Where to send your payment and what information you need

When you receive a California traffic ticket, the citation itself tells you where and how to pay. Most tickets direct you to pay the court that issued the citation, not the police department or highway patrol. The court's mailing address, phone number, and sometimes a website appear on the back of your ticket under "Bail/Fine" or "Court Information."

You can pay by mail, phone, or in person at the courthouse. Some courts also accept payment online through their website. Before you pay anything, check the ticket for the exact amount due and the important date — typically 30 days from the date of the citation. Paying late may add penalties and could result in a license suspension or a warrant for your arrest.

Have your citation number ready no matter which payment method you choose. This number appears on the front of your ticket and helps the court match your payment to your case.

Key Takeaways

  • The court that issued your ticket is listed on the citation itself, along with the mailing address and phone number where you should send payment.
  • You have 30 days from the ticket date to pay, and the exact amount due appears on the back of your citation.
  • Payment methods vary by court — some accept mail, phone, and in-person payments, while others offer online payment through their website.
  • Keeping your citation number handy ensures the court records your payment correctly and prevents license suspension or other penalties.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, contact the court to ask about payment plans or a hearing to contest the ticket.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the court listed on your citation — for example, "Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles."

Include your citation number and driver's license number on the check or money order itself. Write a short note with your name, address, and citation number, and enclose it with your payment. Mail everything to the address printed on the back of your ticket.

Allow 7 to 10 business days for the court to receive and process your payment. If you are close to the important date, consider paying by phone or in person instead to avoid late fees.

Paying by phone or online

Many California courts accept payment by phone using a credit or debit card. Call the court listed on your ticket and ask whether they take phone payments. Have your citation number, driver's license number, and card information ready. The court will give you a confirmation number — write it down for your records.

Some courts also offer online payment through their website. Visit the court's website and look for a "Pay a Ticket" or "Online Services" link. You will need your citation number and driver's license number to log in. Online payment is usually processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number right away.

Phone and online payments typically cost a small processing fee — usually $1 to $3 — added to your ticket amount. Ask the court about this fee before you pay.

Paying in person at the courthouse

You can walk into the courthouse and pay at the cashier's window or traffic department. Bring your citation, a photo ID, and payment in the form of cash, check, or debit card. Some courthouses accept credit cards, but not all — call ahead to confirm.

Courthouse hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some courts close for lunch. If you work during the day, paying by mail or phone may be more convenient.

Paying in person gives you a receipt when ready and eliminates the risk of your payment getting lost in the mail or delayed by processing time.

What happens if you miss the important date

If you do not pay by the date on your ticket, the court will add a failure-to-appear penalty to your fine. This penalty is usually $100 to $300 on top of your original ticket amount. The court may also suspend your driver's license and issue a warrant for your arrest.

If you missed the important date, contact the court right away. Explain why you could not pay and ask whether they will accept a late payment or set up a payment plan. Many courts will work with you if you reach out before they take further action.

Do not ignore the ticket. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes and the more serious the consequences.

Requesting a payment plan or hearing

If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, you have options. You can request a payment plan, which breaks your fine into smaller monthly payments. You can also request a hearing to contest the ticket or ask the judge to reduce the fine based on your financial situation.

To request either option, contact the court listed on your ticket. Ask to speak with the traffic department or the judge's clerk. Explain your situation honestly. The court may ask you to fill out a form describing your income and expenses. Some courts allow you to request a payment plan or hearing by mail or phone without going to court in person.

Acting quickly improves your chances. Courts are more willing to work with people who contact them before the important date passes.

Finding your court's contact information

Your ticket shows the court's name, address, and phone number on the back. If you cannot find this information or have lost your ticket, visit the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov. Use the court locator tool to find the courthouse in your county, then call or visit their website to ask about payment options.

You can also search online for "[your county] Superior Court traffic department" to find phone numbers and hours. Many courts now have dedicated traffic payment lines separate from the main courthouse number, which can get you through faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a ticket online if my court does not have a website?

Not all California courts offer online payment yet. Call the court listed on your ticket to ask what payment methods they accept. If they do not take online payments, you can pay by mail, phone, or in person.

What if I paid my ticket but the court says they never received it?

If you paid by mail, the court may not have processed it yet — allow 10 business days. If you paid by phone or online, ask for your confirmation number and give it to the court. If you paid in person, ask for a receipt. Keep any proof of payment you have.

Do I have to pay the ticket, or can I go to court instead?

You can request a hearing to contest the ticket or ask the judge to reduce the fine. Contact the court and ask how to request a hearing. You will need to do this before the important date on your ticket.

What if I cannot afford to pay even with a payment plan?

Tell the court about your financial hardship when you contact them. Some judges can reduce fines for people with very low income. You may also be able to do community service instead of paying part or all of the fine — ask the court whether this option is available.

Will paying my ticket affect my insurance rates?

Paying the ticket does not directly affect your rates, but the violation itself might. Insurance companies see the violation when they check your driving record, regardless of whether you paid. Contesting the ticket in court is the only way to potentially prevent the violation from showing up on your record.