California’s Pay-First Traffic Ticket Policy Scrapped

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Under a new rule adopted by the California Judicial Council, you’ll no longer have to pay your traffic fine before being heard by a judge.

Courts are now being directed to allow appearances for arraignment and trial without deposit of bail, unless certain exceptions are applicable.

Recent estimates show a typical traffic ticket in the Golden State costs around $500, providing you pay on time.

But that can go way up if deadlines are not met, and some courts have been requiring the ticket to be paid, before is can be contested.