California Speeding Ticket: Your 3 Options

Option 1: Just Pay the Fine

What Happens

• Pay $238-$490 (depending on speed)
• 1 point goes on your DMV record
• Point stays for 3 years
• Insurance increases 20-40% for 3-5 years

True Cost

• Ticket fine: $238-$490
• Insurance increase: $1,500-$4,000+ over 3-5 years
• Total: $1,738-$4,490+

Best For

People who just want it over with immediately and don't mind the long-term cost. Not recommended if you care about insurance rates.

Option 2: Fight the Ticket (Recommended)

What Happens

• Submit defense via Trial by Written Declaration
• No court appearance required
• If dismissed: Full bail refund, no points, no insurance impact
• If guilty: Pay the original fine (already covered by bail)

True Cost

• TicketFight AI: $49
• If dismissed: $0 total (bail refunded)
• If not dismissed: Original fine + can still do traffic school

Best For

Everyone. There's no downside—if you lose, you're no worse off than if you'd just paid. If you win, you save thousands.

Option 3: Traffic School

What Happens

• Pay the full ticket fine
• Pay traffic school fee ($20-$50)
• Pay court administrative fee ($50-$65)
• Complete 8-hour online course
• Point is masked from public record (but DMV still sees it)

True Cost

• Ticket fine: $238-$490
• Traffic school course: $20-$50
• Court fee: $50-$65
• Insurance: Usually no increase (point is masked)
• Total: $308-$605

Limitations

• Only available once every 18 months
• Not available for 100+ mph violations
• Not available for misdemeanors
• Not available for CDL holders
• Point still counts toward DMV negligent operator totals

Best For

People who fought and lost, or who definitely want to avoid insurance increases but don't want to fight. Note: You can fight first and still do traffic school if you lose.

The Smart Strategy

1. Fight first ($49)
   Best case: Dismissed, you pay nothing. Worst case: Move to step 2.
2. If you lose TBWD, request Trial de Novo
   You get another chance with an in-person trial.
3. If you lose Trial de Novo, do traffic school
   Masks the point and avoids insurance increases.

This approach maximizes your chances of paying nothing while still having traffic school as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do traffic school if I fight and lose?

Yes! Fighting doesn't disqualify you from traffic school. You can fight first and still elect traffic school if you're found guilty.

What if I can't afford to pay at all?

Request a payment plan or ability-to-pay reduction from the court. Don't ignore the ticket—that makes everything worse with additional penalties.

Is there any risk to fighting?

No. With Trial by Written Declaration, the worst outcome is paying the original fine—exactly what you'd pay if you didn't fight. There's no additional penalty for contesting.

How do I decide between options?

Always try fighting first—it's $49 with no downside. If that doesn't work and you're eligible, do traffic school to avoid insurance increases. Only pay without fighting if you truly don't care about the long-term cost.