What If I Can't Pay a Seat Belt Ticket?

Resolve your traffic ticket through payment arrangements and community service.

Failure to pay a seat belt ticket can result in a failure to appear, a warrant, increased fines, civil assessments, restricted registration and driver's license suspension. You can delay a court appearance through an extension of the hearing date.

Extend The Court Date

You can pay a seat belt ticket, traffic violation or minor infraction in person, by mail or online. Insufficient funds do not justify a failure to pay or failure to appear on the citation. Many court rules allow for a one-time 30- to 60-day extension of the initial court date on the citation.

Appear At Court

Appear in court, and enter a guilty or non-guilty plea. If you plead not guilty, ask the judge to release you on your own recognizance without posting bail. If you plead guilty, ask the judge for a payment plan or to serve community service.

Request Community Service

A judge often advises the defendant in advance of the requirements to serve community service. You must ask for community service. Registering for community service may require a minimal community service fee. The court may limit the community service option to homeless, unemployed, underemployed, welfare recipients, students and low-income individuals.

References

• Los Angeles Superior Court: Request Extension
• Los Angeles Superior Court: Handling Your Ticket