Is a Citation Different from a Ticket

Is a Citation Different from a Ticket in California?

If you've received a traffic violation notice in California, you might be wondering: Is there a difference between a "citation" and a "ticket"? The answer is straightforward—there is no difference. In California, both terms are used interchangeably to refer to a written notice issued by law enforcement when a driver is alleged to have violated traffic laws.

Understanding Citations and Tickets

A citation or ticket is an official document issued by a law enforcement officer to a motorist or other road user, indicating that the individual has violated traffic laws. This document typically includes details such as the nature of the violation, the date and time it occurred, and instructions on how to respond.en.wikipedia.org

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a traffic citation is also known as a ticket and serves as an official summons issued for violating a traffic law .dmv.ca.gov

Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in California are generally categorized into three types:

1. Infractions: Minor violations such as speeding, running a stop sign, or failing to signal. These typically result in fines and may add points to your driving record.

2. Misdemeanors: More serious offenses like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI). These can lead to higher fines, license suspension, or even jail time.

3. Felonies: Severe violations such as hit-and-run incidents involving injury or death. Felonies carry the most significant penalties, including substantial fines and extended imprisonment.

It's important to note that infractions are the most common and are often eligible for resolution through traffic school or by paying a fine.

Responding to a Citation/Ticket

Upon receiving a citation or ticket, you have several options:

• Pay the Fine: You can choose to pay the fine, which is considered an admission of guilt. This can usually be done online, by mail, or in person at the court specified on your ticket.

• Attend Traffic School: If eligible, attending a DMV-approved traffic school can prevent points from being added to your driving record, which may help avoid increases in insurance premiums.

• Contest the Ticket: You have the right to contest the citation in court. This can involve appearing in person or submitting a written declaration.sierra.courts.ca.gov

Failure to respond to a citation can result in additional penalties, including increased fines, license suspension, or a warrant for your arrest .sf.courts.ca.gov

Paying Your Ticket

Each county in California has its own procedures for paying traffic fines. Generally, you can pay:

• Online: Many counties offer online payment portals. For example, Riverside County provides an ePay-it system for online payments .riverside.courts.ca.gov

• By Mail: Send a check or money order to the address specified on your citation.

• In Person: Visit the courthouse listed on your ticket to pay in person.sdcourt.ca.gov+1sdcourt.ca.gov+1

It's crucial to follow the instructions on your citation and pay by the due date to avoid additional penalties.

Traffic School as an Option

Attending traffic school can be a beneficial option for eligible drivers. Completing a DMV-approved traffic school course can prevent points from being added to your driving record, which helps maintain lower insurance rates. Eligibility criteria include:sierra.courts.ca.gov

• Holding a valid non-commercial driver's license.selfhelp.courts.ca.gov+1sdcourt.ca.gov+1

• The violation is not related to alcohol or drug use.

• You haven't attended traffic school for a previous violation within the past 18 months.sdcourt.ca.gov+1selfhelp.courts.ca.gov+1

For more information on traffic school eligibility and procedures, visit the California Courts Self-Help Guide .santaclara.courts.ca.gov+5selfhelp.courts.ca.gov+5selfhelp.courts.ca.gov+5

Conclusion

In California, "citation" and "ticket" are two terms for the same document issued when a traffic law is violated. Understanding your options for responding to a citation is crucial to avoid additional penalties. Whether you choose to pay the fine, attend traffic school, or contest the ticket, taking prompt action is essential.

Helpful Resources

• California Courts Self-Help Guide on Traffic Tickets: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/trafficselfhelp.courts.ca.gov+3selfhelp.courts.ca.gov+3selfhelp.courts.ca.gov+3

• California DMV Driver Handbook - Laws and Rules of the Road: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont2/dmv.ca.gov+1dmv.ca.gov+1

• Riverside County ePay-it System: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/pay-traffic-ticketselfhelp.courts.ca.gov+9riverside.courts.ca.gov+9sierra.courts.ca.gov+9

• San Diego County Traffic Court Payment Information: https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/traffic3/paymentinformationsdcourt.ca.gov+4sdcourt.ca.gov+4sdcourt.ca.gov+4

• San Mateo County Traffic Division - Definitions: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/definition-termssanmateo.courts.ca.gov+1sanmateo.courts.ca.gov+1

• California Courts Self-Help Guide on Traffic School: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/traffic/traffic-schoolselfhelp.courts.ca.gov

• California State Auditor Report on Traffic Violations: https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2017-126/introduction.htmlinformation.auditor.ca.gov

For personalized assistance or to enroll in a DMV-approved traffic school, consider reaching out to Cheap And Speedy Traffic School to help you navigate the process efficiently.