Traffic Court

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.

Mandatory Appearance

You may have been cited for a violation which requires you to appear in court. If proof is also required, you must bring the proof to your scheduled appearance date. Failure to appear may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and a hold being placed on your driver's license. Mandatory appearance citations cannot be paid without first appearing in court.

Proof Of Correction (POC)

Proof of Correction is a "Fix It" citation. It allows you to show the violation has been corrected and to pay a mandated Proof of Correction fee.

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, 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.

Court employees throughout the Court are available to assist you, but are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. You are encouraged to discuss any further questions with an attorney. Additional Traffic information may be found at the California Courts Self-Help Center.

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 Alameda County

This site only handles Citations issued by agencies inside Alameda County. Please contact the respective County's Superior Court Traffic Division for Citations issued outside Alameda County.

D.U.I.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases are handled at the Criminal Division.

It is important to read the information on the front and back of your citation:

1. Date and Time of the Citation
2. Violations for which you were cited
3. Issuing Agency
4. Place and Time which you promised to appear
5. Citation Number
6. Misdemeanor Box
7. Location of violation
8. Issuing Officer

By signing the citation in front of the officer, you have given your written promise that you will comply with the information written below your signature.

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On the back of your citation you will see the following:

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On the back of your citation you will see the following:

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A courtesy notice will be mailed to the address on your citation. 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.

The date at the bottom of your citation is not a court date. It is the date by which you should take action on your citation.

If you have not received a courtesy notice within four (4) weeks of receiving the citation, please bring your citation to one of the Traffic Division windows at the courthouse. 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. 

If you do not receive a courtesy notice it may be because:

• The Court has not received the original citation from the law enforcement agency.
• Your current address may not be updated with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and you may not have shown the officer your change of address card along with your driver's license.
• The address written on the citation may be incorrect or incomplete.
• Information may have been missing from the citation and sent back to the officer to amend or correct.
• Post office error.

You are still responsible for contacting the Court whether you receive a notice or not. If you are unsure about your options, appear at the Court no later than the date listed at the bottom of your citation. 

If you have a financial hardship that prevents you from paying for your household's basic needs and the full amount of your traffic ticket, you may ask the Court to consider your ability to pay.  If you qualify, the Court may reduce the amount you owe.

Eligibility

There are three ways to qualify for an ability-to-pay reduction:

1. If you receive public benefits under: SSI, SSP, CalWORKS, Tribal TANF, GR, GA, CAPI, IHSS, or Medi-Cal,

Or

2. If your gross monthly household income (before deductions for taxes) is less than the amount listed below:

Or

3. If your monthly disposable income does not exceed $400.00.

It is your responsibility to provide documentation that supports one of the three requirements to qualify for a reduction.

How to request an ability to pay determination

1. Complete the Request for Ability to Pay Determination,

And

2. Complete the Ability to Pay Checklist,

And

3. Submit the Request, the Checklist, and the documentation indicated on the Checklist to the Clerk's Office.

Important Notes

• A defendant may request an ability-to-pay determination at adjudication, or while the judgment remains unpaid, including when a case is delinquent or has been referred to collections (Vehicle Code 42003(c)). 
• The ability-to-pay determination is for infractions only (not misdemeanors or felonies).
• Once the court determines your ability-to-pay, you can ask it to reconsider if your financial circumstances change.

You have a right to petition the Court to vacate the civil assessment for good cause. Examples of good cause include, but are not limited to: 

• Out-of-state military duty
• Hospitalization
• Incarceration
• You are not the person cited

How to Submit an Application to Vacate Civil Assessment

1. Download the form from the Traffic Court homepage,
2. Complete the form,
3. Submit the form by mail or in person to the Traffic Division in Fremont, Oakland (Wiley W. Manuel), or Dublin (East County Hall of Justice) 
4. Although it is not required you submit proof of ‘good cause’ with your application, it is highly recommended. 

A judicial officer will review your application and attachments, and a notice of decision will be mailed to the address indicated on your application. 

You can get a copy of your citation at the courthouse traffic counter.
Fremont: Fremont Hall of Justice
Oakland: Wiley Manuel Courthouse

The following only applies if you have a preset arraignment or a preset court trial date.

You can look up your preset court date(s) using the Find Your Court Date Online Service.

You may also get this information at the courthouse traffic counter or by telephone. Please have your docket number or citation number ready.

I got a citation that really belongs to someone else. How do I clear it?

Non Photo Redlight Citation

If you believe that you have received a citation or notice from the court in error because someone else used your name or other identification, you should sign up for Walk-In Court and bring your proof of identification.

Walk-In Court is available at the following Courthouses:

Fremont: Fremont Hall of Justice
Oakland: Wiley Manuel Courthouse

Photo Redlight Citation

After a red light camera photograph is taken, the vehicle's registered owner will receive a citation in the mail. It will also include instructions about what to do next, including what to do if you, the registered owner, are not the person pictured behind the wheel.

Not the driver?  Do not pay the citation if you plan to request it be taken out of your name.

If you are the owner and someone else is driving, do the following:

• Complete the "OPTION A: AFFIDAVIT OF NON-LIABILITY-IF YOU WERE NOT THE DRIVER" section on the 'Affidavit of Non Liability With BAIL' document.
• Use the pre-printed return address for the Photo Redlight Vendor to send the document back for processing.

Juvenile citations, Juvenile traffic misdemeanor violations, 14601.1s, 12500s, and VC 20002 are processed through the Probation Department along with other Juvenile violations.

Traffic infraction citations issued to minors are processed and adjudicated at the Superior Court Traffic Divisions. A courtesy notice will be mailed to the Parent/Guardian of the juvenile at the address listed on the citation within four weeks from the date the citation was issued. Follow the instructions on the notice exactly.

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

The juvenile may be eligible to attend traffic school if he/she has not attended within the last 18 months.  18 months is calculated from the date of violation, not when traffic school was last attended.  A Court administrative fee as well as a fee to the Traffic School must be paid. Upon successful completion of Traffic School, the citation will be dismissed.

If the juvenile wishes to contest the citation, the Parent/Guardian must schedule a hearing at which the Parent/Guardian must appear with the juvenile. The Parent/Guardian may do this in person or by mail.

Failure to appear or to comply with the instructions on the Courtesy Notice will result in a hold being placed against the juvenile's driving record, an increase in the bail due and may adversely affect the Parent/Guardian's insurance.

Fine Breakdown

Each violation listed on a citation is assessed a base fine. In addition to the base fine, there are additional assessments added to make up the total fine amount due to the court. The total fine amount due can also be increased by priors or points on a person's driving record. The amounts shown below are applicable to Alameda County and may not apply to other counties. Total fines for traffic violations may be calculated as follows:

Base Fine set by legislation and the Judicial Council of California. Penalty Assessment: Penalty assessments are allocated for such items as court and jail facility construction and other items as noted below.

• $10.00 per $10/base fine per PC 1464 goes 70% to State Trial Court Trust Fund; 30% to County General Fund.
• $2.00 per $10/base fine per GC 76100 goes to the County Courthouse construction fund.
• $2.50 per $10/base fine per GC 76101 goes to the County Jail Construction Fund.
• $0.50 per $10/base fine per GC 76102 goes to County Automated Fingerprint Fund.
• $2.00 per $10/base fine per GC 76104 goes to Maddy Emergency Medical Fund (State/County split).
• $3.00 per $10/base fine per GC 70372.(a) goes to State Court Facilities Construction Fund.
• $1.00 per $10/base fine per GC 76104.6 goes to the DNA Identification Fund (County/State split).
• $3.00 per $10/base fine per GC 76104.7 goes to the DNA Identification Fund (County/State split). (First $1 per $10 effective on violations on/after 07/12/06; additional $2 per $10 effective on violations on/after 06/10/10.)
• $2.00 per $10/base fine per GC 70372(a) goes to the State Court Facilities Construction Fund - Immediate and Critical Needs Account.
• Night Court Assessment Fee pursuant to VC 42006
• DMV record fee pursuant to Vehicle Code 40508.6
• Twenty percent criminal surcharge pursuant to Penal Code 1465.7
• Court Security Fee pursuant to Penal Code 1465.8
• Criminal Conviction Assessment pursuant to GC 70373 goes to the State Court Facilities Construction Fund - Immediate and Critical Needs Account (assessed per conviction).
• Citation Processing Fee per GC 29500(c).

Bail Schedule

In addition, fines can be further enhanced pursuant to Vehicle Code 42009 for committing an offense while driving in a highway construction or maintenance area and pursuant to Vehicle Code 40210 for violations committed in a Safety Enhancement-Double Fine Zone. There are special violations with higher fines for violations committed in a school zone, a business district, a senior center zone, or at a railroad crossing.

The table below lists examples of the total bail amount due for a traffic fine. These amounts do not include any additional assessments due to priors or points on a driving record. If Traffic School is allowed, there is an additional $59.00 added to the total fine due. 

What is a Penalty Assessment?

Penalty Assessment is an amount which is added to all fines and for bail for infractions and low grade misdemeanor offenses. It is charged pursuant to Government Code Section 76000 and Penal Code Section 1464 of the State of California and is subject to change by the Legislature. Click here to view the current penalty assessment amount. 

Uniform Bail Schedule

• Bail Refunds(PDF)

1. How do I get my bail money back?

We will mail the bail refund to the depositor (the person who deposited the money with the Court), unless you have made special arrangements to pick up the refund check. The depositor must show ID to pick up the check.

2. How long will it take?

We will mail the bail refunds within 30 business days after the disposition of the case, or 30 business days after the order of exoneration.

3. Who does the court mail the bail refund to?

We mail the refund check to the person who deposited the bail money (the depositor). The depositor is the person who signed the personal check, money order, or cashier’s check.

4. If my address has changed, how do I tell the court?

When you go to court, tell the Deputy, Commissioner or Clerk that your address has changed. Or, you can send a letter to the court telling them about your change of address. 

Please red the following instructions carefully.

Effective as of July 1, 2011, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) shall hold only one traffic school conviction within an 18-month period confidential. This also applies to non- point count violations, which are not used to determine negligent operator by DMV. If you have attended another traffic school within eighteen months, DMV will not hold your attendance on this citation confidential.

Your traffic citation will be continued for ninety (90) days to allow attendance and completion of the Traffic School Program.

However, in order to accomplish this, you must:

1. Pay a non-refundable Administration Fee, plus the violation bail to the Court.
2. Select the school from the list that will be provided to you.
3. Contact the school of your choice within two weeks, pay the registration fee and register for the class.
4. Successfully complete the course of instruction.
5. Have the school complete the "Certificate of Completion"
6. When you have completed the course, the school will issue you a receipt and the school will electronically file the Certificate of Completion. 

All of the above requirements are your responsibility and must be completed before ninety (90) days. Do not wait to sign up for the school or you may discover that the classes are full and you cannot complete classes and return the "Certificate of Completion" to the Court by the 90th day.

To extend your Traffic School Completion Due Date or to Confirm the court’s receipt of your Traffic School Certificate of Completion, Click on this traffic link 

Confirm court's receipt of Traffic School Certificate of Completion:

You may check online to see if the court received your Certificate of Completion at this link. Wait five to seven business days after completion of traffic school to give the court time to process the certificate.

If you wish to appeal the administrative hearing decision made on your parking violation by the ticketing entity (city, county, and so forth), you have 30 days from the date of mailing of the decision to file an Appeal with the Superior Court.  Please follow the instructions provided to you by the ticketing entity. 

If you choose to appeal their decision, you must file your Appeal in the civil division of the Superior Court located at either the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, or at the Hayward Hall of Justice, 24405 Amador Street, Hayward.  There is a $25 fee for filing your Appeal. 

You can access traffic court Self-Help information at the Resource Center.

California Courts Traffic Information

May 1, 2017 - The Court has recently adopted a new program for individuals who are unable to pay traffic fines. For more information, click on the topic "What if I cannot afford to pay?" above, under Traffic Court General Information & FAQs.

Payments may be made online, using our automated phone system (IVR) 1-866-822-0560, by mail, and in person. 

To pay by Internet

Click this link to pay your citation online. VISA and MasterCard accepted. Please note: Some citations cannot be processed online.

To pay by telephone

You can pay your citation over the telephone using our Automated Phone System (IVR) 1-866-822-0560. You will need a touch-tone telephone and a credit card (VISA and MasterCard accepted). Please follow the instructions on your courtesy notice for the appropriate phone number to call. There is a $6.00 convienence fee to use this service. Please note: Some citations cannot be processed using the Automated Phone System.

To pay by mail

Write your docket number on your check and all correspondence. Make checks/money orders payable to CLERK OF THE COURT. Mail the return portion of the courtesy notice and payment to the Court address listed on the courtersy notice. VISA and MasterCard accepted.

To pay in person

Visit the courthouse's Traffic Division to pay your Citation, at the Traffic counter. VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Fines

If you plead guilty or are found guilty by the Commissioner, you will be fined. You may pay the amount of the fine that same day or enter into a contract to make monthly payments until the fine is paid. If you are unable to pay the fine, you may request volunteer work at your court appearance. With this option, you work your fine off at the rate of $28.00 per hour.

Fremont: Fremont Hall of Justice

Oakland: Wiley Manuel Courthouse

Dublin: East County Hall of Justice

Delinquent fines

Delinquent traffic fines are referred to our collection agency.  The court website online tool "Pay your Traffic Tickets" is not available for delinquent fines.  Please go to the collection agency website to pay your delinquent traffic fine.  If you have questions about your delinquent account, please call the collection agency at (844) 544-5358.

Collection Agency

Fix It - Proof of Correction

Correct (fix) the violation and then contact any law enforcement agency to arrange for an officer to verify and sign off on the correction. You can mail or bring the the signed verification to the Courthouse's Traffic Division along with the state mandated fee (40611 CVC) no later than the due date shown on your courtesy notice, to clear the violation.

Registration - Proof of Correction

If you are charged with expired registration, mail a copy of your current registration or bring your current registration to Courthouse's Traffic Division by the due date shown on your courtesy notice along with the state mandated fee (40611 CVC).

Driver's License - Proof of Correction

For driver's license violations, mail a copy of your driver's license or a citation/courtesy notice which has been signed off by the the DMV or bring these or your driver's license to the Courthouse's Traffic Division by the due date shown on your courtesy notice along with the state mandated fee (40611 CVC).

Insurance - Proof of Correction

If you are charged with no proof of insurance, mail or bring proof that you were insured on the date of the violation to the Courthouse's Traffic Division counter by the due date shown on your courtesy notice along with the state mandated fee (40611 CVC).

Valid proof of insurance may be any one of the following:

• A photocopy of the official card issued by an insurance company showing name of the insurance company
• policy number
• effective (beginning and ending) dates of the policy (policy must be in effect at the time of the violation)
• name of defendant or vehicle information (must match person or vehicle listed on the citation)
• A photocopy of the actual insurance policy providing all of the above information
• A statement on insurance company letterhead providing all of the above information

Notice to Correct (CHP 281)

This citation is issued by the California Highway Patrol for certain types of correctable violations. You are required to submit proof of correction(s) directly to the CHP within 30 days. Failure to comply will result in the citation being referred to the court.

Why is there a proof of correction fee when the officer said there would be no fee?

The proof of correction fee is statutory (Vehicle Code section 40611) for all correctable violations.

Am I responsible for an equipment violation on a car I am driving that is not mine?

Yes, unless the ticket is issued in the name of the registered owner of the vehicle you are driving.

What if I have sold the car that was cited for an equipment violation or it is inoperable?

Selling a vehicle that has been cited for mechanical violations does not relieve the owner of the responsibility of the proof of correction for those violations. If you have sold or donated the car or it has become inoperable, you must set a court date to appear and provide proof of sale, donation, or inoperability to clear the ticket. You should support your case with any relevant paperwork.

DMV Hold

A DMV hold may be set for failure to appear (40508a CVC), or a failure to comply (40508c CVC). To clear a DMV Hold, you must post and forfeit bail or post bail and schedule a future court date. The DMV hold is removed once bail is posted.

Payment may be made online, using our Automated Phone system (IVR) 1-866-822-0560, in person, or by mail.

Make checks payable to CLERK OF THE COURT. Write your docket number on the check and any correspondence. Mail the return portion of the courtesy notice and payment to the Court address listed on the courtesy notice. You will receive your court date, if needed, by return mail.

Warrant

A warrant may be issued for your arrest for failure to appear (40508a CVC), or a failure to comply (40508c CVC). To clear your outstanding warrant, you must post and forfeit bail or post bail and schedule a future court date.

Payment may be made by mail or in person. If the warrant does not require a mandatory court appearance, payment can also be made online and using our Automated Phone system (IVR).

Make checks payable to CLERK OF THE COURT. Write your docket number on the check and any correspondence. Mail the return portion of the courtesy notice and payment to the Court address listed on the courtesy notice. You will receive your court date, if needed, by return mail.

Fremont: Fremont Hall of Justice

Oakland: Wiley Manuel Courthouse

The Citation Date the officer writes next to WHEN on the citation indicates that by or before that date you should receive a Courtesy Notice.

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When you receive the Courtesy Notice, it will have the actual Due Date for your citation.

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If you have not received a Courtesy Notice by or before the Citation Date, contact us at Ask Traffic.

Failure to appear or to 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. Your bail may also be increased and a Civil Assessment imposed. 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 payments due. In addition, the court may deem your failure to appear as an election to proceed with the case by trial by written declaration pursuant to Vehicle Code section 40903.

Attention: Failure to pay your fine may result in increased financial penalties.

Failure to Appear (40508a CVC)

Failure to appear on your scheduled court date may result in one or more of the following penalties:

• A Civil Assessment may be imposed and your case referred to collection
• A warrant may be issued for your arrest
• You may be tried in absentia (in your absence)

Civil Assessment

Pursuant to Penal Code 1214.1, ". . . the court may impose a civil assessment of $100 against any defendant who fails, after notice and without good cause, to appear in court for any proceeding authorized by law or who fails to pay all or any portion of a fine ordered by the court."

Acceptable good cause is defined as written proof of medical incapacitation, hospitalization, incarceration, or out-of-state military duty. Proof must be verifiable and written on appropriate letterhead stationery.

Failure to respond within 15 days of a Civil Assessment notice will result in the entry of a civil judgment and referred to collection. In addition, a request may be sent to DMV to suspend your driver's license based on your failure to appear.

To avoid these penalties, the original bail plus the civil assessment amount must be received by the court within 15 days of the notice. Proof of correction for appropriate violations must accompany the payment to clear the case. Return the notice with your payment and any required proof of correction. 

Owner's Responsibility

When a "hold" is issued, a notice is usually mailed to you. This notice informs you that additional fees were added to the original bail amount owed. Once the Court issues a "hold" on your citation, you may not be able to register your vehicle until this issue is resolved.
Once the bail/fine is paid or a court appointment is reserved, the court will remove the DMV hold.

DMV Hold

When a "hold" is issued, a notice is usually mailed to you. This notice informs you that additional fees were added to the original bail amount owed. Once the Court issues a "hold" on your citation, you may not be able to renew your license until this issue is resolved.

Once the bail/fine is paid or a court appointment is reserved, the court will remove the DMV hold.

Warrant

A warrant may be issued for your arrest for failure to appear, failure to pay, or failure to comply.

Once the warrant is paid, the court will recall the warrant to avoid an arrest. If the court appointment is not kept then another arrest warrant, a bench warrant and/or a DMV "Hold" will be issued and additional fees imposed.

The due date shown on your courtesy notice may be extended only once. This one time extension of 30 days may be requested online, at the Courthouse traffic counter, by mail, or by telephone.  Please have your docket number or citation number ready.

Extensions for more than 30 days require a court appearance.

Benefits

If you attend and complete a licensed traffic school program and submit a completion certificate to the court within the time allowed; effective July 1, 2011, the DMV will hold the conviction confidential and it will not show on your driving record.

If you are eligible and do not attend Traffic School your automobile insurance may be adversely affected pursuant to 42007(f) CVC.

Eligibility

You may choose to attend Traffic Violator School for certain vehicle violations. To be eligible for the Traffic Violator School Program, you must meet all of the following criteria:

You must pay the bail amount and a State Mandated Traffic School administrative fee before signing up for Traffic School. This is in addition to the amount charged by the Traffic School you select.

• You have a valid commercial, or non-commercial driver’s license at the time you were cited. (As of September 13, 2012, holders of commericial driver’s licenses, who are driving a non-commercial vehicle at the time of the violation, are eligible to attend traffic violator school.)
• You are not currently attending, and have not attended, a traffic school program within the last 18 months. California Vehicle Code Section 1808.7 mandates that only one citation in an eighteen (18) month period be held confidential from public view on your driving record. The eighteen (18) month period is calculated from vioation date to violation date, not classroom attendance date.
• Your citation must be for a moving violation, is not a misdemeanor, and your were not driving a commercial vehicle
• Violation does not require a mandatory appearance in court.
• Your citation does not involve alcohol or drugs.
• Your citation is not for Vehicle Code sections 22406.5 or 21655.5.
• If your case involves a failure to appear, warrant, or civil assessment, the failure to appear, warrant, or civil assessment charge must be adjudicated or paid in full before you can attend traffic violator school.

WARNING: If you are not eligible to attend, but do so anyway, the conviction will be reported on your driving record and there will be no refund of any fees paid.

Payment and Fees

If you meet all of the conditions listed above, you may choose to attend Traffic Violator School. You must post the full bail amount and any required proof of correction fee, and a non-refundable, State-mandated administrative fee. Payment in full must be received prior to applying for traffic school. Traffic schools also charge a separate tuition that includes the cost of your completion certificate. The amount of tuition varies. Call the school of your choice for the exact amount of tuition. Home Study/Internet courses are also available.

Payment may be made online, using our IVR phone system, by mail, or in person.

Extensions

If you are not going to be able to complete the school and return the Certificate of Completion to the court by the due date, you must request a one time 30 day extension of time. This can be done online, by phone, or in person.

Find a Traffic School

Upon payment, a qualified list of both classroom and on-line traffic schools will be provided. Your case will be extended 90 days to allow for completion of school and return of the certificate of completion. Traffic schools are private businesses and will charge an additional fee.

Find a Traffic School

Traffic School Certificates

Your traffic citation will be held confidential upon proof of completion of Traffic School. Timely presentation of the Proof of Completion to the court is your responsibility and not that of the school or postal service. The certificate must be received by the Court on or before the disposition date (due date). If remitting the certificate by mail, allow a minimum of 10 days prior to the due date to ensure proper processing.

• Your certificate will not be accepted if: Payment has not been received or paid in full.
• The certificate is from any school that has not been approved by the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda.

Failure to Complete

Failure to submit proof of completion by the due date will result in your bail being forfeited, the violation being reported to DMV as a conviction, and a point count on your driving record.

Fremont: Fremont Hall of Justice

Oakland: Wiley Manuel Courthouse

What is a Photo Red Light Violation

Cameras have been installed at specific signal controlled intersections to take video and pictures of vehicles which cross the intersection on a red light. A photo is taken of the front of the vehicle and front license plate when the vehicle’s speed and position trip a sensor located before the intersection a photo is also taken of the driver when the vehicle enters the intersection on a red light. The photo information is submitted to law enforcement through an automated records database and a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Courtesy Notice

You will receive two courtesy notices, one from the Redlight Vendor and one from the Court. They will outline the details of your violation and your options to resolve the violation.

View Video Violation

The courtesy notice will provide steps on how you can view your violation online using the following link View Your Photo Red Light Video. You may also view your violation on kiosks located at the Citing Agency.

Payment

Payment may be made online, using our IVR phone system 1-866-822-0560, by mail, or in person.

Contest in Court

To contest your violation, please click on the topics "How do I contest my Citation" and "How do I prepare for Court" on this page.

Not the Owner

If you are the person in the Red Light camera photograph and were driving a company car, do the following: Have your company complete the "OPTION A: AFFIDAVIT OF NON-LIABILITY-IF YOU WERE NOT THE DRIVER" section on the 'Affidavit on Non Liability With Bail' document. Use the pre-printed return address for the Photo Redlight Vendor to send the document back for processing.

DO NOT SEND this document to the court.  Doing so will result in delaying processing for your citation.

It is recommended that the requested documentation be sent certified mail with a return receipt.

Upon receipt of the above documentation, the Citing Agency will dismiss the citation from the company's name and issue a citation to the person that has been identified as the driver. The citation in the company's name will not be dismissed until the Court has received the completed identification form or payment has been made.

If the citation is to be taken out of the company name: DO NOT PAY THE CITATION.

Not the Driver

Please click on the topic "I was not the driver" on this page. 

To contest your citation, you must appear for arraignment or schedule a future court trial date. Bail must be posted to schedule a future court trial date.

At the arraignment, if you plead "Not Guilty," your case will be continued or scheduled for a court trial date.

If your violation is an Infraction, you may also contest a citation without appearing in court simply by requesting a trial by written declaration on or before the due date on your courtesy notice. Bail must be posted.

Contesting a Citation

Arraignment and Court Trial without Posting Bail

Pursuant to California Rule of Court 4.105 you may request a court trial without the deposit of bail. Two court appearances are required if you wish to contest the violation(s) without posting bail. You must appear first in Walk-in Court for arraignment and enter a plea of Not Guilty on or before the due date on your courtesy notice. A future court date will be scheduled at that time. 

Arraignment and Court Trial with Posting Bail

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 40519 (a) and (b) you may choose to have your arraignment and court trial in the same hearing by submitting your signed request and posting the total bail amount on or before the due date on your courtesy notice. Bail must be posted in person or by mail in full. The court will mail your scheduled court date to you upon receipt of your request.

Court Trial

The examination of facts and law will be presided over by a judge (or other magistrate such as a commissioner or judge pro tem). The officer(s) will be subpoenaed to present any factual evidence. At this time, you must also be prepared to produce all evidence, documents, or witnesses to support your case. You have the right to bring witnesses or have a lawyer present. The Court will not provide an attorney.

Trial by Written Declaration

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 40902 you may request a trial by mail and no court appearance is required. The Trial by Declaration procedure allows you to plead not guilty by submitting your signed request or completed TR-205 forms and the total bail amount to the Court on or before the due date on your courtesy notice. Bail must be posted in person or by mail in full.

This procedure is not available for misdemeanors, accidents, mandatory court appearances, or non-traffic local ordinance violations.

If you choose this option, you will mail to Court a written statement on a Trial by Written Declaration form explaining and outlining the facts and events of the case. You may include any documentary evidence that could help your case. The Court will subpoena a written report from the citing officer. The Commissioner will review all documentation and the ruling will be issued by mail. If you are dissatisfied with the judgment, you may request a new trial if you do so within 20 days of the mailing of the notice of judgment.

The following conditions must be met in order to qualify for a Trial by Written Declaration:

• Full bail must be paid.
• Violation(s) must be vehicle code infractions only.
• No accident involved.
• No failure to appear or failure to pay fine on the case.
• No prior failure to appear on the case.
• Enter a "not guilty" plea in writing.

Instructions and forms for a Trial by Written Declaration may be obtained by contacting the court through the mail, in person, or by selecting the following links: Instructions for completing a Request for Trial by Written Declaration form.

Arraignment

An arraignment is an initial appearance in court. At the arraignment, the charges are presented, the opportunity to enter a plea is given and, in certain cases, a determination is made whether the party has or needs an attorney. The bail amount may be set and a future appearance may be scheduled. The citing officer(s) will not be present.

At the arraignment you may enter one of the following pleas:

1. Guilty: You admit to the violations(s). You may still explain the circumstances to the judicial officer. Your appearance is necessary and will result in a conviction once you enter your plea.
2. Not Guilty: You deny the violation(s) and want to appear with the citing officer present.
3. No Contest: You neither admit nor deny the violation(s). This plea is treated the same as a guilty plea.

Court Trial

The court trial is where you will be able to contest your citation. The Court will listen to the statement of the sworn witnesses against you, and may question each witness. You may then present your case to the Court, and the Court will rule on the matter.

Tips on Presenting Your Case In Court

• Tell the Commissioner what street or highway you were on, what intersection, if any, was involved, and the direction you were traveling.
• Describe what happened in the order it happened. Present your best reasons first for why you think your ticket should be dismissed.
• Simple and to the point is best. If the Commissioner asks you any questions, try to answer them directly.

Tips on What Not to Do In Court

• Don't Interrupt or argue with the Commissioner or the police officer.
• Don't Repeat yourself unnecessarily.
• Don't come into court unprepared, without the documents you need for your case.

Identification

You may be required to present picture identification in court.

Case Related Documents

Bring all case related material to assist you in presenting your case. See Citations for further information on proof(s) of correction.

Be Prepared To Pay

At the conclusion of your appearance in court, be prepared to pay your fine in full.

Arrive On Time

At the start of every session, the Court provides an advisement video or brochure explaining your rights. It is important to arrive on time. It may take up to three (3) hours to complete your traffic court appearance.

Interpreter

Interpreter services are available, but must be ordered at the time of arraignment or request for a court trial.

Cell Phones & Pagers

Keep cell phones and pagers silent while in court.  

Court - Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the trial take?

Most trials take a very short amount of time, but you should plan to be at court for at least 3 hours on that day. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR TRIAL DATE, DEPARTMENT, AND TIME.

Should my witnesses appear?

If you have witnesses that are necessary to your defense, you should have them subpoenaed to appear in court. You can obtain the subpoena form from the Clerk's Office. Do this well in advance of your trial date. Complete the subpoena form, have the subpoena served, and file the subpoena with the proof of service with the Court on or before your trial date. NOTE: A defendant cannot serve the subpoena. The person served (witnesses) must be given reasonable advance notice of the date and time to appear for trial.

Should I bring my evidence?

If you have photos, diagrams, reports, or any other exhibits which you plan to present at the time of the trial, bring them with you on your trial date.

Will the officer who wrote the citation be in court?

The officer will be subpoenaed to appear in court.

What happens when I get to court?

The bailiff or clerk will give some preliminary instructions and then check in those people appearing in court. A Judge Or Court Commissioner who, pursuant to Government Code Section 72190, has been empowered to rule on infraction matters, will then call the cases. The Court will listen to the statement of the sworn witnesses against you, and may question each witness. You may then present your case to the Court, and the Court will rule on the matter.

What if I am found not guilty?

If you are found Not Guilty, your bail deposit will be returned to you by mail within six to eight weeks. Immediately after the trial, check with the clerk or bailiff to verify your current address.

What if I am found guilty?

In most cases, when you are found guilty, the sentence imposed will be a fine not exceeding the amount of bail you have deposited. The fine will be taken from the bail and the remaining amount will be refunded.

What if I do not appear at the trial time?

Your bail will be forfeited, and your driving record will show a conviction.

What if I need to change my trial date?

If it becomes necessary to change your court date, you may do so only once. Your request must be made at least ten court days prior to your trial date to secure a new date. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to the minimum 10-day requirement.

Can I set a court date for a relative?

No.

Can I appear in court for a relative?

You can appear for a relative for the limited purpose of informing the court why that relative is not available to appear on the court date set. The court has discretion whether or not to accept the excuse and set a new date.

Appeals

If you disagree with the Court's ruling, you have the right to an appeal. An appeal is not a retrial. New evidence such as testimony and exhibits are not given to the appellate court; it sees only what evidence was given to the trial court. An appeal is a legal procedure used to ask the court to reconsider a court decision. If you feel the judge has made a legal error in the decision, then you may file an appeal. The papers must be completed and filed with the Clerk's Office at the location where the case was heard, within 30 days of the court decision or within 30 days of the mailing of judgement. There is no charge to file an appeal.

You must prepare what is called a Proposed Statement of Appeal. This statement must be filed within 15 days from the date the Notice of Appeal was filed with the Court. Along with the testimony and evidence, the statement must contain your legal reason for the appeal. The statement may also be filed at the same time as the Notice of Appeal form.

Filing an appeal does not stay execution of the sentence unless a judicial officer orders a stay. Be aware that the fine and any orders by the Court must be paid/complied to the Court by the due date.

A Hearing to Settle Statement on Appeal is scheduled. The judicial officer who made the decision on your case will usually conduct the hearing. You and the judicial officer will discuss the Engrossed Statement on Appeal, a document that will be forwarded to the Appellate Court.

You can pick up an appeal packet at the Traffic Division after the appeal has been filed. You will be scheduled for a hearing for a Settled Statement of Facts.

• Instructions On Appeal Procedures for Infractions
• Notice of Appeal of Oral Proceedings (Infraction)
• Proposed Statement On Appeal (Infraction)
• Order Concerning Appellant's Proposed Statement on Appeal (Infraction)
• Abandonment of Appeal (Infraction)

The case is forwarded to the Appellate Department for a ruling. A decision or ruling takes up to three months. Sometimes the Court will require another court appearance to clarify your written statement. Information will be sent through the mail which includes all proceedings and rulings.