California traffic tickets
Points, traffic school, deadlines and what a ticket does to your insurance in California.
Speeding ticket$234–$896state schedule
License at risk4 ptsin 12 months
Traffic violator school (TVS)Yescan keep it off your record
Insurance after 1 ticket+44%on $2,652 a year
What will my ticket really cost? Check my points
What kind of ticket did you get?
- Speeding
- School zone
- Work zone
- Red light
- Stop sign
- Texting
- No insurance
- Expired registration
- Seat belt
- School bus
- Failure to yield
- Parking
Which court is on your ticket?
Most courts use the statewide schedule. Pick the court named on your ticket.
Every other California county court
Phone, pay-online link and traffic school steps for 48 more courts. Tap a county to open it.
Show all 48 counties, A to Z
Alpine County(530) 694-2113Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Alpine. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Alpine County Courthouse, 14777 State Route 89, Markleeville, CA 96120
- Phone
- (530) 694-2113
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., closed noon to 1:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Amador County(209) 257-2605Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Amador. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Amador County Courthouse, 500 Argonaut Lane, Jackson, CA 95642
- Phone
- (209) 257-2605
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., by phone or in person. Courthouse open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Butte County(530) 532-7005Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Butte. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- North Butte County Courthouse, 1775 Concord Avenue, Chico, CA 95928
- Phone
- (530) 532-7005
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Calaveras County(209) 754-9800Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Calaveras. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Calaveras County Courthouse, 400 Government Center Drive, San Andreas, CA 95249
- Phone
- (209) 754-9800
- Hours
- Clerk's window: Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Phones: Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Colusa County(530) 458-5149Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Colusa. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Courthouse Annex, 532 Oak Street, Colusa, CA 95932
- Phone
- (530) 458-5149
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Del Norte County(707) 464-8115Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Del Norte. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Del Norte County Courthouse, 450 H Street, Room 209, Crescent City, CA 95531
- Phone
- (707) 464-8115
- Hours
- Counter: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Phones: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
El Dorado County(530) 621-5047Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Cameron Park Branch, 2927 Meder Road, Cameron Park, CA 95682
- Phone
- (530) 621-5047
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Glenn County(530) 934-6446Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Glenn. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Main Courthouse, 526 W. Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988
- Phone
- (530) 934-6446
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Humboldt County(707) 445-7256Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Criminal and Traffic Division, 421 I Street, Eureka, CA 95501
- Phone
- (707) 445-7256
- Hours
- Office: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Imperial County(760) 336-3500Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Infractions Court, 939 West Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243
- Phone
- (760) 336-3500
- Hours
- Payment window and phones: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Inyo County(760) 872-3038Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Inyo. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Bishop Courthouse, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514
- Phone
- (760) 872-3038
- Hours
- Counters in Bishop and Independence: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Kern County(661) 610-7000Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Kern. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Metropolitan Traffic Division, 3131 Arrow St, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Phone
- (661) 610-7000
- Hours
- Payment window: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Phone: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Kings County(559) 582-1010Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Kings. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Kings County Superior Court, Traffic Division, 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230
- Phone
- (559) 582-1010
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Lake County(707) 994-6598Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Lake. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Clearlake Branch, 7000A South Center Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422
- Phone
- (707) 994-6598
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Lassen County(530) 251-8205Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Lassen. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Hall of Justice, 2610 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130
- Phone
- (530) 251-8205
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Madera County(559) 416-5555Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Madera. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Madera Superior Court, Traffic Division, 200 South G Street, Madera, CA 93637
- Phone
- (559) 416-5555
- Hours
- Clerk's windows and phones: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Marin County(415) 448-8230Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Marin. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Traffic Clerk's Office, Room 113, Hall of Justice, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
- Phone
- (415) 448-8230
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Mariposa County(209) 966-2005Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Mariposa. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Historic Courthouse, 5088 Bullion Street, Mariposa, CA 95338
- Phone
- (209) 966-2005
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Mendocino County(707) 463-4660Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Mendocino County Courthouse, 100 North State Street, Room 108, Ukiah, CA 95482
- Phone
- (707) 463-4660
- Hours
- Ukiah counter and phones: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Merced County(209) 725-4107Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Merced. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Traffic Division, 720 West 20th Street, Merced, CA 95340
- Phone
- (209) 725-4107
- Hours
- Merced office and phones: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Modoc County(530) 233-6516Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Modoc. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Robert A. Barclay Justice Center, 205 S East Street, Alturas, CA 96101
- Phone
- (530) 233-6516
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mono County(760) 924-5444Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Mono. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Mammoth Lakes Courthouse, 100 Thompsons Way, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
- Phone
- (760) 924-5444
- Hours
- Mammoth Lakes: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.-noon.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Monterey County(831) 883-5300Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Marina Traffic Court, 3180 Del Monte Boulevard, Marina, CA 93933
- Phone
- (831) 883-5300
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Napa County(707) 299-1160Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Napa. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Criminal Courthouse, 1111 Third Street, First Floor, Napa, CA 94559
- Phone
- (707) 299-1160
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Nevada County(530) 362-4309Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Nevada. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Nevada City Courthouse, 201 Church Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
- Phone
- (530) 362-4309
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Placer County(916) 408-6000Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Placer. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse, 10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville, CA 95678
- Phone
- (916) 408-6000
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Plumas County(530) 283-6232Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Plumas. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Plumas County Courthouse, 520 Main Street, Room 104, Quincy, CA 95971
- Phone
- (530) 283-6232
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
San Benito County(831) 636-4057Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of San Benito. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- San Benito County Superior Courthouse, Traffic Division, 450 Fourth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
- Phone
- (831) 636-4057
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
San Francisco County(415) 551-8540Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant St., Room 145, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone
- (415) 551-8540
- Hours
- Hall of Justice window and Civic Center clerk's office: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
San Joaquin County(209) 992-5692Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- 180 E. Weber Ave., 2nd Floor, Stockton, CA 95202
- Phone
- (209) 992-5692
- Hours
- Clerk's Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
San Luis Obispo County(805) 706-3600Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Grover Beach Branch, 214 South 16th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433
- Phone
- (805) 706-3600
- Hours
- Grover Beach window: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-noon. Phones: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-noon.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
San Mateo County(650) 363-4300Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Northern Branch, Traffic Clerk's Office, 1050 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080
- Phone
- (650) 363-4300
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Santa Barbara County(805) 568-3959Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Figueroa Division, 118 E. Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Phone
- (805) 568-3959
- Hours
- Counter: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Phones: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Santa Cruz County(831) 420-2200Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Santa Cruz Clerk's Office, 701 Ocean Street, Room 120, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Phone
- (831) 420-2200
- Hours
- Santa Cruz: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Watsonville: Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Shasta County(530) 245-6789Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Main Courthouse, 1515 Court Street, Redding, CA 96001
- Phone
- (530) 245-6789
- Hours
- Office: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Sierra County(530) 289-3698Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Sierra. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Sierra County Superior Court, 100 Courthouse Square, Second Floor, Downieville, CA 95936
- Phone
- (530) 289-3698
- Hours
- Window: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Siskiyou County(530) 842-0411Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Siskiyou. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Siskiyou County Superior Court, 411 Fourth Street, Yreka, CA 96097
- Phone
- (530) 842-0411
- Hours
- In-person traffic payments: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at any court office.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Solano County(707) 207-7360Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Solano. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Hall of Justice, 600 Union Ave, Fairfield, CA 94533
- Phone
- (707) 207-7360
- Hours
- Drop-in and appointments: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Sonoma County(707) 521-6680Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Hall of Justice, 625 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
- Phone
- (707) 521-6680
- Hours
- Office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Stanislaus County(209) 530-3100Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Traffic Court, 2260 Floyd Avenue, Modesto, CA 95355
- Phone
- (209) 530-3100
- Hours
- Office: Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Sutter County(530) 822-3303Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Sutter. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Sutter County Superior Courthouse, 1175 Civic Center Blvd, Yuba City, CA 95993
- Phone
- (530) 822-3303
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Tehama County(530) 527-3563Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Tehama. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Tehama County Superior Court, 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
- Phone
- (530) 527-3563
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Trinity County(530) 623-1208Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Trinity. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Main Courthouse, 11 Court Street, Weaverville, CA 96093
- Phone
- (530) 623-1208
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Tulare County(559) 730-5000Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Tulare. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Visalia Division, County Civic Center, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 201, Visalia, CA 93291
- Phone
- (559) 730-5000
- Hours
- Visalia clerk's office: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Tuolumne County(209) 533-5671Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Tuolumne County Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora, CA 95370
- Phone
- (209) 533-5671
- Hours
- Phones: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Clerk counter: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Ventura County(805) 289-8545Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Government Center, Hall of Justice, Criminal/Traffic Department, 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009
- Phone
- (805) 289-8545
- Hours
- Telephone: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Walk-up payment windows: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Criminal/Traffic lobby (filing): Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closed holidays.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Yolo County(530) 406-6702Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Yolo. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Traffic Division, 1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695
- Phone
- (530) 406-6702
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Traffic school
- How to request it at this court ↗
Yuba County(530) 740-1882Pays online
Superior Court of California, County of Yuba. Fines follow the California statewide schedule.
- Address
- Yuba County Superior Court, Traffic Division, 215 5th Street, Suite 200, Marysville, CA 95901
- Phone
- (530) 740-1882
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
What are your options with a California ticket?
Paying is the fastest route, and it usually puts the ticket on your record. Traffic violator school (TVS) is the main way to avoid that.
What does the California state schedule charge for speeding?
Every base fine is multiplied by statewide add-ons (UBPS 2026 Preface III-IV): State penalty assessment $10 per $10 of base fine.[1]
Every fine on the California schedule (24)
| Ticket | You pay |
|---|---|
| Speeding, 1–15 mph overPrinted as: Speed Chart (for all speed limits): 1-15 MPH over limit | $234[1] |
| Speeding, 1–15 mph overPrinted as: Speed Chart: 1-15 MPH over limit | $234[1] |
| Speeding, 16–25 mph overPrinted as: Speed Chart: 16-25 MPH over limit | $363[1] |
| Speeding, 26+ mph overPrinted as: Speed Chart: 26 and overOver 100 mph is charged separately under VC 22348(b). | $486[1] |
| Speeding over 100 mph prohibitedPrinted as: VC 22348(b) Speeding Over 100 MPH Prohibited | $896[1] |
| School zone speeding, 1–15 mph overPrinted as: VC 22352(b)(2) Operating Vehicle in Excess of 25 MPH by School [See Speed Chart]: 1-15 MPH over | $234[1] |
| School zone speeding, 16–25 mph overPrinted as: VC 22352(b)(2) [See Speed Chart]: 16-25 MPH over | $363[1] |
| School zone speeding, 26+ mph overPrinted as: VC 22352(b)(2) [See Speed Chart]: 26 and over | $486[1] |
| Work zone speeding, 1–15 mph overPrinted as: Enhanced Penalty Speed Chart per VC 42009 (highway construction or maintenance area): 1-15 MPH overApplies only when workers are present / work is being performed. | $363[1] |
| Work zone speeding, 16–25 mph overPrinted as: Enhanced Penalty Speed Chart per VC 42009: 16-25 MPH over | $521[1] |
| Work zone speeding, 26+ mph overPrinted as: Enhanced Penalty Speed Chart per VC 42009: 26 and over | $644[1] |
| "Red" Signal-Vehicular ResponsibilitiesPrinted as: VC 21453(a),(c) "Red" Signal-Vehicular Responsibilities | $486[1] |
| Failure to Stop at Stop SignPrinted as: VC 22450(a) Failure to Stop at Stop Sign | $234[1] |
| Violation of Right-of-Way/Uncontrolled IntersectionPrinted as: VC 21800(a-c) Violation of Right-of-Way/Uncontrolled Intersection (same amount for 21801 left turn, 21802 through highway, 21803 yield sign, 21950(a) yield to pedestrians in crosswalk) | $234[1] |
| Driving motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications devicePrinted as: VC 23123.5(a) Driving Motor Vehicle While Holding and Operating a Handheld Wireless Telephone or Electronic Wireless Communications Device | $158[1] |
| Failure to Provide a Peace Officer Evidence of Financial ResponsibilityPrinted as: VC 16028(a) Failure to Provide a Peace Officer Evidence of Financial ResponsibilityIf you fix it: $25, to have it dismissed. Show you were insured at the time.[1] | $896[1] |
| No evidence of current registration (row a)Printed as: VC 4000(a)(1) No Evidence of Current Registration (row A)If you fix it: $25, to have it dismissed. Renew and show proof of correction.[1] | $281[1] |
| Mandatory use of safety belts (row a)Printed as: VC 27315(d)(1,3,4) Mandatory Use of Safety Belts (row A) | $158[1] |
| Reckless driving (traffic misdemeanor bail and penalty schedule)Printed as: VC 23103(a,b) Reckless Driving (Traffic Misdemeanor Bail and Penalty Schedule)Misdemeanor: conviction assessment is $30 and a minimum $150 restitution fine is added on conviction. | $680[1] |
| Driving under influence of alcohol (traffic misdemeanor bail and penalty schedule)Printed as: VC 23152(a,b) Driving Under Influence of Alcohol (Traffic Misdemeanor Bail and Penalty Schedule) | $1,670[1] |
| Unsafe turn or lane change prohibitedPrinted as: VC 22107 Unsafe Turn or Lane Change Prohibited | $234[1] |
| Following too closely prohibitedPrinted as: VC 21703 Following Too Closely Prohibited | $234[1] |
| Illegal U-Turn in Business District (22103 residential district same amount)Printed as: VC 22102 Illegal U-Turn in Business District (22103 residential district same amount) | $234[1] |
| Passing school bus with flashing signalsPrinted as: VC 22454(a) Passing School Bus With Flashing Signals | $691[1] |
How many points is a speeding ticket in California?
- Speeding under 100 mph1 pt[1]
- Speeding over 100 mph2 pts[1][4]
- Speeding in a school zone1 pt[1]
- Running a red light1 pt[1]
- Running a stop sign1 pt[1]
- Failure to yield1 pt[1]
- Handheld phone use0 pts[1][5]
- No proof of insurance0 pts[1]
All 16 point values
How points work in California
DMV assigns violation points to convictions and at-fault collisions. Most moving violations are 1 point. DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, driving on a suspended license, speeding over 100 mph and a few others are 2 points (VC 12810(a)-(e)). An at-fault collision is 1 point. Only one violation per citation counts toward the point count. Handheld phone violations (VC 23123(a), 23123.5(a), 23124(b)) get a point only if committed on/after July 1, 2021 within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense. Commercial (class A/B) vehicle violations count 1.5x. DMV says convictions and collisions stay on the record 36 months or longer depending on type.[4][5][6][3][1]
Commercial driver? Points and disqualifications work differently. How tickets affect a CDL →
When can you lose your license?
- 2 ptsin 12 monthsNOTS Level I[2]
- 3 ptsin 12 monthsNOTS Level II[2]
- 4 ptsin 12 monthsPrima facie negligent operator[2][6][3]
- 6 ptsin 24 monthsPrima facie negligent operator[2][6][3]
- 8 ptsin 36 monthsPrima facie negligent operator[2][6][3]
- 6 ptsin 12 monthsClass A/B licensees who request and appear at a DMV hearing[6]
- NOTS Level IV (within 12 months)[2]
Full wording of each rule
- 2 points in 12 months: NOTS Level I: warning letter (also 4 pts/24 mo or 6 pts/36 mo)
- 3 points in 12 months: NOTS Level II: notice of intent to suspend (also 5 pts/24 mo or 7 pts/36 mo)
- 4 points in 12 months: Prima facie negligent operator. NOTS Level III: order of 1-year probation including a 6-month suspension, effective 34 days after the order is mailed
- 6 points in 24 months: Prima facie negligent operator. NOTS Level III probation/suspension as above
- 8 points in 36 months: Prima facie negligent operator. NOTS Level III probation/suspension as above
- NOTS Level IV: violation of probation - 6-month suspension and probation extended 1 year (1st or 2nd violation). 1-year revocation (3rd)
- 6 points in 12 months: Class A/B licensees who request and appear at a DMV hearing: negligent-operator presumption rises to 6 pts/12 mo, 8 pts/24 mo, 10 pts/36 mo (not if the points came from driving a class C-only vehicle)
Getting your license back after a suspension costs $55 in California, before any course or court costs.[23][24]
Drivers under 21
Provisional (minor's) license per DMV Handbook: one at-fault collision or conviction is the first step (handbook page text did not state the action). Two (any combination) within 12 months leads to 30-day restriction (must drive with a licensed adult 25+). Three leads to 6-month suspension and 1-year probation. Restrictions/suspensions continue past age 18 until served.[3]
Can traffic violator school (TVS) keep a ticket off your record in California?
Yes. Conviction is held confidential by DMV and no point is assessed, so insurers do not see it.[7][9][1]
How often: Once in any 18-month period (confidentiality applies to the first TVS conviction in any 18-month period).
Is it worth it for your ticket? Get a yes or no →
Who qualifies, CDL drivers and cost
Conviction is held confidential by DMV and no point is assessed, so insurers do not see it. You still pay the full bail plus TVS fees. The citation is not dismissed.[7][9][1]
Who can use it: Judge may allow it for a one-point violation by a holder of a noncommercial class C, M1 or M2 license. Not available for: offenses in a commercial motor vehicle. Violations worth more than one point. Alcohol/drug offenses. VC 20001/20002 hit-and-run, 23103-23105 reckless, 23140, 23152, 23153. Equipment/correctable violations.[8][7][3][9][1]
Commercial (CDL) drivers: Yes[8][7][1]
Cost: Court fee equal to the total bail for the eligible offense, plus a $49 TVS administrative fee and DMV TVS monitoring fee (UBPS sample: $3) and any TAP fee, plus the school's own course fee. Court may reduce the fee on inability to pay.[1] (Course price is set by each DMV-licensed school, not by the state.)
Do school and work zones cost more?
School zones
No statewide fine doubling for school zones. Speeding past a school uses the ordinary Speed Chart amounts.[1]
Work zones
VC 42009: specified offenses in a highway construction or maintenance area while work is being performed are bumped one penalty category (misdemeanor fines doubled). For speeding the base rises from $35/$70/$100 to $70/$105/$135 (total bail $363/$521/$644). Separately, VC 42010 / Sts. & Hwy. Code §97 'Safety Enhancement-Double Fine Zones' apply only to designated segments (currently Route 12 between I-80 in Solano County and I-5 in San Joaquin County). There, assessments are computed on the unenhanced base fine.[1]
When is your ticket due?
- Date on noticePay or respondset by the court[12][9]
Details
Appear, pay, or request traffic school/trial by the date on the Notice to Appear (or courtesy notice). If you miss it: Failure to appear: civil assessment, possible FTA misdemeanor charge, report to DMV
- 20daysLate fee addedfrom the notice date[1]
Details
Late charge of 50% of the initial penalty if traffic penalties are not paid within 20 days of the court's notice that the penalty has been assessed
- 20daysExtra charge for missing itfrom the notice date[11]
Details
Civil assessment (up to $100) for failure to appear or pay takes effect no earlier than 20 calendar days after the court mails a warning notice. Court must vacate it if you appear in that window with good cause. If you miss it: Up to $100 civil assessment
- 30daysPay a speed camera ticketfrom the notice date[14]
Details
Speed safety camera notice (AB 645 pilot cities): pay or contest within 30 calendar days of mailing
- 60daysLicense suspended if ignoredfrom the notice date[10][3]
Details
DMV suspension after court reports failure to appear: not effective before 60 days after DMV receives the court's notice. If you miss it: License suspended until the FTA is cleared
- Date on noticeFinish traffic schoolset by the court[9][1]
Details
Complete traffic violator school and have the school report completion by the court-ordered due date. If you miss it: TVS fee may be converted to bail and forfeited, ending the traffic-school option
What happens if you don't respond
Willfully failing to appear on a written promise or willfully failing to pay a fine or bail installment is a misdemeanor. The court may also impose a civil assessment of up to $100 after a 20-day warning notice. The FTA goes on the DMV record and DMV may suspend the license until you appear. Courts must also offer ability-to-pay relief through the MyCitations online tool in all 58 counties.[12][11][10][3][16]
Work out your exact dates → · Already missed it?
Will an out-of-state ticket follow you home?
- Shares convictions with other states (Driver License Compact)Yes[13]
- Can suspend you over unpaid out-of-state tickets (Nonresident Violator Compact)No[13]
As a Driver License Compact state, California reports convictions of out-of-state drivers to their home state, and California DMV records convictions reported by other compact states. Because California is not in the Nonresident Violator Compact, an unanswered ticket from another state is not automatically turned into a California license suspension through that compact.[13]
How out-of-state tickets work →
How much will it raise your insurance in California?
One speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium by about 44% on average in California[1], from a clean-record average of $2,652 a year.[1] If that increase stays for three years, that's about $3,501 on top of the fine.
Averages from ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026, not a quote. Insurers differ, and many look back three to five years.
Where are the official pages?
What else do people ask?
How do points work in California?
DMV assigns violation points to convictions and at-fault collisions. Most moving violations are 1 point. DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, driving on a suspended license, speeding over 100 mph and a few others are 2 points (VC 12810(a)-(e)). An at-fault collision is 1 point. Only one violation per citation counts toward the point count. Handheld phone violations (VC 23123(a), 23123.5(a), 23124(b)) get a point only if committed on/after July 1, 2021 within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense. Commercial (class A/B) vehicle violations count 1.5x. DMV says convictions and collisions stay on the record 36 months or longer depending on type.
How many points before your license is at risk in California?
4 points in 12 months: Prima facie negligent operator. NOTS Level III: order of 1-year probation including a 6-month suspension, effective 34 days after the order is mailed.
Can traffic school keep a ticket off my record in California?
Traffic violator school (TVS): Conviction is held confidential by DMV and no point is assessed, so insurers do not see it. You still pay the full bail plus TVS fees. The citation is not dismissed. Limit: Once in any 18-month period (confidentiality applies to the first TVS conviction in any 18-month period).
Will an out-of-state ticket follow me home to California?
California is a member of the Driver License Compact, so convictions in other member states are reported to California. As a Driver License Compact state, California reports convictions of out-of-state drivers to their home state, and California DMV records convictions reported by other compact states. Because California is not in the Nonresident Violator Compact, an unanswered ticket from another state is not automatically turned into a California license suspension through that compact.
How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in California?
About 44% on average for full coverage, according to ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026. Your insurer's rate can differ a lot from the average.
Sources
California law and DMV sources (24)
- Judicial Council of California, Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules, 2026 Edition (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 4.102) - Traffic Infraction Fixed Penalty Schedule, Speed Chart, Traffic Misdemeanor Schedule, VC 42009 appendix, Preface, Judicial Council of California (copy hosted by Superior Court of California, County of Fresno).
- California DMV - Negligent Operator (Negligent Operator Treatment System levels and actions), California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- California Driver Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) - points, minors' license actions, traffic violator school, failure to appear, California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Cal. Veh. Code §12810 (point values), California Legislature (via california.public.law mirror).
- Cal. Veh. Code §12810.3 (point for handheld phone violation within 36 months of prior), California Legislature (via FindLaw mirror, 'current as of January 01, 2026').
- Cal. Veh. Code §12810.5 (negligent operator presumption), California Legislature (via california.public.law mirror).
- Cal. Veh. Code §1808.7 (confidentiality of traffic violator school conviction, once per 18 months), California Legislature (via FindLaw mirror, 'current as of January 01, 2026').
- Cal. Veh. Code §42005 (traffic violator school eligibility, commercial licensees, excluded offenses), California Legislature (via california.public.law mirror).
- California Courts Self-Help Guide - Traffic school, Judicial Council of California.
- Cal. Veh. Code §13365 (DMV suspension on notice of failure to appear, repealed January 1, 2027), California Legislature (via FindLaw mirror, 'current as of January 01, 2026').
- Cal. Penal Code §1214.1 (civil assessment up to $100 for failure to appear or pay), California Legislature (via FindLaw mirror, 'current as of January 01, 2026').
- Cal. Veh. Code §40508 (willful failure to appear / failure to pay is a misdemeanor), California Legislature (via FindLaw mirror, 'current as of January 01, 2026').
- AAMVA - Driver License Compact / Non-Resident Violator Compact Member Joinder Dates, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (compact secretariat).
- Cal. Veh. Code §22426 (speed safety camera pilot civil penalties, AB 645), California Legislature (via FindLaw mirror, 'current as of January 01, 2026').
- Judicial Council Invitation to Comment SP26-10: Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules, Revisions to 2027 Edition (proposed effective January 1, 2027), Judicial Council of California, Traffic Advisory Committee.
- MyCitations: Online traffic adjudication program (ability-to-pay requests), Judicial Council of California.
- California DMV - Occupational License Lookup (includes Traffic Violator School category), California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Judicial Branch of California - Find my court, Judicial Council of California.
- California Courts Self-Help Guide - Traffic tickets in California (options after getting a ticket), Judicial Council of California.
- California Courts Self-Help Guide - Trial by written declaration, Judicial Council of California.
- California Courts Self-Help Guide - Court trial (traffic), Judicial Council of California.
- California Courts Self-Help Guide - Ask for a lower fine (ability to pay, form TR-320), Judicial Council of California.
- California DMV - Payments & Refunds (reissue fees), California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- California DMV - Licensing Fees (Miscellaneous DL fees, reissue fees), California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Insurance sources (4)
- State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).