Traffic Tickets, Increased Fines and License Suspensions in California
Effective January 6, 2010, California implemented new rates for traffic tickets and fines. Receiving a ticket in California can cost a pretty penny, but it doesn’t stop there. Once a ticket or violation shows up on your motor vehicle report or driving record, it can greatly affect your insurance rates. These marks on your driving record can have a negative effect on your insurance rates for 3+ years. Plus, if you have 2 points on your record, you won’t be eligible for the California “Good Driver” discount; this is a huge discount…20% off your auto premiums!
Below are several citations and the (recently increased) fees associated with them.
1. Violation 12814.6 for Failure to obey license provisions for teenage drivers= $214
2. Violation 14600(A) for Failure to notify DMV of address change within 10 days = $214
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction.
3. Violation 16028(A) for Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility (insurance) = $795
Note: This fine may be reduced with proof of insurance on or after the violation date.
4. Violation 21453(A) for Failure to stop at a red signal = $436
5. Violations 22350 and 22349 for Unsafe Speed, 1 to 15 miles over the limit = $214
6. Violations 22350 and 22349 for Unsafe Speed, 16 to 25 miles over the limit = $328
7. Violation 22450 for failure to stop at a stop sign = $214
8. Violation 22454(A) for passing a school bus with flashing red signals = $616
9. Violation 23123(A) for driving while using a wireless phone (not hands free, 1st offense) = $148
10. Violation 23123(A) – drive using wireless phone not hands free; each subsequent offense = $256
11. Violation 23123.5(A) for driving while wireless device to send, read or write text = $148
12 Violation 23124(B) for a minor driving while using a wireless phone = $148
13. Violation 2500(I) for parking in a bus loading area = $976
14. Violation 22507.8(A through C) for violation of disabled parking provisions (1st offense) = $976
15. Violation 22507.8(A through C) for violation of disabled parking provisions (2nd offense) = $1876
16. Violation 26708(A) for unlawful material on vehicle windows = $178
17. Violation 27150(A and B) for adequate muffler required = $178
18. Violation 27315(D and E) for mandatory use of seat belts = $148
19. Violation 27360(A and B) for mandatory use of child passenger restraints = $436
Note: This fine may be reduced by completing a court authorized child seat diversion program.
20. Violation 27400 for Headsets/Earplugs over both ears = $178
21. Violation 27803 (A through C) for motorcycle safety helmet requirements = $178
22. Violation 5200 for display of license plates = $178
Note: The fine may be reduced with valid proof of correction.
So, what do you do when you get a ticket? For most people, the best option is to go to traffic school (if they are eligible). About 2 weeks after you receive your citation, you should receive a courtesy notice from the court showing the cost of the fine; it will let you know if a court appearance is mandatory and advise if you are eligible for traffic school. NEVER miss your court date!!! If you do, the DMV will post a Failure to Appear on your record which comes with a fine and suspend your license.
A judge may suspend a person’s license if convicted of the following:
- Breaking speed laws or reckless driving.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Hit-and-run driving.
- Engaging in lewd conduct and prostitution in a vehicle within 1000 feet of a residence.
- Assaulting a driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian when the offense occurs on a highway.
- Failure to stop as required at a railway grade crossing.
- Felony or misdemeanor offense of recklessly fleeing a law enforcement officer.
The state of California doesn’t mess around! Just paying your California speeding ticket fine does not reinstate your license. You must also pay a fee and provide proof of insurance to the California DMV.
Link for court information on CA Traffic Citations http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/traffic/
858-336-4644 agent@einhorninsurance.com www.EinhornInsurance.com
