Online Trial by Declaration (OTBD): What California Drivers Need to Know

What Is Online Trial by Declaration?

Online Trial by Declaration (OTBD) is a digital version of the Trial by Written Declaration process that California courts are gradually rolling out through the MyCitations website. It allows defendants to contest eligible traffic citations by submitting a written statement and uploading evidence entirely online, without mailing paper forms to the court.

Step-by-step instructions for the MyCitations tool. How to Use MyCitations →

The legal basis is Government Code section 68645.4, which lets a court offer trials by declaration through an online tool. It changes two rules that apply under Vehicle Code 40902 in other courts: the court may not require bail in advance unless it makes specific findings for that defendant, and there is no right to a Trial de Novo (a new trial) after the decision.

Nevada and San Francisco were the first courts to launch OTBD, in December 2024, and Sacramento went live in December 2025 (California Courts Newsroom, February 9, 2026). The Judicial Council of California manages the rollout, with more courts expected to join.

How the OTBD Process Works

The OTBD process follows the same general sequence as the traditional mail-in Trial by Written Declaration. The key steps are outlined below. Specific procedures may vary by court.

1. Look up your citation. Visit the MyCitations website and enter your citation number to check whether your case is eligible for OTBD in your court.
2. Submit your written statement. Using the online interface, provide your written statement of facts explaining your side of the case. This is the equivalent of the declaration section on the paper TR-205 form.
3. Upload supporting evidence. If you have photographs, diagrams, or other documents that support your case, you can upload them directly through the website.
4. Bail is generally not required up front. Under Government Code 68645.4, the court may not require bail in advance unless it makes specific findings for you. Follow what your court tells you.
5. Officer submits a response. After the court receives your online submission, it notifies the citing officer, who submits their own written response.
6. Judge reviews and decides. A judicial officer reviews both statements and any supporting evidence, then renders a decision. Parties are notified of the outcome by email.

Which Courts Offer OTBD

OTBD is not yet available statewide. As of October 2026, the California Courts list six courts with the online tool on MyCitations (California Courts Newsroom, February 9, 2026, and the MyCitations site):

• Amador County
• Imperial County
• Nevada County
• Sacramento County
• San Francisco County
• Siskiyou County

A Judicial Council proposal published in spring 2026 says two more courts are expected to start using the online tool by late 2026, and up to twelve more after 2026. Amador’s own traffic page still describes only the paper process, so if you are in Amador County, confirm with the court which rules apply to you.

If your court is not on the list, the traditional mail-in Trial by Written Declaration process applies, including the usual bail deposit and the right to ask for a Trial de Novo. You can check the MyCitations website for the most current list of participating courts, or contact your local court directly.

OTBD vs. Traditional Mail-In Process

In both, a judge reviews written statements from both sides and you never appear in court. But the rules are not identical. Courts that offer OTBD follow Government Code 68645.4, which removes the advance bail requirement (absent specific findings) and the right to a Trial de Novo, and it applies those rules to every trial by declaration in that court, online or on paper.

Key Differences

• Submission method: OTBD is online via MyCitations; traditional is paper forms mailed or delivered to court.
• Form used: OTBD uses an online form equivalent to TR-205; traditional uses paper Form TR-205.
• Evidence submission: OTBD allows file uploads (photos, documents); traditional requires physical copies included with mailed forms.
• Bail: in OTBD courts, generally not required in advance; in other courts, usually paid in full when you file.
• Decision notification: OTBD notifies by email; traditional decisions are mailed by U.S. Mail.
• Availability: OTBD is select courts only (expanding); the paper process is available at all California courts.
• Trial de Novo: not available in OTBD courts, even for paper filings; usually available within 20 calendar days in other courts.

Understanding the MyCitations Platform

MyCitations is an online platform operated by the California Judicial Council that offers several tools for people with traffic citations. The OTBD module is one feature of the broader MyCitations system.

The MyCitations platform is available statewide for its core function: allowing individuals with financial hardships to request reductions in their traffic fines and fees. The California Courts say this ability-to-pay tool has been available in all 58 counties since July 2024. Through it, eligible defendants can request lower fines, payment plans, additional time to pay, or community service, all without visiting the courthouse.

The OTBD module is an additional feature that allows defendants to contest their citations online. As of October 2026 it is only available in the courts listed above, while the ability-to-pay features are available in all 58 California counties.

It is worth noting that MyCitations and OTBD are court-operated systems and are separate from TicketClear or any other private service. TicketClear helps you prepare your written declaration document; MyCitations is where you (or your court) may process it.

Important Considerations

Before using the OTBD system, there are several important points to understand about how the process works and what it does and does not change.

• Different rules, not just a different delivery method. OTBD does not change the legal standard or the burden of proof, but under Government Code 68645.4 it changes the bail and Trial de Novo rules for every trial by declaration in that court.
• Bail is generally not required up front. The court may not require bail in advance unless it makes specific findings for you. Some OTBD courts’ own pages still describe bail for mail filings, so follow your court’s instructions.
• No Trial de Novo. Contesting a ticket in writing waives the in-person trial at the start, and in OTBD courts there is no right to a new trial after a guilty finding. You can appeal instead.
• Not all citations are eligible. OTBD applies to eligible infraction-level traffic violations. Misdemeanors, cases with mandatory court appearances, and certain other citation types are not eligible. The MyCitations system will indicate whether your specific citation qualifies.
• Deadlines still apply. You must submit your OTBD request before the court deadline on your citation. The online system does not extend or change any deadlines.
• The paper option remains available. A court that offers OTBD must also accept trials by written declaration on paper, but the same no-Trial-de-Novo rule applies to them.

How TicketClear Fits In

TicketClear is a document preparation service that helps you prepare your written declaration — the statement of facts and supporting information you need to contest your traffic ticket. Our service generates your personalized declaration based on the details of your citation.

Once your declaration is prepared, you can use it in whichever submission method is available in your court. If your court offers OTBD, you can type or paste your prepared declaration into the online form and upload any supporting evidence. If it does not, you use the declaration with the traditional paper TR-205 form submitted by mail.

TicketClear does not file documents with the court on your behalf. We prepare the documents; you submit them through the appropriate channel. TicketClear is not affiliated with the California Courts or the MyCitations platform.

TicketClear is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Sources: Government Code section 68645.4; California Courts self-help guide, Trial by written declaration; California Courts Newsroom, February 9, 2026; Judicial Council Invitation to Comment SPR26-39. Checked October 7, 2026.

Learn how Trial by Written Declaration works. The Mail-In Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205) →

Understand when a new trial is available after a guilty finding. What Is a Trial de Novo? →

Upload your citation to get started with TicketClear. Check if my ticket qualifies →