Information on the Citation
It is important to read the information on the front and back of your citation. The front side of the citation issued to you provides you with the following information:
- Citation number;
- Issuing agency;
- Date and time of the citation;
- Violations for which you were cited;
- Location of violation;
- Issuing officer;
- Place and time by which you promised to appear.
Types of Violations
Your citation may include the following types of violations:
Infraction Violations
An infraction is a violation of, or failure to comply with, certain provisions of the Vehicle Code, local ordinance or other law or statute. An infraction is not punishable by imprisonment; the maximum sentence on most infractions is a $250 fine (plus assessments and fees). You may not be sentenced to alternate jail time on an infraction and cannot have a trial by jury unless an infraction is combined with a misdemeanor charge.
Misdemeanor Violations
Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by any law of this state, misdemeanor offenses are punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding $1000 (plus assessments and fees), or by both.
Courtesy Notices
A courtesy notice is usually mailed to you at the address listed on the citation within 21 days of the date the ticket was issued. The notice contains general information about requirements and options available for resolving the ticket, which may include:
- Amount of bail, based on the violations and your prior driving history
- Proof of correction requirements for mechanical violations
- Mandatory court appearance requirements
- Traffic school eligibility requirements
A return envelope to the court is provided with the courtesy notice. If you do not receive a courtesy notice, contact the court because failure to receive a courtesy notice is not a legal excuse for failing to take care of the citation. It is your responsibility to resolve the citation on or before the due date. When submitting payments and/or documents by mail, allow 10 days for delivery and processing.
Reminder:
Failure to appear or resolve a citation on or before the due date may result in a DMV hold being placed on your driver's license or a warrant being issued for your arrest. A DMV hold will restrict your driving privileges and/or ability to register a vehicle. The citation may also be referred to a collection agency for the collection of payment due.
How to Obtain Help With Your Citation
The Court's mission is to provide accurate information to its customers. Clerks are authorized to provide information regarding the procedures used by the Court to process a case. However, all clerks are prohibited by law (Government Code Section 24004) from giving legal advice to litigants or to assist them in filling out any forms, including forms provided by the Court, for the following reasons:
The clerk is not an attorney at law. The clerical staff is trained to accept papers for filing and has no expertise in the legal consequences of information included on any of the forms.
The Court must be neutral in any proceeding. By assisting one side or the other, a clerk can cause the Court to be perceived as taking sides or being biased, which circumvents administration of justice as a whole.
All persons seeking legal assistance from the Clerk's Office are to be redirected to an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of California without naming any specific person or firm.
Lawyers
You have the right to be represented by an attorney at your own expense, or you may represent yourself without the assistance of an attorney. If you are charged with a misdemeanor violation and cannot afford to hire an attorney, the Court will appoint a free attorney upon your request; at the end of the case, however, you may be asked to pay all or part of the cost of that attorney, if you can afford it.
Waiver Of Fees
The Court charges fees for some of its procedures. The Court may excuse you from paying these fees if you cannot afford them. Refer to the Information Sheet on Waiver of Court Fees and Costs form to find out if you meet the requirements so that you do not have to pay the fees.
Accommodations
If you have a disability and need assistance, ask the Clerk's Office immediately to help accommodate your needs. If you are hearing-impaired and need assistance, please notify the Clerk's Office immediately.
Handling Citations Outside Los Angeles County
This site handles citations issued by law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. If your ticket was not issued by a law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County, you may still be able to pay it online. Click here for more information on how to process tickets outside of Los Angeles County.
Parking Citation Information
The Los Angeles Superior Court does not process parking citations. Parking Violations are usually included on Los Angeles City parking citations, which are handled by the Parking Violations Bureau of the City of Los Angeles. Read the information on the citation or contact the appropriate agency.
The following telephone numbers are for parking citation information only.
| Agency |
Phone Number |
| City of Los Angeles |
(213) 623-6533 |
| City of Beverly Hills |
(800) 752-1195 |
| City of Culver City |
(800) 464-1333 |
| City of El Segundo |
(310) 524-2200 |
| City of Hawthorne |
(310) 970-7932 |
| City of Inglewood |
(310) 412-5500 |
| City of Long Beach |
(562) 570-6822 |
| City of Montebello |
(323) 887-1212 |
| City of Santa Clarita |
(661) 259-2489 |
| City of Santa Monica |
(800) 214-1526 |
| City of West Hollywood |
(800) 687-2458 |
Click here for more information about parking citation appeals.
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