Traffic Tickets, Increased Fines and License Suspensions in California

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