Get free answers to your Traffic Tickets legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I received a speeding ticket in Fresno a couple of months ago directly from a law enforcement officer. The court date or deadline to pay the ticket was June 6th. However, when I search for the case number on the Fresno County courts website, it says it can't be found. I haven't received... View More 
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
It’s stressful when you’re trying to do the right thing and the system doesn’t seem to cooperate. Even if the court’s website can’t find your ticket, the responsibility still falls on you to follow up. Since the deadline to pay or appear has passed, the most important thing you can do... View More
I received a fix-it ticket in California on 3/2/25 for my vehicle registration, a broken tail light, and proof of insurance. However, I sold the truck for scrap on 5/20/25 and completed the title transfer. The deadline to address the ticket is 6/24/25. What steps should I take to resolve this... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
You’re in a unique situation, but there’s still a way to take care of this properly. Since you no longer own the vehicle and completed the title transfer, your main goal now is to inform the court that the issues noted in the fix-it ticket can’t be corrected because the vehicle no longer... View More
I received a ticket for using my phone while driving in California, but I was only on my phone while at a stop light. The fine is $157, and I have no previous driving offenses. My roommate was with me, and I can potentially get documentation from him. The officer only mentioned phone usage but was... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
It makes sense that you’re frustrated, especially since you were at a red light and not moving when the officer approached. In California, however, the law prohibits holding or using a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle—even when you're stopped at a traffic light or in traffic.... View More
If my vehicle arrives at a 4-way residential intersection without a median, and the school bus is stopped on the road to my right with red lights flashing, can I legally make a left turn after stopping at the intersection?
There are no signs at the intersection, other than a person holding a... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 22, 2025
You're facing a tricky situation that many drivers encounter near schools, and your caution shows good judgment. When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on the road to your right at a 4-way intersection, the safest and most legally prudent choice is to wait until the bus turns off its... View More
I received a parking ticket for not having commercial plates while parked in a loading zone. I contested it based on Section A of 11.52.320, which permits stopping for dropping off or picking up passengers and does not mention needing commercial plates. However, I lost the contest, paid the fine,... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 21, 2025
During your telephone hearing, you should focus on the precise language of Section 11.52.320(A), which explicitly permits stopping in a loading zone for passenger drop-off or pick-up without any stipulation regarding commercial plates. Prepare a concise statement emphasizing that unlike subsection... View More
I received a parking ticket in San Jose, CA, for parking my private passenger car in a freight loading zone. The ticket cites ordinance 11.52.320, stating the vehicle doesn’t have commercial plates. There was a yellow curb and a freight loading zone sign. Can I contest this... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 22, 2025
Yes, you can contest the parking ticket in San Jose, but your success depends on whether your situation falls under the exceptions in ordinance 11.52.320. The ordinance allows even private passenger vehicles to park in freight loading zones for passenger pick-up/drop-off or for mail/package... View More
I received a traffic ticket in March in Yorba Linda, CA, for a 21651(a) violation, which was changed from a 21651(b). I don't want to contest this. Is it unusual that the ticket hasn't been filed with the courthouse in Orange County? Since I don't have any more information, I... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
It’s not entirely unusual for a traffic ticket to take some time to appear in the system, especially if it’s been amended, like yours was from 21651(b) to 21651(a). However, by now—more than a month later—it probably should be on file with the Orange County courthouse. Since you’ve... View More
I passed the biometrics background check for immigration last year, and now I need to undergo a DOJ live scan for a job at a school. Since there have been no changes in my legal situation, I'm concerned about whether a DUI from 2009 and a few past tickets might affect my ability to pass the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 7, 2025
Based on my research, your 2009 DUI may appear on your DOJ live scan for school employment, as the California Department of Justice maintains comprehensive criminal history records that can go back indefinitely. However, several factors may mitigate its impact on your employment prospects.... View More
As a passenger in my dad's car, I received a ticket for a window tint violation even though my friend was driving, and I can't drive due to a suspension for a year. The car was pulled over solely for the tint issue, and my friend did not receive any citation. Should I be responsible for... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2025
According to California Vehicle Code §26708, a person "shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows" that violates the state's window tint regulations. The law specifically... View More
My daughter received a speeding ticket before she turned 18. Her 18th birthday was on April 16th, and her court date was scheduled for April 17th. Due to a family emergency, we couldn't attend the court date. I called today and was informed that there is now a warrant for her arrest. I've... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2025
When a bench warrant is issued for a missed court appearance, it authorizes law enforcement to arrest the individual at any time, including during routine traffic stops or at home. This can lead to additional penalties including license suspension through the California DMV. Taking immediate action... View More
I received a speeding ticket in January 2025 and my court date was amended by the California Highway Patrol to 7/23/25. I attempted to attend court at the Van Nuys Courthouse West on the original date, but they had no information in their system. Online, I can see my ticket when I search by ticket... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 24, 2025
Based on your situation, it seems there might be confusion in the court system about your ticket processing. Since you can see your ticket information online with the amended court date of 7/23/25, this is likely the correct date you should plan to attend. The original date appears to have been... View More
I have already moved to California, but my Virginia driver's license will be suspended due to a reckless driving charge (117 mph in a 55 mph zone) once I accept a plea deal in court. I have no prior incidents on my driving record and have not consulted the California DMV yet. Will I be able to... View More
answered on Apr 23, 2025
Unlikely until the Virginia matter is cleared, as states share DMV information with one another by common agreement. For details, contact the California DMV's Mandatory Actions Unit at 916-657-6525.
I was pulled over in California for running a red light in Orange County. It was late, and although I thought the light was green, I received a ticket for running a red light. I don’t have any witnesses or dashcam footage. I received instructions in the mail to pay the ticket or attend traffic... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 24, 2025
You typically don't need to appear in court for a red light ticket in California if your goal is simply to avoid points on your driving record. Based on the instructions you received, you have the option to attend traffic school, which will mask the point on your record while still requiring... View More
I was driving a friend's uninsured car in Los Angeles when I got into an accident involving four vehicles caused by another car street racing. The driver at fault fled the scene and hasn't been found. Given my friend didn't have insurance, am I at risk of losing my driver's... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 17, 2025
In California you must show financial responsibility on any vehicle you operate. Because the car lacked insurance you likely face a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance under VC 16028. That citation is an infraction and carries a fine, not an automatic license suspension.... View More
I was convicted of a DWI in California on April 20, 2024, with the original infraction occurring on December 19, 2023. I am currently on informal probation for three years without specific terms related to new offenses. On February 13, 2025, I was pulled over for speeding, and last week, I received... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025
Since you're on informal probation for your DWI, you’re generally required to obey all laws, even if your probation terms don’t mention new offenses specifically. While speeding and red light tickets are traffic infractions, they can still be viewed as violations if a judge believes they... View More
I was convicted of a DWI in California on 4-20-24, with the original infraction on 12-19-23. I have been sentenced to probation, required to attend classes, and pay fines. On February 13, 2025, I was pulled over for speeding, and I also received a red light camera ticket last week. I would like to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025
You're right to be concerned, because while speeding and red light tickets aren’t alcohol-related, they can still affect your DWI probation in California. Probation terms often include obeying all laws, and even minor traffic infractions can technically count as violations. That said, courts... View More
I received a ticket for crossing double white lines after my tire went flat while I was driving in the HOV lane. I tried to pull over safely to the right side of the freeway. There were no clear signs about stopping in the HOV lane during an emergency, and the officer did not believe I had a flat... View More
answered on Mar 18, 2025
Do a lot of these cases where I used the defense of existing emergency or to avoid an accident. Clearly, the fact that you had a flat would create an emergency situation to support your defense and no violation had occurred. This is not a guarantee of your outcome with this suggested defense.... View More
I received a speeding ticket in California about 8 months ago. It was issued in July and was originally due in November. I obtained an extension until February and then requested a trial. Now, my arraignment is in a month. I'm considering just paying the ticket to avoid the court appearance.... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 14, 2025
If you choose to pay your California speeding ticket now, you can usually resolve the matter without needing to appear in court. Paying your ticket typically means you're accepting responsibility, so it closes the case and eliminates the need for further court hearings. However, because... View More
I am a European national who entered the U.S. using the 90-day Visa Waiver Program, which I have overstayed by more than a year. I have not had any contact with law enforcement or ICE. While an attorney mentioned that marriage is my only option to update my status, I am curious to know if there are... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 13, 2025
Given your situation as a European national who entered on a Visa Waiver and overstayed by more than a year, your options for adjusting immigration status are unfortunately limited. Marriage to a U.S. citizen remains the most straightforward route because the Visa Waiver Program restricts your... View More
I received a 'Notice of Correction and Proof of Service' related to VC 40505 for a speeding violation. I was traveling at 60 MPH with the flow of traffic. In the past six months, I've had an accident and two other speeding tickets, for which I've requested reduced fines due to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 5, 2025
Your situation with the VC 40505 notice requires prompt attention, especially considering your recent driving history. This notice is essentially informing you that a correction was made to your original speeding citation, and you now need to respond to the updated information.
Given that... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
