What Happens in Traffic Court in California?

A traffic violation on your driving record can have adverse effects on your business or personal finances. An appearance in a California traffic court, while perhaps not the most pleasant of experiences for a defendant, is straightforward and follows clear procedures.

Traffic Violations

Traffic courts in California handle violations resulting from traffic citations issued for infractions and misdemeanors. When you have been cited by a law enforcement officer, you will be asked to sign the traffic ticket (the Notice to Appear) which is not an admission of guilt but rather an agreement to pay the fine or appear in court.

Court Proceedings

The date to appear in court is listed at the bottom of your citation and can also be found by checking online for your court date. At court, if you plan to plead not guilty, you will have the opportunity to give the bailiff any evidence to support your defense after you have been sworn in. The law enforcement officer who gave you the citation may also appear at this time.

Plea: Guilty or Not Guilty

After pleading your case, the judge will also hear from the officer before issuing a judgment. If you are found guilty, you will be asked to pay a fine or, in some cases, you can request to attend traffic school. If you are found not guilty any fines or fees previously paid will be returned by mail.

Tips

Show up early and make an extra copy of any evidence you have for the citation officer and judge.

References

• L.A. Superior Court: Traffic Court Trial
• Los Angeles Traffic School: FAQs