Will I have to appear in court if I am issued a traffic ticket?

In California, whether or not you have to appear in court depends on the type of traffic ticket you are issued. If you are issued a ticket for a moving violation, you typically have to appear in court. This means that you have to go directly to the court and stand before the judge to answer the charges. On the other hand, if the ticket is for a non-moving violation, such as an expired registration, then you typically do not have to appear in court and can do one of two things instead. You can either admit guilt and pay the citation or plead not guilty and request a hearing. However, some jurisdictions in California may require you to appear in court regardless of the type of violation. Ultimately, the best way to determine if you need to appear in court is to read the instructions on your traffic ticket and follow them.

Related FAQs

What happens if I don’t show up to court for a traffic ticket?
What should I do if I have an unpaid traffic ticket from another state?
Can I go to jail for not paying a traffic ticket?
What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in a rental car?
Can the court reduce the fines associated with a traffic ticket?
Can I see a copy of the traffic ticket I received?
How long do I have to pay a traffic ticket after it is issued?
Are there any laws that prohibit police officers from issuing traffic tickets?
What are some common defenses to a traffic ticket?
Does successfully contesting a traffic ticket keep points off my license?

Will I have to appear in court if I am issued a traffic ticket?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts