Traffic Court
Riverside County CA Traffic Court provides several ways for drivers to handle traffic citations, pay fines, request traffic school, schedule court appointments, submit correction documents, and contest eligible violations. This guide explains how to use Riverside Superior Court traffic services, locate the right court resources, prepare required information, and avoid common mistakes when managing a traffic case.
Traffic Court Services and Locations
The Riverside Superior Court Traffic Division handles traffic-related matters through multiple court locations. Traffic Court services are available in Banning, Blythe, Corona, Indio at the Larson Justice Center, Moreno Valley, and Murrieta at the Southwest Justice Center.
Drivers can use court services for several traffic-related needs, including paying citations, requesting traffic school, arranging payment agreements, scheduling appointments with traffic clerks, searching court records, and resolving specific correction requirements. The correct location depends on the traffic case and the court location listed on the citation or court notice.
Paying a Traffic Ticket
Riverside Superior Court provides several payment options for traffic citations and fines. Before making a payment, users should have either their citation number or case number available. The citation number is the full number shown on the traffic ticket provided by law enforcement, while the case number may appear on the bail notice or courtesy notice.
Payments can be made online through the court’s traffic payment service. Users may also pay by mail, telephone through the automated payment system, or through available court self-service terminals at certain courthouse locations. The court also provides payment options through approved payment services and direct bank account payments.
For payments by mail, checks or money orders should be payable to Riverside Superior Court and include the case number. Credit card payments by mail require completing the payment information on the courtesy notice coupon and mailing the payment materials to the court’s Payment Processing Center.
Payment Plans for Traffic Fines
Drivers who cannot pay the full amount of a traffic case may request a payment plan. Payment plans can be established by telephone, in person at a Traffic Court location, or by mail. Requests submitted by mail require the appropriate agreement form, the courtesy notice payment coupon, and the first installment payment.
Traffic school payment plans are also available and must be paid in three equal installments. The court provides payment plan options for eligible traffic cases, allowing users to address their financial obligations through scheduled payments instead of paying the entire amount at once.
Traffic School Eligibility
Traffic school may be available for drivers who meet certain requirements. The citation must generally involve a moving violation under the California Vehicle Code, and the driver must not have attended traffic school for another violation within the previous 18 months.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
The driver was not operating a commercial vehicle when the violation occurred.
The citation does not include a charge requiring a mandatory court appearance.
The violation does not involve alcohol or drugs.
For speeding violations, the driver did not exceed 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
Drivers approved for traffic school must attend a DMV-approved course. When attending traffic school, the driver must provide the appropriate court code. Western Region locations, including Banning, Corona, Hemet, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, and Temecula, use court code 33460. Desert Region locations, including Blythe and Indio, use court code 33450.
If a driver qualifies for traffic school but chooses not to attend, the conviction may affect automobile insurance. If a person attends traffic school without being eligible, the conviction may still be reported and fees paid may not be refunded.
Requesting Ticket Extensions
Drivers may request an extension for a traffic ticket. Riverside Superior Court allows one 60-day extension from the appearance date shown on the ticket. Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or through the court’s automated telephone system.
For extensions beyond the available 60-day period, drivers must schedule an appointment with a court clerk. Keeping track of appearance dates and responding before deadlines can help prevent additional consequences associated with missed court obligations.
Traffic Court Appointments
Traffic clerk appointments are available for users who need assistance with traffic tickets. Appointments with traffic clerks are available by phone. The court’s appointment system provides scheduling options for traffic-related clerk assistance.
Court staff can provide general information about court procedures and practices but cannot provide legal advice about a case. Users should have their citation information or case number available when requesting assistance.
Correcting Traffic Violations
Some traffic violations may be corrected by submitting proof of correction. If a citation identifies a violation as correctable, the driver must complete the required correction process and submit proof along with the required payment.
For a correctable violation, the driver may take the citation to a law enforcement office during normal business hours for an officer to sign the back of the citation. The signed proof of correction and payment should then be submitted to Riverside Superior Court.
If a citation has been lost, drivers may download the Certificate of Correction form, obtain case information through court records, complete the required information, and return the form by mail or through eSubmit.
If a case includes both a moving violation and a correctable violation, the moving violation must also be resolved when submitting proof of correction. Proof of correction will not be accepted after the fine on the case has already been paid.
Insurance Violation Requirements
Drivers cited for insurance violations may be able to request dismissal or a reduced fine by providing proof of valid insurance information. Insurance documentation must include the insured person’s name, policy number, issuance and expiration dates, vehicle description, and license number.
If valid insurance existed on the date of the violation, the charge may be dismissed with a correction fee. If insurance was obtained after the violation date, the fine may be reduced. Some insurance violations cannot be reduced or dismissed based on correction rules.
Insurance proof may be submitted online through eSubmit, by mail, or in person at a Traffic Court location. Insurance violations cannot be signed off or corrected by law enforcement.
Mandatory Court Appearances
Some traffic cases require a mandatory court appearance. A courtesy notice will indicate when a mandatory appearance is required. The appearance must take place at the court location listed on the ticket.
Certain charges requiring mandatory appearance include speeding violations involving speeds greater than 100 miles per hour and specific violations involving drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol content of .05 or more.
Drivers scheduling a court appearance should have their case number or citation number available. This information can be found on the citation or courtesy notice. Only the named driver listed on the citation may appear unless the court accepts documentation explaining why another arrangement is needed.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket
Most traffic infraction cases may be contested through either a trial by written declaration or a court trial. A trial by written declaration allows the driver and citing officer to submit written statements for review without appearing in court.
To request a trial by written declaration, the driver must submit the required paperwork and the full bail amount together. The judicial officer reviews the submitted statements and documents before making a decision.
A driver who wants to contest a ticket through a court trial must first appear for an arraignment hearing unless bail is deposited for an arraignment and court trial scheduled on the same date. During the court trial, the driver and officer may present testimony, evidence, witnesses, or documents supporting their positions.
Drivers who disagree with a judicial decision in an infraction case may file an appeal within 30 days after the order or judgment. An appeal reviews the existing record and does not provide a new trial with new evidence.
Handling Missed Payments or Appearances
Failing to appear or failing to pay a traffic fine by the required date can result in additional actions by the court. The court may send a Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay notice to the address listed on the citation.
A failure to appear may result in an additional civil assessment of up to $100 and may lead to a DMV hold on a driver’s license. Additional consequences may include wage garnishment or a lien on property.
If a civil assessment is imposed, drivers may pay the required amount or request court consideration when there was a valid reason for missing the deadline. The court provides information about payment options and requests for review of civil assessments.
Requesting Financial Assistance
Drivers who cannot afford to pay a traffic fine may request that the court consider their ability to pay. Requests require information showing that the driver does not have the financial means to pay the full amount.
The court’s ability-to-pay options allow eligible users to request a fine reduction, payment plan, additional time to pay, or community service instead of paying fines and fees. These requests are available after entering a guilty or no contest plea.
Finding Traffic Case Records
The Riverside Superior Court Public Access system allows users to search available case information online without visiting a courthouse. The public court records search can help users locate traffic case information.
Online case information is provided as a public service and does not replace an official certified court record. Users who need official certified records must request them through the court according to the court’s procedures.
Traffic Court Support Options
The court provides additional online assistance for traffic matters. The Court Web Chat service includes assistance for traffic matters during available hours. Users should not submit documents through web chat because attachments sent through that service will be discarded.
Traffic users can also access online services for payments, case searches, appointments, and document submission options depending on the type of request.
Final Department List
Riverside Superior Court Traffic Division — 505 S. Buena Vista Rm. 201, Corona, CA 92882 — 951.222.0384
Riverside Superior Court — 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501 — 951-777-3147
Traffic Court FAQs
How can I check my Riverside County traffic case information?
You can use the Riverside Superior Court Public Access system to search available traffic case information online. You may need your citation number or case details to locate the record. Online case information is provided as a public service and does not replace an official certified court record. If you need certified copies, you must request them through the court’s official process. Visit the Search Court Records Public Access page for available options.
Can I request traffic school after receiving a ticket?
Traffic school may be available if your citation meets the court’s requirements. Generally, the violation must be a moving violation under the California Vehicle Code, you must not have attended traffic school for another violation within the previous 18 months, and the citation cannot involve certain restrictions such as a mandatory court appearance, alcohol or drug-related charges, or commercial vehicle operation. If your request is approved, you must complete a DMV-approved traffic school course and use the correct Riverside court code for your region.
What should I do if I cannot afford my traffic fine?
If you cannot pay the full amount of your traffic fine, you may request that the court consider your ability to pay. Eligible users may request options such as a fine reduction, payment plan, additional time to pay, or community service instead of paying the full amount. The court recommends using the MyCitations tool for eligible requests. More information is available on the court’s ability to pay traffic fines page.
How do I contest a Riverside traffic ticket?
Most traffic infraction cases can be contested through either a trial by written declaration or a court trial. A trial by written declaration allows you to submit your statement and supporting materials without appearing in court. A court trial requires an appearance and allows you to present evidence, documents, and testimony. If you disagree with the decision in an infraction case, an appeal must generally be filed within 30 days after the order or judgment.
Can I schedule an appointment with a traffic clerk?
Yes. Traffic clerk appointments are available for people who need assistance with traffic ticket procedures. Court clerks can provide general information about court rules, procedures, and practices, but they cannot provide legal advice about your specific case. You can learn more about scheduling services through the court’s appointment system.