How do I fight a traffic ticket in San Diego?

To fight a traffic ticket in San Diego, request a Trial by Written Declaration from the San Diego Superior Court. Submit form TR-205 with your defense and bail amount. The court will mail you the verdict within 60-90 days.

Where is San Diego traffic court?

San Diego County has multiple court locations including the Kearny Mesa Traffic Court (8950 Clairemont Mesa Blvd), Downtown Superior Court, and branches in El Cajon, Chula Vista, and Vista. Check your ticket for your assigned court.

How much is a speeding ticket in San Diego?

Speeding ticket fines in San Diego County range from $238 for minor violations to $490+ for excessive speed. These include California base fines plus county and state fees. Insurance increases can add thousands more.

Fight a Traffic Ticket in San Diego County

San Diego County sees heavy traffic enforcement on its freeways and highways. Whether you were cited on I-5, I-8, or I-15, you have options to fight your ticket and avoid the costly consequences of a conviction.

San Diego Traffic Court Locations

Kearny Mesa Traffic Court - 8950 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego
Downtown Superior Court - 1100 Union St, San Diego
El Cajon Courthouse - 250 E Main St, El Cajon
Chula Vista Courthouse - 500 Third Ave, Chula Vista
Vista Courthouse - 325 S Melrose Dr, Vista

Common Ticket Locations in San Diego

Most San Diego traffic tickets are issued on the county's major freeways. I-5 sees heavy CHP presence along the entire corridor from the border to Oceanside. I-8 has speed enforcement through Mission Valley and continuing east into the mountains, while I-15 features regular radar enforcement from downtown through Escondido.

SR-163 has known speed traps through the Balboa Park area, and SR-56 sees frequent local enforcement as a busy east-west connector. If you received your ticket on any of these routes, you're dealing with common enforcement zones where successful defenses happen regularly.

How to Fight Your San Diego Ticket

San Diego Superior Court accepts Trial by Written Declaration for most traffic infractions. Obtain form TR-205 from the court or online, then pay the bail amount (which gets refunded if you win). Submit your written defense before your due date, and the court will mail you the verdict—typically within 60-90 days. Even if you lose, you can request a trial de novo within 20 days for an in-person hearing.

San Diego Fine Schedule

Speed Over Limit	Total Fine	Points
1-15 mph	$238	1
16-25 mph	$367	1
26+ mph	$490	1
100+ mph	$900+	2

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