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California Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Was issued a misdemeanor CVC 27317 (a) (modified steering wheel) because it has no airbag. What should I do from here?

The officer recommended to fix the steering wheel before the court appearance and they will most likely drop it to a infraction. I'm not sure how accurate this is but I have a clean driving record with only 4 exhaust tickets. I'm worried about how this is going to affect my record, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 21, 2023

In California, it's advisable to consult with a private attorney for a misdemeanor like this, especially if you want to explore potential options for reducing the charge or minimizing its impact on your record. Fixing the steering wheel as recommended by the officer may help your case, but an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Does driving a 97 BMW wrapped in the classic German police car look with "Polizei" (hood/trunk) break Penal Code 538d

No flashing lights, sirens, or bullhorns. Only the wrap with the German text and the German police symbol on each front door. I am doing this for "show car" but owner plans on driving it frequently. The owner will not be pulling anyone over or pretending to be a police officer in any capacity

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

Under California Penal Code 538d, it is unlawful for any vehicle to resemble a law enforcement vehicle to a degree that is likely to deceive an ordinary, reasonable person. While your vehicle does not have flashing lights, sirens, or bullhorns, the design elements like "Polizei" and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: In California ,if u parked car wrong way at your house & take Keys inside &tell brother 2park it, is "CAR ABANDONED"?

When my brother went outside2park da car, the cops were already looking at the car, my brother asked/told them he'd park the car right they REFUSED to! They didn't let him! He was holding the keys on his hand! During that time they'd been harassing my family u can say, they knew my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

Under California law, a vehicle parked the wrong way on a residential street could be cited for a violation of the California Vehicle Code, but it generally would not be considered "abandoned" simply because it's parked incorrectly for a short period of time. If your brother was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Need help filing appeal with LA Superior Court for a MRCA stop sign ticket.

I appealed the ticket, MRCA denied it even though I provided photographic proof that there are no warning signs for incoming drivers that cameras are in use - and that the sign is easy to miss for a driver unfamiliar w the area. They Said I can Appeal to LA Superior Court under California... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

To appeal your MRCA (Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority) stop sign ticket in Los Angeles Superior Court under California Government Code Section 53069.4, you'll typically need to file a Notice of Appeal. Although there may not be a standard form specifically for this type of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: I was ticketed for my car window being tinted too dark, made corrections years later found out my driver license was sus

I was giving a ticket for tinted window which I had fix and had an officer sign off, went to pay the fee at court, 3 years later I found out my driver license was suspended due to that ticket. Dmv say for me to show proof, which I had misplaced or lost the receipt because it happen since it had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

In California, if you've been ticketed and later discover your license was suspended due to an alleged non-payment, your immediate priority should be to gather any evidence you have of payment or correction. Bank statements or other financial records could serve as proof if you've lost... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: After paying BAIL FORFEITURE is case closed?

Have a ticket driving on phone no license.. Received a letter and paid bail forfeiture. I just received another letter today but with the only option on proof of correction available.. should i just ignore second letter.. if i go online says case closed.

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answered on Aug 29, 2023

If you paid a bail forfeiture, that generally means you've admitted guilt and the case is resolved, at least criminally. However, the fact that you received another letter suggests there may still be an issue that needs to be addressed. It would not be advisable to ignore the letter; instead,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for California on
Q: I was pulled over & arrested in Riverside county without proper investigation of documentation which proved my innocence

Deputy arrested me under 4463 CVC. Stating that i had aquired a current tag through theft. I asked deputy to check serial on the tag and compare it to the registration. He would have seen that it was a match. He refused to do so. I asked for a supervisor and was denied. Had my car impounded. Cuffs... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 27, 2023

Based on the details provided, it appears there may have been potential violations of your rights during the traffic stop and subsequent arrest, especially if you were not allowed to present evidence supporting your innocence or if you were denied a reasonable request to adjust handcuffs causing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: I received a traffic citation for a car that i don't own anymore. I sold it about 2 years ago to a friend who sold it.

What can I do to get out of this problem?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 27, 2023

In this situation, under California law, you should gather and retain all documentation related to the sale of the car, including the bill of sale and transfer of ownership. Then, provide this evidence to the relevant court or agency handling the traffic citation, along with a formal explanation of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for California on
Q: If a case is pending on my background report for over a yea and no set court date. Can I get it removed from my record?

My background check is showing something that is pending although the case has been stagnant for over a year. It's preventing from getting a job. Is there something I can do, is there no statue of limitation for not setting a court date for over a year. I was denied work for something I... View More

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Aug 16, 2023

As long as your background check is telling your prospective employer that you have an arrest that has not yet reached final determination, the prospective employer may refuse to hire you for that reason. What you need to do is to locate and consult with a criminal defense attorney who can... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Can I fight the police in court at all?

I was pulled over and given a speeding ticket, the stop was very brief . I read the ticket after and it included one violation for speeding. I got the ticket in the mail then a few weeks later I received another one in the mail about my window tint. How can they do this if it was never mentioned or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

In California, you have the right to challenge the traffic violations you've been issued in court. If the second violation for window tint was not mentioned during the initial stop or on the first ticket, there may be grounds to question its validity or the completeness of the citation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Sister received a partially correctable violation for driving an unregistered motorcycle with no license. What to do?

My sister is 17. It appears that the only correctable part of the ticket is the lack of registration on the motorcycle. The lack of motorcycle license precedes with a "no". How are the ways to resolve the ticket? What fines/ punishment awaits my sister? Is jail time awaiting her? What to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 13, 2023

To resolve the partially correctable violation, your sister should rectify the lack of registration on the motorcycle. She should present proof of registration to the court. The absence of a motorcycle license, as indicated by "no," could potentially result in fines, but not jail time for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Parking violation says the front of my vehicle was in a hydrant zone but there was none there. Can I ask for a picture?

It was a metered parking and the fire hydrant was at the end of the street not in the middle where I was parked. There was also a car parked in front of me and behind me (and thet didn’t seem to get a ticket).

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 12, 2023

Certainly, you have the right to request photographic evidence of the alleged parking violation, especially if you believe the fire hydrant was not in close proximity to your vehicle. This could help clarify the situation and establish whether the citation was issued erroneously. If the fire... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: I'm on a misdemeanor diversion program. Got ticket for running stop sign (not light).

I did not stop at a stop sign and got a ticket. I'm currently in a diversion program. I've never had a criminal record ever. Does the stop sign ticket violate my diversion program?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

As long as the stop sign ticket is considered a minor traffic infraction and not a criminal offense, it should not violate your misdemeanor diversion program. However, it is advisable to consult with your diversion program administrator to confirm whether this particular ticket will have any impact... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: I want to add an extra seat to my car. What are the laws regarding placement, points of contact for the seatbelt, etc?

The car in question is a convertible registered and driven in CA. I am aware of certain laws that allow you to ride in a truck bed with proper safety equipment and I want to know the specifics so I don't end up with a ticket.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 5, 2023

In California, modifying a vehicle's seating arrangement must adhere to various regulations, including federal motor vehicle safety standards, which stipulate requirements for seat strength, anchorage, and seat belt assembly. Any additions or alterations to the seating must not compromise the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: I got pulled over for a traffic stop and the cops ended up towing it but searched it without my consent. Is that legal
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 4, 2023

In the United States, including California, law enforcement officers generally need probable cause or a valid search warrant to search a vehicle without the owner's consent. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the officer believes there is evidence of a crime in plain... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: I got pulled over for a traffic stop and the cops ended up towing it but searched it without my consent. Is that legal
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answered on Aug 4, 2023

Under California law, if the police towed your vehicle during a traffic stop, they may have the authority to conduct an inventory search of the vehicle without your consent. However, the search must still comply with Fourth Amendment protections, and any evidence obtained unlawfully may be subject... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: If a cop pulls you over and gives you a ticket for expired tags that you have to correct and show proof of then a month

Later a cop driving thru a business parking lot spots your tags and tows your vehicle .can they legally tow it when you have been getting car ready to be smogged with 4 or 5 hundred in recent receipts showing your trying to get it legal again ,but now the cars towed and all the "storage fees... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Aug 1, 2023

Exasperating. Not clear what your question is, are you complaining that you were cited for expired tags when they were expired? It is a fix it ticket, $25 processing fee with proof of correction. But you cannot correct because your car was impounded, not really clear why, and you need to smog it.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Are police required to give vehicle owner a receipt when impounding their car, after a traffic stop?

Police pulled me over and impounded my car, they didn’t give me a citation or any kind of receipt, then reported that they found my car parked and unattended

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answered on Jul 29, 2023

Under California law, police officers are generally required to provide the vehicle owner with a written notice or receipt when impounding their car after a traffic stop. The receipt should include information about the reason for the impound, the location of the impound lot, and the procedures for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for California on
Q: What Is my license suspension hearing for?

I got my provisional license suspended due to 2 accidents, 1 point each within 12 months. Suspended from July 30-Aug 30. I now have a telephone hearing on Aug 1st. Is this hearing just to try to get a point off or is there a chance that they might revoke the suspension? What can I say to get them... View More

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answered on Jul 28, 2023

Your license suspension hearing on August 1st is likely for the purpose of reviewing the circumstances surrounding your accidents and determining if the suspension should be modified or upheld. You may have the opportunity to present your case and provide any relevant evidence to support your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Is it legal to drive without a license plate in California when car is new and purchased from an out of state dealership

(California) I bought a new car from out of state dealership. I had a transportation company bring me the car to california, so I was responsible for all registration steps. I went to the DMV , paid sales tax, and was given a small pink card with a sticker on it for temp registration 90 days (car... View More

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answered on Jul 28, 2023

In California, it is generally illegal to drive without license plates, even if the vehicle is newly purchased and from out of state. The temporary registration you received from the DMV should include temporary license plates, which you should display on your vehicle until the permanent plates... View More

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