1 Point: Speeding, Running a Red Light, Unsafe Lane Change, At-Fault Accident, etc.These points are added to your driving record, and if you exceed a certain number of points, you may lose your driving privileges. Traffic tickets can carry 1-2 points, and accidents can carry 1 point. The California DMV point system assigns a value to each traffic ticket or accident. Remember, you may get a reduced fine or have your charges dropped, but if you lose your case youвЂ™ll be required to pay court fees on top of any attorneyвЂ™s fees. If you win your case your payment will be returned to you. Even if you plead not guilty, you will be required to pay your traffic fines up front. You have the option to hire an attorney to represent you or you can represent yourself. If you plead not guilty: You will be required to plead your case in court in front of a judge or submit a written вЂњtrial by declarationвЂќ to the court.

You may have the option to take a California traffic school class to mask your ticket, but youвЂ™ll need to get approval from the court first. These points will stay on your driving record for 3 to 7 years. When your fee is received, your case will be considered closed and the citation as well as the point(s) will be added to your driving record at the DMV. If you plead guilty or no contest: You can simply send in a payment for your fine along with a copy of your citation to the court. In response to your traffic ticket, you have 3 possible plea options: guilty, no contest, or not guilty. Use your ticket to ensure you appear, or file your plea, by your assigned date. Do not rely on the traffic court to notify you about anything related to your citation - it is not required to do so. Your court date, as well as court contact information, will be located on your ticket. Keep in mind that if you do get pulled over for a misdemeanor like a DUI, you might be arrested on the spot and your car could be impounded. Remember, you are not admitting guilt by signing your ticket. Signing the ticket means you agree to appear in court (in person or by filing a plea) and pay your fine by the court date. DonвЂ™t throw it away! All California traffic violations are also called a вЂњ Notice to Appear.вЂќ That piece of paper contains some valuable information, like your court date and citation number. If you receive a traffic ticket, the officer will have you sign and date it and youвЂ™ll receive a copy for your records.

Misdemeanor: This is a more serious driving offense, like driving without a license, driving under the influence, excessive speeding, etc.

Infraction: This covers all the basic California traffic violations, from speeding to running a red light.

There are two types of California traffic tickets:

All 3 of these are ticket able offenses, so the first rule of thumb is to have these documents with you when you get behind the wheel. If you cannot present these 3 items, you could already be in trouble. First, the officer will ask to see your driverвЂ™s license, registration, and proof of insurance. When you are pulled over for a California speeding ticket or another traffic violation, you can expect a few things to occur. WeвЂ™ve simplified the process to take the mystery out of resolving California traffic tickets. While getting a moving violation is never a walk in the park, there are ways to move through the California traffic ticket process quickly and painlessly - and even keep points off your driving record. If you were pulled over and got a traffic ticket in California, donвЂ™t sweat it. Traffic Tickets and Violations inВ California

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