If you’re unsure whether you have any outstanding traffic tickets in California, you’re not alone. Thousands of drivers across the state either forget about a citation or never receive notice due to delays or lost mail. Ignoring a traffic ticket—even unintentionally—can lead to serious consequences like added fines, a suspended driver’s license, or even a bench warrant. Fortunately, checking for outstanding tickets is easier than you might think once you know where to look.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check if you have any unresolved traffic tickets in California and what to do next if you find one.
Start by Watching for a Court Notice
After a ticket is issued, California courts usually mail out a reminder notice a few weeks later. This notice provides important details like the court where the ticket is filed, the fine amount, the deadline to respond, and whether you’re eligible for traffic school. However, if you’ve moved recently or the address on your license isn’t up to date, you might not receive this notice at all. That’s why it’s important not to rely solely on mail to find out if you have a pending ticket.
Use the Local Court’s Online Case Search
Most county courts in California have online tools that allow you to search for traffic tickets using your name, driver’s license number, or citation number. This is one of the quickest ways to find out if you have any outstanding tickets. You’ll need to know which county the ticket was issued in, as each county’s system is separate.
If you’re not sure where the ticket came from, start by searching in counties where you most frequently drive, commute, or have been pulled over in the past.
Check Your DMV Driving Record
You can request a copy of your driving record from the California DMV. This will show all reported traffic violations, including unpaid tickets, convictions, and any points added to your record. It’s a good option if you want a full overview of your driving history or aren’t sure which court to contact. A small fee applies, but it can save you time and prevent bigger issues down the road.
Contact the Traffic Court Directly
If you can’t find your ticket online or haven’t received a notice, the most reliable option is to call or visit the court in the county where you think the ticket may have been filed. Court clerks can look up cases using your name, birthdate, and driver’s license number. Sometimes tickets take several weeks or longer to be entered into the court system, so if you just received a citation, it may not be searchable right away.
Be Cautious of Scams
Scammers sometimes pose as court officials and demand payment for fake tickets over the phone, through email, or via text message. Remember, California courts do not request payment through unsolicited calls or messages. Always verify a citation through official court websites or by contacting the court directly before making any payments.
Consider Traffic School If Eligible
If you discover a ticket and it’s your first violation in over 18 months, you may be eligible for traffic school. Successfully completing traffic school can prevent a point from appearing on your public driving record, which can help keep your insurance rates lower. Keep in mind, though, that the ticket will still be visible to the court and the DMV.
Don’t Ignore a Ticket
Failing to address a ticket can lead to additional penalties, including civil assessments, license suspensions, and even warrants. If the ticket has already gone into default or has been sent to collections, handling it becomes more expensive and complex. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly—even if you’re unsure whether the citation is valid or not.
Lost Your Ticket or Never Received One?
If you lost the original citation or never received anything in the mail, you can still take action. Most courts allow you to search using your personal information even without the citation number. If that doesn’t work, call or visit the traffic division of the court where the ticket might have been filed. The clerk’s office can usually help you locate the case with a few identifying details.
Helpful Summary
Here’s a quick recap of how to check for outstanding traffic tickets in California:
-
Don’t rely on mail alone—use online tools or court records
-
Visit the local county traffic court’s website or call them
-
Request a copy of your DMV driving record
-
Be alert for scams or unofficial payment requests
-
Consider traffic school if you’re eligible
-
Take immediate action to avoid added penalties
Need Help with a Traffic Ticket? Call Southwest Legal Today
If you’ve discovered an outstanding traffic ticket or are dealing with complicated court issues, don’t try to navigate it alone. At Southwest Legal, we specialize in defending California drivers against traffic violations—from simple speeding tickets to more serious charges that put your license at risk.
Our experienced traffic ticket attorneys know how to challenge citations, negotiate fines, and keep points off your record whenever possible. Let us help you protect your driving privileges and avoid unnecessary stress. Call us now for a free consultation.
