California Traffic Ticket Deadlines: What You Need to Know

Understanding Your Due Date

Every California traffic citation includes a due date, also known as the "appear by" date. This is the deadline by which you must either pay the fine, request a court hearing, file a Trial by Written Declaration, or take other action to address the citation. The due date is printed on the front of your ticket.

For officer-issued tickets, the date to respond is printed on your ticket. Use that date to plan your next step: review the ticket, consider your options, and take action before it passes.

It is critical to mark this date on your calendar as soon as you receive your ticket. Missing the deadline can trigger additional penalties that significantly increase the cost and complexity of resolving your case.

Consequences of Missing Deadlines

Failing to respond to a traffic ticket by the due date can lead to a cascade of negative consequences. The court does not simply forget about unpaid tickets. Instead, missing the deadline triggers a series of escalating penalties.

• A civil assessment of up to $100 (Penal Code 1214.1) may be added to your original fine.
• A failure to appear (FTA) charge may be added to your case.
• The court may add the violation to your DMV record.
• The court may refer your unpaid fine to a collections agency.
• In some cases, a bench warrant may be issued for failure to appear.
• Since January 1, 2023, a missed court date is no longer reported to the DMV for a license suspension: AB 2746 repealed Vehicle Code 40509 and 40509.5.

How to Request More Time

If you need additional time to respond to your traffic ticket, you can request a continuance from the court. A continuance extends your deadline, giving you more time to prepare your response, arrange payment, or gather evidence to contest the ticket.

To request a continuance, contact the court listed on your citation before the due date. Most courts have a process for requesting extensions, which may involve a phone call, a written request, or an online submission. Be prepared to explain why you need additional time.

Whether to grant a continuance is up to the court, so ask well before the deadline. If you wait until the last minute or miss the deadline entirely, your options become more limited and the process more difficult.

Learn how to request a continuance. How to Request a Continuance →

Camera Citation Deadlines

Camera-based citations, including both red light camera tickets and AB 645 speed camera notices, have their own deadlines that may differ from traditional officer-issued tickets. The response deadline is printed on the notice of violation that is mailed to you.

For AB 645 speed camera notices, the administrative review process has its own timeline. You must submit your contest or affidavit of nonliability within the period specified on the notice. For red light camera tickets that go through the court system, the deadline is similar to a traditional traffic ticket.

Because camera citations are mailed to the registered vehicle owner, there may be a delay between the date of the alleged violation and when you actually receive the notice. Factor this into your timeline when determining how much time you have to respond.

Keeping Track of Your Dates

Keeping track of traffic ticket deadlines is essential to avoiding additional penalties. Consider these practical tips for managing your timeline.

1. As soon as you receive a ticket or notice, note the due date on your calendar.
2. Set a reminder at least one week before the deadline so you have time to prepare.
3. If you plan to file a Trial by Written Declaration, allow time for mailing and processing.
4. Keep copies of all correspondence with the court, including date stamps.
5. If you request a continuance, confirm the new deadline and update your calendar.

Understand the Trial by Written Declaration process. Trial by Written Declaration Deadlines and Process →