TRAFFIC: General Information
Traffic at a Glance
Most traffic tickets are for minor infractions of the law (see examples below). If you were arrested or received a ticket for a more serious violation such as driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run, speed contest, or reckless driving, these are considered misdemeanor and felony offenses and you should refer to the Criminal section of the Court’s main website for information.
The Self-Help Traffic section explains how to deal with traffic violations, including:- Moving violations (such as speeding or failing to stop at a red light)
- Equipment violations
- Registration, driver’s license, and insurance violations
- Photo red light violations
- Parking tickets
- Failing to timely take care of your ticket
- Obtaining an extension on a due date
- Enrolling in traffic school
- Paying your ticket
- Showing proof of correction of an equipment violation, registration, license, or insurance violation
- How to see a judge
- Setting a trial date if you think you are not guilty
- Resources and obtaining help with your ticket
- Online services, including looking up your ticket
- Courtesy Violation Information Notice information
- Preparing for a court appearance
- Appealing a decision of the court
Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online
CALL (877) 872-2122. Services are offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Automated services and information: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Operators are also available Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm to answer your questions.
Court staff is available from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday-Friday to accept payments and proof of correction, schedule court dates, give extensions on traffic due dates, file documents, and respond to general questions at any of the five court locations.
- Central Justice Center: First Floor, Room 100-A
- 700 Civic Center Dr. West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Harbor Justice Center - Laguna Hills Facility: Second Floor, Room 202
- 23141 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- Lamoreaux Justice Center: First Floor, Room 101
- 341 The City Dr. South, Orange, CA 92868
- North Justice Center: Upper Level, Room 360
- 1275 North Berkeley Ave., Fullerton, CA 92838
- West Justice Center: First Floor
- 8141 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683
The court provides a variety of online services. Pay your ticket, obtain an extension on your due date or traffic school completion date, request traffic school, reserve a date to see the judge, access forms, or view your case online.
Traffic Courthouse Locations and Hours
You can go to any of the courts below for assistance with your traffic ticket. The Central Justice Center, North Justice Center, and the West Justice Center also have a Self-Help Centers that will provide additional help.
Regular Court Traffic Division Hours:Monday thru Friday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
Night Time Court Traffic Division Hours:
| First Tuesday of each month: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Harbor Justice Center – Newport Beach North Justice Center – Fullerton West Justice Center - Westminster |
Third Tuesday of each month: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Central Justice Center – Santa Ana |
Traffic night court is available on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Due to the Court holiday on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, the night court schedule for January 2013 is being modified as follows:
January 8, 2013 (2nd Tuesday) – North, West and Harbor-Newport Beach Justice Centers
January 15, 2013 (3rd Tuesday) – Central Justice Center
All other night court sessions for the months of February through December 2013 will be heard on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
To Appear Before a Judge:
You must reserve a court date.
Drop Box Information:
Drop boxes or door slots are located at each of the courthouses below, with 24/7 access. Payments, proof of correction (fix-it-tickets) with the correct fee, and properly completed documents placed in drop boxes before 4:00pm on an open court day will be considered received on the same date.
| Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Traffic Division - 1st Floor Collections Office - 1st Floor Self-Help Center - 1st Floor, Room 100-A |
Harbor Justice Center- Newport Beach Facility
4601 Jamboree Rd. Newport Beach, Ca 92660-2595 Traffic Division - Outside Windows Collections Office - 1st Floor |
Harbor Justice Center - Laguna Hills Facility
23141 Moulton Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653-1206 Collections Office - 2nd Floor Self-Help Center - 2nd Floor, Room 202 |
|
North Justice Center
1275 N. Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, Ca 92832-1258 Traffic Division - Main Entrance of Lower Level Collections Office - Lower Level (Inside Traffic Division Lobby, Windows 7-10) Self-Help Center – Upper Level, Room 360 |
West Justice Center
8141 13th St. Westminster, Ca 92683-4593 Traffic Division - Outside Windows Collections Office - 1st Floor |
Making payments or Corresponding by Mail:
Superior Court P.O Box 6040 Newport Beach, CA 92658-6040 Traffic Division Hours: Mondays thru Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm |
Traffic Forms and Law
Traffic forms are available online. Traffic and Self-Help Center staff can answer general questions if you need help completing forms. See above for locations and hours.
State Forms from the California Courts Website
Tip: Use the dropdown box to choose "Traffic Infractions"
California Vehicle Code - Use this link to read the laws you were charged with violating (example Vehicle Code section 22350-speeding).
Traffic Copy and Record Search Requests
Find information on how to request records and copies of documents.
Traffic Bail (fINES)
SCHEDULE OF STATE TRAFFIC FINES AND PENALTIES:
Find a listing of bail (fines) for most traffic violations
Caution: Other statutory fees and assessments may also be owing. Use this schedule as a guideline only.
Additional Resources
The Traffic Section of the California Courts Self-Help Center
has information on traffic issues, including common questions, pending traffic-related legislation, and links to other sites.
The Court Related External Links section of this website lists state and local BAR Associations, as well as non-profit law agencies which offer lawyer referral services.