lacourt.org.
The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Traffic Division) processes traffic citations issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and local municipal police agencies across LA County.
Whether you need to look up your citation by Ticket Number or Driver’s License, pay your traffic fine online (bail forfeiture), request traffic violator school to keep points off your DMV driving record, request a 90-day payment extension, or contest your citation via Trial by Written Declaration, this comprehensive guide covers every court channel and procedure.
LA County Traffic Court Options & Penalties Overview
Compare citation resolution methods and DMV impacts:
| Action / Resolution | Court Requirements | DMV Record Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Fine & Forfeit Bail | Pay full citation amount online or by phone | Conviction reported to DMV; points added to driving record |
| Pay Fine + Traffic School | Pay bail + $64 court administrative traffic school fee | Zero points on DMV record upon course completion |
| Trial by Written Declaration | Submit Form TR-205 with written defense statement | If found not guilty, case dismissed and full bail refunded |
How to Pay Your LA County Traffic Ticket Online (Step-by-Step)
- Navigate to: lacourt.org (Traffic Division).
- Click “Pay Your Ticket / Online Services”.
- Search for your citation using your:
- Citation Number and Law Enforcement Agency, OR
- California Driver’s License Number and Date of Birth.
- Review the total bail amount and court appearance due date.
- Select transaction type: Pay in Full, Pay with Traffic School, or Request 90-Day Extension.
- Enter your Debit/Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex).
- Confirm submission and save your Court Receipt and Transaction Confirmation Number.
Alternative Payment Channels
- Automated 24/7 Phone Pay: Call the LA Superior Court automated traffic line at 1-213-742-1884.
- Pay by Mail: Send check or money order (payable to Los Angeles Superior Court) with citation number written on check to the courthouse address listed on your traffic reminder notice.
- Courthouse Traffic Clerk Windows: Pay in person at traffic courthouses (Metropolitan Courthouse, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Long Beach, Torrance, Airport, etc.).
LA Superior Court Traffic Directory
- Traffic Automated Line & Information: 1-213-742-1884 (Available 24/7)
- Hearing Impaired (TDD): 1-213-633-0055
- Official Court Portal: lacourt.org
- Metropolitan Courthouse: 1945 S. Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I fail to pay or appear by my court date?
Under California Penal Code 1214.1, failure to pay or appear (FTA) results in a civil assessment penalty, license suspension notification sent to the California DMV, and potential referral to court collection agencies.
Who is eligible for traffic school in California?
You are eligible for traffic school if: (1) you have a valid non-commercial driver’s license, (2) the violation was a moving infraction not involving alcohol/drugs, and (3) you have not attended traffic school for a citation issued within the past 18 months.
Related Fine & Government Guides:
Disclaimer: BillPayment.guide is an independent legal informational guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Anisur Rahman brings over 17 years of experience at the intersection of complex technology and digital strategy to BillPayment.guide. Active in the digital space since 2009, Anisur uses his deep industry insights to break down financial technologies, secure online payment methods, and digital platforms. His actionable guides help readers navigate the fast-paced digital economy and manage their online transactions with confidence.
