Alameda County Superior Court
Traffic Court Self Help

How Do I Take Care Of My Traffic Ticket?

1. What is a Courtesy Notice?

   A courtesy notice will be mailed to the address on your citation within three weeks from the date your citation is issued. This notice will tell you the amount to be paid and/or what proof of correction will be needed to clear the citation. You may clear your traffic citation at any traffic division located at any of the following court locations in Alameda County:

   Berkeley Courthouse
   Hayward Hall of Justice
   Gale/Schenone Hall of Justice (Pleasanton)
   Wiley W. Manuel (Oakland)
   Fremont Hall of Justice
   George E. MacDonald Hall of Justice (Alameda)
   



2. When Do I Have to Respond to the Courtesy Notice?

   The date at the bottom of your citation is not a court date. It is the date by which you should receive a courtesy notice. If you have not received a courtesy notice within 4 weeks of receiving the citation, please bring your citation to one of the Traffic Division windows at the courthouse.

   Most citations can be taken care of through the mail. This includes payments, extensions, traffic school enrollment, or a request to attend night court. When contacting the court by mail or telephone, include your docket or citation number and advise us of any change of address.



3. What Are Your Options?

   You have several options when you receive a citation:

   1. Bail Forfeiture:

      You may clear a citation by bail forfeiture. To do this send in the "amount due" listed on your courtesy notice in box 4. No appearance is required. Upon forfeiture of bail the case is closed. This will show on your DMV record as a conviction. Make checks or money orders payable to the Clerk of Superior Court.

   
   
   2. Proof of correction:

      Your courtesy notice will tell you if your violation is "proof of correction" eligible. This is also explained on your citation. If you show proof of correction your case will be dismissed upon payment of a required $10 dismissal fee.

      Correction may be provided by showing any of the following:

   
   


4. How do I correct a Registration Violation?
   1. Be able to show a valid Registration card for the cited vehicle. The card must be valid NOW, or must have been valid on the date of the violation.
   
   
   
   2. Get a "sign-off" by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a police officer.
   
   
   
   3. Show an "official" receipt from an identified junk dealer indicating that the vehicle has been reduced to scrap (not just sold)Note: The following is NOT ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE: a DMV "Suspense Receipt"; a DMV "Certificate of Non-operation".
   
   
   


5. How do I correct a "No License In Possession" (CVC 12951(a)) Violation?
   1. Be able to show a "hard copy" California Driver’s License valid on the date of the citation.
   
   
   
   2. Get a "sign-off" by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a police officer.
   
   
   


6. How do I correct an "Unlicensed Driver" (CVC 12500(a)) Violation?
   1. Be able to show a "hard copy" California Driver’s License issued after the date of the citation.
   
   
   
   2. Get a "sign-off" by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a police officer.
   
   
   
   


7. How do I get an Equipment Violation dismissed?
   1. Get a "sign-off" by a police officer.
   
   
   
   2. Get an "official" receipt from an identified junk dealer.
   
   
   
   3. For "Smog Devices" a certificate/sign-off by a certified Smog Station (Certification number required)
      Note: For insurance violations see: "Insurance Violations" section.
   
   
   


8. How can I participate in Traffic School?

   Your courtesy notice will tell you if your violation is traffic school eligible. See "Traffic School" section for further information.



9. How do I set a Court Date?

   You can set an Arraignment Hearing, for the Commissioner to further explain your options or you can set a Court Trial to contest the citation. See "Hearing Types and What They Are."