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Understanding the fines and penalties associated with traffic tickets in California is crucial for protecting your driving privileges and minimizing the financial burden that comes with these infractions. In some cases, community service or additional penalties may also be required, depending on the severity of the violation.
Traffic ticket fines in California can be steep, especially for serious offenses like speeding tickets, and can vary depending on the severity of the violation, your driving history and other circumstances. It’s important to consider the true cost of these violations, which often includes bail amounts, court costs, and the impact on your DMV record.
Here we will talk about the traffic ticket fines and penalties you may face for various traffic violations and offer advice on how to protect your driving record.
What are the costs for tickets and traffic violations in California?
With the varying costs in California for traffic violations it is hard to determine an actual set fee due to different countries' additional fees. It can be very confusing because a ticket that cost you under $40 may eventually end up costing you well over $150. To understand the way the fees work you should contact the county where you actually received the ticket and inquire about your court date and bail amount.
How much is a speeding ticket in California
A speeding ticket in California can range from $350 to $500 for standard speeding violations. However, if you're caught driving over 100 mph, that fine jumps significantly, between $800 and $1,200.
Additionally, you might face moving violations on your DMV record, leading to long-term consequences, including additional penalties such as increased insurance rates.
While the initial fine might sound reasonable, once penalties and assessments are added, the cost skyrockets. For example, even if a judge states your fine is $25 in court, it can ultimately be much higher—often ten times the base amount.
A ticket with a $50 base fine can end up costing $250 or more once all additional charges are factored in. These fees can include state penalties, county assessments, and other surcharges that dramatically increase the total amount you owe. For a detailed breakdown of how fines are calculated, you can refer to official court resources like the Sacramento Superior Court's website.
Traffic Ticket Infractions: Fines and Penalties in California
Traffic ticket infractions are the most common violations in California, typically involving offenses such as speeding, running a red light, or parking in prohibited areas. Although these violations might seem minor, they can result in substantial fines, additional fees, and points on your driving record, which could lead to increased insurance premiums or license suspension. In some cases, drivers may need to pay bail before their court date to avoid arrest or extra penalties.
Fines for Common Traffic Infractions
California Vehicle Code Section 42001 establishes the fines for traffic ticket infractions:
- First offense: Fine of up to $100
- Second offense within one year: Fine of up to $200
- Third or subsequent offense within one year: Fine of up to $250
However, these base fines are often significantly increased due to penalty assessments and other fees imposed by the court.
How much are the additional fees and surcharges for tickets and traffic violations in California?
Be aware that if you receive a ticket or citation in the state of CA, expect 20% of additional fees to be added to the total. For example if the ticket is $50, you will also have to pay an additional $10 surcharge fee. There are other fees as well that can be added including:
- State and County Penalty Assessment
- EMS Penalty Assessment
- DNA Identification Penalty Assessment
There are options of what you can do if you receive a ticket or fine. Many people will choose to plead guilty and others will choose to go to driving school to keep their record clean. Whatever you decide you should consider all of your options.
What happens if I choose to plead guilty or pay my traffic ticket?
- Pay your ticket at the courthouse or conveniently online
- You can complete traffic school course and avoid points on your driving record (which also has a fee)
- Points will be added to your driving record
- Your car insurance will be raised due to tickets
What happens if I choose to plead not guilty and fight the ticket?
- Go to Court and try to explain your side of what happened
- You can hire an attorney or represent yourself
- You can enter a plea bargain to get charges dropped to a lower charge
- If you are found guilty you won't be penalized, however you must pay court fees
- You can also complete a written declaration by mail
What about my auto insurance rates or accident forgiveness?
After you receive a ticket you should check with your insurance company because there are some companies now that offer accident forgiveness for the first offense or accident. However, points may be added to your driving record and this will result in your insurance premiums increasing.
What is the difference between penalties and tickets?
Unlike fines penalties are usually the same no matter where in the state you are. This simply means that no matter what county you are in the penalty will affect you the same. This can include suspension or revoking of your license or points being added to your record.
However, if the driver only has a permit vs a Class A CDL they will be penalized differently. Usually a driver with a CDL will pay a much higher fee for tickets etc. Points on Record if you are convicted of a traffic violation the amount of points that are added to your record depend on the severity of the violation. Luckily, it is possible to have the points waived if you complete traffic or driving school.
How does the DMV point system work?
- Only 1 point is given for speeding or an accident that is your fault
- Two points are usually given for DUI's, driving with a suspended license or hit and runs.
What are the differences in a Suspended, Revoked or a Canceled License?
- Suspended License is only a temporary loss of your license.
- Canceled License means the license has been terminated. However, you can immediately apply for a new driver's license.
- Revoked License means that a person can't drive and has had their privileges of driving terminated. The license will be available again after the time it was revoked for.
Typically if you receive 4 or more points in a year your license will either be revoked or suspended. However, a judge has the right to immediately suspend your license on the first incident without other points incurred for more serious violations. These can include the following:
- Excessive Speed
- Hit and Run
- Prostitution in a Vehicle
- Not stopping at a railroad crossing
- Driving under influence of drugs or alcohol
- Running from a police officer
- Road Rage
Drivers under the age of 21 will also have their license suspended if:
- They are constantly absent from school and are under 18 years old
- Conviction of Alcohol or Drugs
- 3 accidents that are ruled as their fault
- 3 accidents within one year, no matter whose fault
- Failure to pay ticket or appear in court
What about commercial driver license (CDL) drivers?
For those with a commercial driver's license, the consequences of traffic violations are much more severe. CDL drivers must notify your employer even if you receive a ticket in your own car. If you obtain it out of state there is an online form (Form DL 535) that you must send to your employer. The points and violations received by CDL drivers will stay on your record longer and are typically 1-1/2 times the normal amount of points that are given to non CDL drivers.
- Collisions – 10 years
- Failure to stop on Railroad crossings- 4 years
- DUI or Hit and Run-55 years
- Out of Service violation-15 years
For those who have committed their first offense you will lose your CDL for 1 year for the following and will lose it permanently for life if convicted more than once:
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- DUI or refusing a DUI test
- Blood alcohol level higher than 0.04%.
- Driving a CDL vehicle with a suspended or revoked license
- Wreck that causes a fatality that was ruled as CDL drivers fault
- Using a controlled substance
More serious traffic violations include a loss of our CDL license for 60 days if convicted two times within three years, if convicted three times the CDL will be suspended for 120 days. These violations include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving 15mph over the speed limit
- Driving a CDL vehicle without the proper license or endorsement
- Following too closely or improper lane change
Conclusion
California traffic laws impose significant penalties for even minor infractions. Accumulating fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premium is just some of the consequences drivers face. More serious offenses can lead to license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. By understanding the potential ramifications and seeking legal advice, you can better navigate the complexities of California’s traffic laws and protect your driving record.
