Traffic Tickets: A to Z

  How Do I Take Care of My Traffic Ticket?
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  Photo Citations
  Owners Responsibility Citations
  Insurance Violations
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  Paying Violations

  Paying Fines (Bail Forfeiture)
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  Failure to Appear or Pay Violations

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Traffic Court

Click on a topic to learn about:

1. How can I pay my fine?
2. Where do I pay my fine or bail?
3. Can I make monthly payments?
4. Credit card payments
5. Who decides what the fine or bail will be for my case?
   

1. How can I pay my fine?
   
   To pay your fine, your citation must have been processed by the Court. If you don't have a courtesy notice yet, check the citation processing status online.

   The Court is currently in the process of implementing a new case management system in the Traffic Division and anticipates e-payments (paying fines online) in the near future. Until then you may choose from the options described below (in person, by mail, or by credit card) to pay your fine (also known as forfeiting bail).
   
   The Court accepts:

   • personal checks
   • money orders
   • cashier’s checks
   • credit cards, and
   • cash.

   Do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by credit card, we will charge an additional fee (see credit card payment). More information on payment methods accepted by the Court can be found on the methods of payment page at the Court's main website.
    

2. Where do I pay my fine or bail?
   
   You can pay in person or by mail.
   
   To pay in person, go to any courthouse that handles traffic matters. It does not matter where your citation was issued.
   
   You can go to:
   • Palo Alto Courthouse
   • Traffic Courthouse, or
   • South County Courthouse

   Click here to see Traffic Court locations and hours.
   
   To pay by mail, send your fine/bail to the courthouse listed on your courtesy notice.

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3. Can I make monthly payments?

   The Court does not impose payments. However, the Court can extend your full payment to a future date. There is an administrative Court fee to extend your payment. Click to see Traffic & Criminal Misc. Fees on the Court's main site, and look for the Traffic Payment extension fee.
   
    

4. Credit card payments
   
   You can also pay most fines/bails by credit card. There is an extra cost of $12.95 to pay by credit card, charged by the credit card service used by the Court.
   
   There are 2 ways to pay by credit card:
    
   • If eligible, you can pay using the Court's interactive telephone system. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use Visa or Master Card.
     
     Traffic Court: (408) 556-3000, then press 5, then press 0
     Palo Alto Courthouse: (650) 470-3900
     South County Courthouse: (408) 695-5000, then press 4, then press 0
      
   • You can also pay in person at any Traffic Court location. Use Visa, Discover or American Express. (See the Traffic Court Locations page at this site for hours).
      
5. Who decides what the fine or bail will be for my case?
   
   The California legislature decides what the minimum and maximum fine will be for every violation of state law. There are also local laws that say what the fines will be for violations of local law. The State and County of Santa Clara add an "assessment" to the established fines.
   
   The California Judicial Council publishes a Uniform Bail Schedule that says what the bail will be for all traffic code infractions. If you want, you can pay the bail listed on your courtesy notice instead of going to court. (The local bail schedule and state bail schedule are available online).
   
   If your case is a misdemeanor or felony, the Santa Clara County Superior Court will decide on the bail. The Judicial Council recommends an increase in bail for each prior conviction. There is a maximum amount allowed by law.
   
   When you go to court, the Commissioner can fine you any amount between the minimum and maximum fines. The Commissioner will decide based on the facts of your case and your driving record.

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