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What Happens After You Get a Traffic Ticket in California? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Getting a traffic ticket in California can feel overwhelming—but the process is actually very predictable. If you understand the steps and act on time, you can often avoid points on your driving record and protect your insurance.

Here’s exactly what happens after you get a traffic ticket in California—and what to do next.

Step 1: You Receive the Ticket

The citation is not a conviction. It’s a notice requiring you to respond to the court listed on the ticket by a specific date. Signing the ticket is simply a promise to handle it.

Step 2: The Court Sends a Courtesy Notice

The court usually mails a courtesy notice with:

  • Your total fine

  • Your due date

  • Traffic school eligibility

⚠️ If you don’t receive it, you’re still responsible. Always check the court website.

Step 3: Choose How to Handle the Ticket

You generally have three options:

  1. Pay the ticket (point goes on your record)

  2. Contest the ticket

  3. Take traffic school (pay the bail amount and the court's traffic school administration fee)

Traffic school is the preferred option because it keeps the point off your public driving record.

Step 4: Get Traffic School Approval

You’re typically eligible if:

  • The violation is a moving offense

  • You weren’t driving commercially

  • You haven’t taken traffic school in the last 18 months

Once approved, you can choose any DMV-licensed traffic school.

Step 5: Complete and Pay for Traffic School Online

Why Busy Drivers Choose TrafficSchool4BusyPeople.com

  • Start for free and pay only after you have passed
  • DMV-licensed and court-approved
  • No classroom required
  • 100% online and self-paced
  • Quickest course allowed by California law

Take the course on your schedule—no stress, no wasted time.

Start traffic school now:
https://www.trafficschool4busypeople.com