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.

The underlying legal process is the same as the traditional Trial by Written Declaration authorized by California Vehicle Code Section 40902. The difference is the submission method. Instead of completing Form TR-205 on paper, posting bail by check or money order, and mailing everything to the court, defendants in participating counties can do the equivalent steps through a web interface.

OTBD was first piloted in two superior courts in December 2024 and has since expanded to additional counties. The Judicial Council of California is managing the rollout, with more courts expected to come online through 2026 and beyond.

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 county.
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. Post bail online. You must pay the bail amount (equal to the full fine) as part of the online submission process, just as you would with a mail-in filing.
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 Counties Offer OTBD

OTBD is not yet available statewide. As of early 2026, the following six counties have launched the online tool through the MyCitations website:

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

The Judicial Council has indicated that two additional superior courts plan to go live by mid-2026, and up to five more courts will begin onboarding activities before the end of 2026. The total number of participating counties is expected to continue growing.

If your county is not yet listed, the traditional mail-in Trial by Written Declaration process remains available. You can check the MyCitations website to see the most current list of participating courts, or contact your local court directly.

OTBD vs. Traditional Mail-In Process

The core legal process is identical whether you use OTBD or the traditional mail-in method. Both are authorized by CVC 40902, both require posting bail, both result in a judge reviewing written statements from both sides, and both preserve the right to a Trial de Novo if the outcome is guilty. The differences are primarily about convenience and logistics.

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 payment: OTBD is paid online during submission; traditional requires a check or money order mailed with forms.
• Decision notification: OTBD notifies by email; traditional decisions are mailed by U.S. Mail.
• Availability: OTBD is select counties only (expanding); traditional is available at all California courts.
• Trial de Novo right: Same for both — preserved under CVC 40902(d).

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. Through MyCitations, 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 layered on top of MyCitations that allows defendants to contest their citations online. This module is only available in the counties listed above as of early 2026, 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.

• Same legal process, different delivery method. OTBD does not change the legal standard, the burden of proof, or your rights. It simply digitizes the submission and notification steps of the existing Trial by Written Declaration process.
• Bail is still required. You must still post bail (the full fine amount) when filing through OTBD. If you are found not guilty, the bail is refunded. If you are found guilty, the bail is applied toward the fine.
• OTBD waives the right to an in-person trial before a judge. The California Courts Newsroom has noted that contesting a ticket by OTBD or by mail waives the right to an initial in-person trial. However, the right to a Trial de Novo after a guilty finding is preserved.
• 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 mail-in option remains available. Even in counties that offer OTBD, you can still use the traditional paper process with Form TR-205. OTBD is an additional option, not a replacement.

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 county. If your county offers OTBD, you can type or paste your prepared declaration into the online form and upload any supporting evidence. If your county does not offer OTBD, 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.

Learn how Trial by Written Declaration works. What Is Trial by Written Declaration? →

Understand what happens if you receive a guilty finding. What Is a Trial de Novo? →

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