Traffic Tickets: A to Z

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  Paying Violations

  Paying Fines
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  Fees
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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. Credit/debit card and electronic fund transfer payments
4. Can I make monthly 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 Public Access Case Info website to learn if your case has been processed.

   You may choose from the options described below to pay your fine (also known as forfeiting bail).

   Traffic Payment Options:
   
   

   • Clerks Office Public Counter or by mail:
     • Personal Checks
     • Money Orders
     • Cashiers Checks
     • Cash (in person only)
        
   • Internet or phone:
     • Electronic Fund Transfers
     • Credit Card (Master Card or Visa only)
     • Debit Card

   If you wish to pay by credit/debit card or electronic fund transfer, you can do it by phone or the internet. There will be an additional convenience fee charged. See information on this page about credit/debit card or electronic fund transfers.
    

2. Where do I pay my fine or bail?
   
   You can pay in person, by mail, by phone or online.
   
   To pay in person, go to any courthouse that handles traffic matters. It does not matter where your citation was issued. See below for credit/debit card or electronic fund transfer payments in person via dedicated phone lines at the following courthouses:
    
   • Palo Alto Courthouse
   • Santa Clara 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.
    

3. Credit/debit card and electronic fund transfer payments
   
   You can pay most fines/bails by credit/debit card. There is an extra cost of $5.95 to pay by credit/debit card, or $1.95 for electronic fund transfer, charged by the service used by the Court.
   
   There are 3 ways to pay by credit/debit card:
    
   • Pay online: If eligible, you can pay online at https://www.paybill.com/sccsuperiorcourt.
      
   • Pay by phone: You can pay by calling toll-free (866) 923-2732.
      
   • You can also pay in person at any Traffic Court location by using one of their dedicated payment phones during office hours.
      
4. 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.
    

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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