A Citation 750 is a traffic ticket issued in California for a moving violation

A Citation 750 is the form California law enforcement uses to cite a driver for a moving violation — any infraction committed while the vehicle is in motion. The "750" refers to the specific form number (actually the "Notice to Appear" or NTA form), not a violation code or fine amount. When an officer pulls you over and writes you a ticket, they are filling out a Citation 750 (or its electronic equivalent) and handing you a copy.

The citation tells you three things: what violation the officer observed, when and where it happened, and what you must do next — usually appear in traffic court on a specific date or pay the fine by mail. The form is not a judgment or a conviction; it is a notice that you have been accused of breaking a traffic law and must respond to that accusation.

The violation code written on the citation — not the form number — determines what law you allegedly broke. Common codes include Vehicle Code 21453 (running a red light), 21658 (unsafe lane change), or 22107 (unsafe turn). The fine amount, points on your driving record, and whether the violation is a misdemeanor or infraction all depend on that code, not on the Citation 750 form itself.

Key Takeaways

  • A Citation 750 is the official notice form California officers use; the violation code printed on it determines what law you allegedly broke and what the consequences are.
  • You must respond to the citation by the important date shown — either by paying the fine, contesting it in court, or requesting traffic school — or you risk a license suspension and additional penalties.
  • The fine amount varies widely depending on the specific violation, your driving history, and the county where you received the ticket.
  • Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will add points to your driving record unless you are found not guilty or the charge is dismissed.
  • You have the right to contest the ticket in traffic court, request a trial, or ask about traffic school or other options before deciding to pay.

What the Citation 750 form contains and where to find the information you need

The Citation 750 has several sections. At the top is your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information. Below that is the violation section, which lists the Vehicle Code number, a description of what the officer says you did, the date and time, and the location. The officer also notes the speed you were traveling (if applicable) and any other relevant details.

Near the bottom is the most important line for you: the court date and important date for your response. This is the date you must appear in court or submit your response by mail. Missing this important date can result in a failure-to-appear charge, which carries its own fine and can lead to a license suspension or arrest warrant. The citation also shows the bail or fine amount — this is not what you will necessarily pay, but the amount the court has set as the starting point.

The back of the citation explains your options: you can plead guilty and pay the fine, plead not guilty and request a trial, or request traffic school (if you are a first-time offender for that type of violation). Read this section carefully, because it tells you exactly what steps you can take and by what date.

How fines are set and what factors affect the amount you owe

California uses a base fine schedule for each violation code. A red light violation, for example, has a different base fine than speeding 1 to 15 miles per hour over the limit. However, the amount you see on the citation is rarely the final amount you pay. Courts add penalty assessments — mandatory surcharges that fund court operations, emergency services, and other programs — which typically double or triple the base fine.

Your driving history also matters. If you have prior violations or accidents, the court may impose additional penalties. Some violations carry mandatory minimum fines; others allow the judge discretion. The county where you received the ticket also affects the total, because each county sets its own penalty assessment rates within state guidelines.

If you pay the fine without contesting it, you are paying the full amount shown on the citation plus any assessments. If you go to court and the judge finds you guilty, the judge may impose the same fine, reduce it, or increase it depending on the circumstances. If you are found not guilty, you pay nothing.

Your options after receiving a Citation 750

You have four main paths forward. First, you can plead guilty and pay the fine by the important date. This is the quickest option but means accepting the violation and the points on your record. Second, you can plead not guilty and request a trial. You will appear before a judge, the officer will testify about what they observed, and you can present your side of the story. The judge will decide whether the prosecution proved the violation beyond a reasonable doubt.

Third, if you are a first-time offender for that particular type of violation, you may be able to request traffic school (also called a defensive driving course). Completing the course allows you to keep the violation off your record, though you still pay the fine and the course fee. Fourth, you can request a trial by written declaration, which means you submit your version of events in writing and the officer does the same, and the judge decides based on the paperwork without an in-person hearing.

Some courts also offer traffic diversion programs or payment plans if you cannot afford the full fine at once. Call the court listed on your citation to ask what options are available in your jurisdiction. The important date to request any of these options is the date shown on the citation — do not wait.

What happens to your driving record and insurance if you pay or are found guilty

Most traffic violations are infractions, not misdemeanors, and do not go on your criminal record. However, they do go on your driving record, which is maintained by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Points are assigned based on the violation: most infractions are worth one point, but some serious violations (reckless driving, for example) are worth two points.

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. If you accumulate four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months, the DMV can suspend your license. Your insurance company will also see the violation and may raise your rates. Some insurers increase rates after a single violation; others wait until you have two or more.

If you are found not guilty or the charge is dismissed, the violation does not appear on your driving record and no points are assigned. This is why contesting a ticket you believe is unfair can be worth the time and effort — the difference between a guilty verdict and a dismissal is the difference between points on your record and a clean record.

How to contest a Citation 750 in traffic court

To request a trial, you must respond to the citation by the important date shown. Most courts allow you to request a trial by mail, phone, or in person. You will need to tell the court that you plead not guilty and want a trial date. The court will schedule a hearing, usually several weeks or months out, and send you a notice with the date and time.

At trial, the officer must appear and testify about what they observed. You have the right to cross-examine the officer and present your own evidence or testimony. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. If you represent yourself, keep your testimony factual and avoid arguing about the law — that is the judge's job. Bring any evidence that supports your version of events: dashcam footage, photos, witness contact information, or documentation of road conditions.

The burden of proof in traffic court is "beyond a reasonable doubt," the same standard used in criminal cases. This means the judge must be convinced the officer's account is accurate. If the judge finds reasonable doubt, you are found not guilty and the case is dismissed. If the judge finds you guilty, you can appeal to a higher court, though appeals are rare in traffic cases and require legal grounds beyond straightforward disagreeing with the verdict.

What happens if you miss the important date on your Citation 750

If you do not respond by the important date — either by paying, requesting a trial, or requesting traffic school — the court will issue a failure-to-appear charge. This is a separate violation that carries its own fine and can result in a license suspension. The DMV will be notified, and your license can be suspended without further notice.

If you have an outstanding failure-to-appear, you may also be subject to arrest. Law enforcement can stop you for any reason and discover the warrant. The best course of action if you have missed a important date is to contact the court when ready, explain the situation, and ask about your options. Many courts will work with you to resolve the matter, especially if you respond quickly.

Some courts allow you to request a continuance (a delay) if you need more time to prepare your defense or arrange to pay. Others may dismiss the failure-to-appear if you show up and respond to the original citation within a reasonable time. Do not ignore a Citation 750 — the consequences of inaction are far worse than the consequences of the original violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just pay the fine without going to court?

Yes. You can pay the fine by mail, phone, or online using the information on your citation. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and means you will not contest the ticket. The violation will appear on your driving record and your insurance company will be notified. You have until the important date shown on the citation to pay.

What is the difference between a trial and a trial by written declaration?

In a trial, you appear in person before a judge, the officer testifies, and you can cross-examine them. In a trial by written declaration, you and the officer submit written statements and the judge decides based on the paperwork. A written declaration trial is faster and you do not have to take time off work, but you cannot see the officer's reaction or ask follow-up questions in real time.

Will traffic school keep the violation off my record?

Traffic school keeps the violation off your driving record and prevents points from being added, but you still pay the fine and the course fee. You must be a first-time offender for that type of violation within a certain period (usually three to five years) to be may be able to access. Ask the court whether you may have access to before enrolling.

How long do points stay on my driving record?

Points from a traffic violation stay on your DMV driving record for three years from the date of the violation. However, the violation itself may appear on your record longer. Your insurance company may also keep the violation on file for a longer period and use it to calculate your rates.

What if the officer does not show up to my trial?

If the officer does not appear at your trial, the case is usually dismissed and you are found not guilty. However, do not count on this — officers often appear, and some courts will reschedule if the officer requests a continuance. Show up prepared to present your defense regardless of whether the officer appears.