your home state license, and your options.
2 min read
CHP Traffic Tickets in California: What Drivers Should Know
CHP issues more speeding tickets than any other agency in California. Here is how CHP citations differ from city police tickets and what to know about contesting them.
2 min read
How to Read Your California Traffic Ticket: Every Field Explained
Learn what every field on a California traffic citation means — citation number, violation code, appear-by date, bail amount, court information, and officer details — so you can decide how to respond.
4 min read
Free Guide
Got a Fix-It Ticket?
Our step by step guide covers all 37 correctable violations in California. Find your CVC code, follow the correction steps, and submit proof before the deadline.
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