What is the MyCitations ability to pay tool?

MyCitations is the California courts' online portal for managing traffic citations. The ability to pay feature allows qualifying low income drivers to request a reduction in their traffic fine based on documented income below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

Does applying for ability to pay affect my ability to contest the ticket?

No. Applying for a fine reduction does not waive your right to contest the ticket. You can pursue both options. If you win your Trial by Written Declaration, the citation is dismissed and any bail paid is refunded.

How much can my fine be reduced?

Fine reductions vary. Courts have discretion to reduce fines by up to 80 percent for qualifying individuals. The adjusted amount depends on your income, household size, and the specific court's policies.

What if my county is not on MyCitations?

Not all counties participate in MyCitations. Contact your court directly to ask about ability to pay options. Many courts have similar programs administered in person or by phone.

Can I do community service instead of paying?

Some courts offer this option. Availability varies by county and violation type. Contact your specific court to ask whether community service is available as a fine alternative for your citation.

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

Updated April 5, 20262 min readTraffic Tickets

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

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

Important

Applying for ability to pay does not affect your right to also contest the ticket. You can request a fine reduction and still file a Trial by Written Declaration. If you win your TBWD, you receive a full refund of any amount paid, including the reduced bail.

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 →

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