Information on Traffic Violations in Los Angeles

Drivers who receive a traffic citation or ticket in Los Angeles County, California must adhere to all local and state laws regarding fine payment, court hearings and other violation requirements. The requirements vary based on ticket type and location.

Types

• Traffic violations in Los Angeles are overseen by several departments. The Los Angeles Superior Court's traffic court handles most traffic citations, while the criminal court deals with violations involved in driving under the influence cases. Parking violations are not considered traffic violations and are handled by the Los Angeles Parking Violation Bureau or the city where the citation was issued.

Considerations

• Most traffic violations may be handled online though the Los Angeles Superior Court website. Drivers may pay tickets online, schedule a court date and eligible drivers may request traffic school to remove the violation from public record. Drivers who choose to plead not guilty to the violation must go to trial and may choose a court trial, a summary trial or a trial by written declaration.

Warning

• Drivers who choose not to pay their ticket or do not appear for a scheduled court date in Los Angeles county have their ticket fees sent to a collection agency. The collection agency requires an $300 payment in addition to the fines associated with the traffic violation. Cost is as of October, 2010.