A Citation II is a formal traffic ticket issued by law enforcement for a moving violation
A Citation II is the official document a police officer hands you when they stop you for a traffic violation—speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane change, or similar moving violations. It is not a warning or a notice to appear later. It is a ticket that creates a legal record and requires you to respond, either by paying the fine, contesting it in court, or completing a traffic safety course if that option is available in your jurisdiction.
The name "Citation II" varies by state and county—some call it a traffic citation, a moving violation ticket, or straightforward a citation. What matters is that it is a formal charge, not a suggestion. Ignoring it or missing a important date can result in a suspended license, a warrant for your arrest, or additional fines.
Key Takeaways
- A Citation II is a formal traffic ticket for a moving violation, and you must respond to it by the important date printed on the ticket.
- The ticket lists the violation, the fine amount, the court location, and the date by which you must respond—usually 30 days.
- You can pay the fine, contest the ticket in traffic court, or in some cases take a defensive driving course to reduce or dismiss the charge.
- Ignoring a Citation II can lead to a suspended license, additional penalties, and a bench warrant for your arrest.
- The violation will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates, even if you pay the fine without contesting it.
What information appears on the Citation II
The ticket itself contains several pieces of information you need to understand. At the top is the violation code and description—for example, "Vehicle Code 22349: Speeding 45 mph in a 35 mph zone." Below that is the fine amount, which is set by state law but can vary based on how far over the limit you were driving or what type of violation it was.
The ticket also lists the court location where you must respond, your driver's license number, the vehicle information, and the date and time of the violation. Most importantly, it shows the important date—usually 30 days from the date of the ticket—by which you must either pay, contest, or request a trial. Some tickets offer a checkbox for traffic school; if that box is checked, you may have the option to take a course instead of paying the fine.
Keep the ticket in a safe place. You will need it if you decide to contest the violation or if you want to check the status of your case online through the court's website.
Your three main options after receiving a Citation II
Once you have a ticket, you have three paths forward. The first is to pay the fine by the important date. You can usually do this online through the court's website, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Paying the fine means you are not contesting the violation—it will stay on your driving record.
The second option is to contest the ticket in traffic court. You can represent yourself or hire a traffic attorney. The officer who issued the ticket must appear in court to testify; if they do not show up, the case is often dismissed. You can cross-examine the officer about how they measured your speed, whether they had a clear view of the violation, or whether they followed proper procedure.
The third option, if available, is to take a defensive driving course or traffic safety course. Completing the course may allow the court to dismiss the ticket or reduce the fine. Not all violations may have access to, and not all courts offer this option—check your ticket or call the court to ask.
How a Citation II affects your driving record and insurance
A moving violation on a Citation II becomes part of your permanent driving record. Insurance companies can see it, and most will raise your rates after a violation. The increase varies by company and by the severity of the violation, but you should expect your premium to go up for at least three years.
Some violations carry points under your state's point system. Accumulating too many points in a set period—usually three to five years—can result in a suspended or revoked license. For example, speeding 1 to 15 mph over the limit might be one point, while reckless driving could be four or more. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see the point value for your specific violation.
Even if you pay the fine without contesting it, the violation stays on your record. Taking a defensive driving course, if available, is one way to keep the violation from being reported to your insurance company, though the court record itself will still exist.
What happens if you miss the important date on your Citation II
Missing the important date to respond to a Citation II has serious consequences. The court will issue a failure to appear charge, which is itself a violation. Your license can be suspended, and the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. If you are pulled over for any reason after that, you can be arrested on the spot.
If you miss the important date by accident, contact the court when ready. Explain what happened and ask to reschedule your court date or payment important date. Courts are often willing to extend the important date if you reach out before the warrant is issued. Do not wait—the longer you delay, the harder it becomes to fix.
Contesting a Citation II in traffic court
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a trial. You do not need a lawyer, though having one can help. When you go to court, the burden is on the officer to prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt. You can question how they determined your speed, whether they had a clear line of sight, or whether they followed proper procedure with their radar or laser gun.
Common defenses include officer error in measuring speed, misidentification of your vehicle, or a sign that was obscured or missing. You can also argue that the officer did not follow the correct procedure for calibrating their speed-detection equipment. Bring any evidence you have—photos of the location, witness statements, or records of your vehicle's maintenance—though the officer's testimony is usually the main focus.
If you win, the ticket is dismissed and nothing appears on your record. If you lose, you can appeal to a higher court, though this is rare and usually requires a lawyer.
Defensive driving courses and traffic school options
Many jurisdictions allow you to take a defensive driving course instead of paying the fine or going to court. The course teaches safe driving practices and usually takes four to eight hours to complete. Some courses are offered in person at a classroom; others are online and can be done at your own pace.
The cost of the course is typically $20 to $50, which may be less than the fine itself. If you complete the course and submit proof to the court by the important date, the ticket may be dismissed or the fine reduced. Some courts will also agree not to report the violation to your insurance company if you take the course.
Not all violations may have access to for traffic school—serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence usually do not. Check your ticket or call the court to find out whether this option is available for your violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Citation II fine online?
Most courts allow online payment through their website. Search for your county or city court's traffic division and look for a "pay a ticket" or "pay a citation" link. You will need your citation number and driver's license number. If online payment is not available, you can pay by mail or in person at the courthouse.
What if I was not the one driving when I got the ticket?
If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can request a trial and testify that you were not the driver. Bring the person who was driving if possible. The officer must prove that you were behind the wheel; if they cannot, the ticket should be dismissed. Some courts also allow you to submit a declaration under penalty of perjury stating you were not driving.
Will paying the fine without contesting it hurt my insurance?
Yes. Paying the fine means the violation stays on your record, and your insurance company will see it. Your rates will likely increase. Taking a defensive driving course before paying may prevent the violation from being reported to your insurer, depending on your court's rules.
How long does a Citation II stay on my driving record?
Most moving violations stay on your record for three to seven years, depending on your state. After that time, they may no longer affect your insurance rates, though the court record itself may remain accessible. Check your state's DMV website for the specific retention period in your area.
What should I do if I cannot afford to pay the fine?
Contact the court and ask about payment plans or a fine reduction based on financial hardship. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments or reduce the fine if you demonstrate that paying the full amount would cause undue hardship. You may also be able to do community service instead of paying, depending on the court's policies.