Self-Help Traffic
Traffic at a Glance
Most traffic tickets are for minor infractions of the law (see examples below). If you were arrested or received a ticket for a more serious violation such as driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run, speed contest, or reckless driving, these are considered misdemeanor and felony offenses and you should refer to the Criminal section of the Court’s main website for information.
The Self-Help Traffic section explains how to deal with traffic violations, including:
- Moving violations (such as speeding or failing to stop at a red light)
- Equipment violations
- Registration, driver’s license, and insurance violations
- Photo red light violations
- Parking tickets
- Failing to timely take care of your ticket
The website also explains options available, such as:
- Obtaining an extension on a due date
- Enrolling in traffic school
- Paying your ticket
- Financial Hardship – Ability to Pay Determination Request (fine reduction)
- Showing proof of correction of an equipment violation, registration, license, or insurance violation
- How to see a judge
- Setting a trial date if you think you are not guilty
Other helpful information that you will find in this section includes:
- Resources and obtaining help with your ticket
- Online services, including looking up your ticket
- Courtesy Violation Information Notice information
- Preparing for a court appearance
- Appealing a decision of the court
Assistance by Phone, In-Person, or Online
Criminal and Traffic CALL CENTER (657) 622-8459: Automated services and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer service agents are available on Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SELF-HELP SERVICES HOURS OF OPERATION:
| Courthouse | Location | Clerk's Office Hours | Self-Help Services Hours | Self-Help Document Review Hours |
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700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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 In-person Self-Help Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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In-person Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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341 The City Drive South Orange, CA 92868-3205 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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In-person Self-Help Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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In-person Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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3390 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1554 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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 Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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8141 13th Street Westminster, CA 92683 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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1275 N Berkeley Ave Fullerton, CA 92832 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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4601 Jamboree Rd Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
SUPERIOR COURT OF ORANGE COUNTY WEBSITE:
To conduct court business via online services, which includes requesting an extension, establishing a payment plan or making a payment, submitting electronic correspondence, submitting proof of correction online, reserving a court date, or setting up automatic reminders for your case(s), access My Court Portal as a guest user or create an account.
Traffic Courthouse Locations and Hours
You can go to any of the courts below for assistance with your traffic ticket. The Central Justice Center, North Justice Center, and the Superior Court Service Center also have a Self-Help Centers that will provide additional help.
Regular Court Traffic Division Hours:
Monday thru Friday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
To Appear Before a Judge:
You must reserve a court date. To conduct court business via online services, which includes requesting an extension, establishing a payment plan or making a payment, submitting electronic correspondence, submitting proof of correction online, reserving a court date, or setting up automatic reminders for your case(s), access My Court Portal as a guest user or create an account.
Drop Box Information:
Drop boxes or door slots are located at each of the courthouses below, with 24/7 access. Payments, proof of correction (fix-it-tickets) with the correct fee, and properly completed documents placed in drop boxes before 4:00pm on an open court day will be considered received on the same date.
| Central Justice Center 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Traffic Division - 1st Floor |
Harbor Justice Center- Newport Beach Facility 4601 Jamboree Rd. Newport Beach, CA 92660-2595 Traffic Division - Outside Windows |
Making payments or Corresponding by Mail: Superior Court P.O Box 6040 Newport Beach, CA 92658-6040 |
| North Justice Center 1275 N. Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832-1258 Traffic Division - 3rd Floor Collections Office - Lower Level (Inside Traffic Division Lobby, Windows 7-10) |
West Justice Center 8141 13th St. Westminster, CA 92683-4593 Traffic Division - Outside Windows
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Traffic Division Hours: |
Traffic Forms and Law
Traffic forms are available online. Traffic and Self-Help Center staff can answer general questions if you need help completing forms. See above for locations and hours.
LOCAL FORMS:
Local Traffic Forms from the Orange County Superior Court Website
STATE FORMS:
State Forms from the California Courts Website
Tip: Use the dropdown box to choose "Traffic Infractions"
LAWS:
California Vehicle Code - Use this link to read the laws you were charged with violating (example Vehicle Code section 22350-speeding).
Traffic Copy and Record Search Requests
COPY AND RECORD SEARCH REQUESTS:
Find information on how to request records and copies of documents.
WHERE DO I FIND MY OC PAY NUMBER?
Traffic Bail (Fines)
SCHEDULE OF STATE TRAFFIC FINES AND PENALTIES:
Find a listing of bail (fines) for most traffic violations
Caution: Other statutory fees and assessments may also be owing. Use this schedule as a guideline only.
Additional Resources
CALIFORNIA COURTS SELF-HELP CENTER:
The Traffic Section of the California Courts Self-Help Center has information on traffic issues, including common questions, pending traffic-related legislation, and links to other sites.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES WEBSITE:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
NEED LEGAL HELP?
The Court Related External Links section of this website lists state and local BAR Associations, as well as non-profit law agencies which offer lawyer referral services.