Receiving a traffic citation in California can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s for speeding, expired registration, or a missing tail light, the document itself can seem confusing and full of codes, legal terms, and unfamiliar language. But it’s critical to understand every part of the citation so you can respond appropriately and avoid additional penalties.
This guide will help you understand each section of your California traffic ticket, what your legal responsibilities are, and how you can take care of the matter efficiently.
What a California Traffic Citation Really Means
A traffic citation is a legal notice from law enforcement that you are being charged with violating one or more traffic laws. It’s not a conviction—it’s simply the first step in a legal process that gives you the opportunity to either admit fault and resolve the matter or contest the charges in court.
When you receive a citation, you are required to either appear in court or take action by a specified deadline. Failing to do so can lead to additional penalties, including license suspension, added fees, or even a warrant.
Understanding the Front of the Ticket
The front side of the citation contains the most important details about your alleged violation. Here’s what each section typically means:
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Citation Number: The unique case number that you’ll need for all court communications or payments.
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Issuing Agency: The police department or agency that issued the citation.
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Officer’s Name and Badge Number: Identifies the officer who issued the ticket.
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Date and Time of Violation: When the offense allegedly occurred.
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Location of Violation: Where the traffic stop or violation took place.
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Driver Information: Your name, address, and driver’s license number.
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Vehicle Information: Your vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number.
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Code Section(s) Violated: Legal codes you are being charged with (like CVC 22350 for speeding).
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Description of the Offense: A short summary of what the officer observed.
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Bail Amount: The fine or “bail” amount you’ll need to pay if you decide not to contest.
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Court Location: The court assigned to your case.
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Appearance Date: The date by which you must take action—either pay, appear, or respond in another legally acceptable way.
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Your Signature: A promise to appear or resolve the ticket. It is not an admission of guilt.
What’s on the Back of the Ticket
The reverse side usually contains instructions and notices, including:
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How to pay your fine, contest the ticket, or request traffic school.
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Whether the violation is correctable—commonly referred to as a “fix-it” ticket.
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What happens if you miss your appearance or payment deadline.
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Whether your offense requires a mandatory court appearance.
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Details on how to provide proof of correction if applicable.
Correctable violations include things like a broken headlight, expired tags, or missing insurance proof. These can often be dismissed or reduced if fixed promptly and documentation is submitted.
Common Legal Codes You Might See
Traffic citations in California usually list violations using codes from the California Vehicle Code (CVC). Some common examples include:
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CVC 22350 – Speeding
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CVC 4000(a) – Driving with expired registration
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CVC 16028(a) – No proof of insurance
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CVC 21453(a) – Running a red light
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CVC 26708(a) – Obstructed windshield (e.g., dark tint or items hanging from mirror)
Each code corresponds to a specific offense and has its own rules regarding fines, court appearance, and whether you’re eligible for traffic school.
Your Options After Receiving a Citation
Once you understand your citation, you have several options for how to respond:
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Pay the Fine: This is considered a guilty or no contest plea. It closes the case but may result in points on your license and higher insurance premiums.
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Request Traffic School: If eligible, traffic school allows you to keep the violation off your public driving record. You still pay the fine, but the points don’t appear, which can save you money on insurance.
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Fix the Violation: For “fix-it” tickets, correct the issue (such as repairing a broken light), get it signed off by an authorized person, and submit proof to the court. This often reduces the fine or dismisses the violation.
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Contest the Ticket: You can fight the ticket in court or by filing a written declaration. This means you are pleading not guilty and want a judge to hear your case.
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Request a Payment Plan or Extension: If you’re unable to pay the fine immediately, many courts allow you to request an extension or apply for a payment plan.
It’s important to act before the deadline. Doing nothing can lead to serious consequences, including increased fines, driver’s license suspension, and a potential warrant.
What Happens If You Miss Your Deadline
If you ignore the citation and fail to act by the due date, the court can issue a “Failure to Appear” or “Failure to Pay” notice. This can lead to:
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Additional fines (civil assessment fees)
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A hold on your driver’s license or vehicle registration
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A warrant for your arrest (in more serious cases)
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Referral of the unpaid citation to collections
Avoiding these consequences is as simple as taking action on time. Even if you’re unsure what to do, contacting the court or an experienced traffic attorney can keep things from escalating.
Understanding Traffic School Eligibility
If your citation is for a minor moving violation, you might be eligible for traffic school. Here are the typical requirements:
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You have a valid driver’s license
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You were not driving a commercial vehicle
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Your violation is not a major offense like DUI or reckless driving
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You have not attended traffic school in the last 18 months for another citation
Choosing traffic school can prevent a point from appearing on your DMV record, which helps keep your insurance rates down.
What Is a “Fix-It” Ticket?
Fix-it tickets are issued for correctable violations, such as:
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Broken or non-working lights
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Missing front or rear license plates
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Expired registration tags
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Obstructed or tinted windows
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No proof of insurance or license at the time of the stop
If you correct the problem and have it verified by law enforcement or the DMV, you can usually submit proof to the court along with a small dismissal fee, and the citation may be dropped.
Sample Ticket Example
Let’s say you’re issued a ticket with the following details:
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Violation: CVC 22350 – Speeding
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Date: August 15
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Bail: $238
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Court: Downtown Traffic Division
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Appearance Date: September 30
You would need to either pay the fine, request traffic school if eligible, contest the ticket, or submit any correction paperwork before the court deadline. Choosing the right response can help protect your record and avoid extra costs.
Tips to Handle Your Citation the Right Way
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Always double-check the appearance date and court location.
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Monitor the court’s online system to see when your ticket appears, as it may take a few weeks to process.
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If you believe the officer made a mistake or you were wrongly cited, consider contesting the ticket or requesting a written trial.
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Keep copies of any documents or receipts you send to the court.
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Don’t ignore the citation or miss your deadline—it only makes the situation worse.
Need Help With a California Traffic Ticket?
Dealing with a traffic citation can be stressful and time-consuming. If you’re unsure about your next steps, your eligibility for traffic school, or how to get a citation dismissed, let Southwest Legal help you take control of the situation.
We’ve helped drivers fight traffic tickets, protect their licenses, and avoid unnecessary fines. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced traffic ticket defense team guide you through the process.
