No matter how hard you try to be a good driver, it is likely that you will receive a traffic ticket at some point. Drivers can get a traffic ticket for something as simple as making an unsafe lane change or for something as serious as driving under the influence.No matter the reason for the traffic ticket, you will likely have to pay a fine to avoid further penalties. Here is some information about how much a traffic ticket will cost you in the state of California.
California Traffic Ticket Fines and Costs
Many drivers wonder how much they can expect to pay in fines in the event that they get a traffic ticket. Unfortunately, in the state of California, the true cost of a traffic ticket can be difficult to pinpoint due to the penalty assessment surcharges and fees added. These additional penalty assessment fees and surcharges depend on the county in which the traffic ticket was incurred. For example, if you get a traffic ticket with a base fine of $35, you could actually end up paying $146 for the ticket, according to the DMV. For more information about fee explanations for traffic tickets, you can contact the county court, which will be listed on the traffic ticket.
Surcharges
The state of California charges a 20 percent surcharge on all traffic tickets, according to the DMV. Therefore, a traffic ticket with a base fine of $40 will actually cost you $48.
Other Additional Fees
- State Penalty Assessment
- County Penalty Assessment
- Court Facility Construction Penalty Assessment
- DNA Identification Fund Penalty Assessment
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Penalty Assessment
Paying a Traffic Ticket in California
In the state of California, you can avoid going to court by paying the fine for the traffic ticket and attending traffic school. In many cases, you can pay the fine for the traffic ticket online or by mail. There will be more information about payment options printed on the traffic ticket. In the event you lose your traffic ticket or cannot find information about payment on the ticket, you can call the traffic county court.
Impact of Traffic Ticket on Car Insurance Costs
Initially, getting a traffic ticket doesn’t seem so bad for many drivers in California. If you go over the speed limit by 15 mph, the base fine for the traffic ticket will be $35. After adding the additional fees mandated by the state and county, the cost may be double or triple the amount of the base fine. However, even this isn’t so bad in comparison to the car insurance costs you will face thanks to a traffic ticket, according to MyImprov.
After getting a traffic ticket, you will likely need to pay higher car insurance quotes. After a speeding ticket, the average driver in California will pay $158.53 every year for extra car insurance costs. NerdWallet conducted an analysis and found that the true cost of a speeding ticket with a base fine of $35 in the state of California is $709.59.
For more information about how much a traffic ticket will cost you in California, don’t hesitate to contact the Ticket Snipers. We will be able to help you beat a traffic ticket in California.