Traffic Ticket Payment Plan for California Drivers
Traffic violations are everyday occurrences. However, being issued a traffic ticket will not only ruin a person’s day, but it can also become extremely costly depending on the traffic violation. Being allowed to use a traffic ticket payment plan will delay the pain, but for many, they believe it is their only choice. A wiser plan is to consult with a traffic lawyer before deciding. However, it’s not just the fine that can be expensive, but even a minor traffic infraction will allow your auto insurance company to put you in a higher risk category and raise your premiums when you are not eligible for traffic school.
Considering the annual cost of $1920 for the average Californian’s auto insurance, just losing your “good drivers’ discount” of 20 percent is equal to $384 per year. Therefore, the decision to use a traffic ticket payment plan, for example, a red-light camera-enforced ticket, could wind up costing you over $1700 during the three-year timeframe the conviction will stay on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR). Consulting with a traffic ticket attorney and asking them about a payment plan might be a much better idea. At least, you have a chance of getting the ticket dismissed or penalty reduced, and their fee won’t even approach $1700.
For information on speeding ticket plans in California, contact Bigger & Harman, APC today.
Traffic Ticket Payment Plan Basics in California
Because tickets can become very expensive, many California counties now offer a traffic ticket payment plan according to the CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 40510.5, Installment Payment of Bail Forfeitures. The process is made easy, and it is like other payment plans. Once a traffic ticket has been issued to a person, they are then able to enter a traffic ticket payment plan instead of paying the fine outright.
In most CA counties, the court clerk is authorized to start the process. This process allows them to bypass going before a judge for the ticket. To enter a payment process, you will be required to sign paperwork stating that you understand the terms and installment schedule of the plan. Upon your agreement and signature, you will need to pay a minimum 10% down payment, and then submit the completed forms to the court for finalization. Failure to meet the terms of the traffic ticket payment plan can lead to the DMV or court impounding or restricting the driver’s license, which would mean the driver may only drive to and from work or school, or for work/school-related purposes.
The court requires a minimum down payment of 10 percent of the fine total including surcharges, fees, and penalties when you initially sign up for the plan. Some counties also require an administrative fee for processing the repayment plan, and if you make payment by credit card, there is an additional charge.
Before You Decide to Pay a Traffic Ticket Fine
Always consult with a traffic ticket attorney before entering a payment plan, paying a collection agency, or paying a fine. Once you start making payments, you are admitting that you are guilty of the violation, whether you were or not. It’s best to make the state prove your guilt, rather than just giving them your hard-earned money.
Be sure you read all the repayment terms thoroughly before signing the forms. You also need to be aware that once the papers have been approved the ticket violation will then be entered into the system as though you have paid the ticket in full and the DMV will assess Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points to your motor vehicle driving record (MVR).
Overall, a ticket payment plan is very beneficial to individuals unable to pay those large traffic tickets all at once. Once you have done your research, read the terms thoroughly, and consulted with a traffic ticket attorney, you can make the best decision for your personal needs. If it helps to have the ticket broken up into smaller installments, then the traffic ticket payment plan may be the best option.
Riverside, CA Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300, before entering a traffic ticket payment plan, paying a collection agency, or any traffic ticket fine. Contrary to popular belief, it is often less expensive to hire a traffic ticket attorney than to pay the fine and increased auto insurance premiums.
Many fail to consider the total expense of a traffic ticket conviction, only looking at the fine instead of planning for an increase in their auto insurance. They wind up paying three or four times what it would cost an attorney to represent them and possibly get the ticket reduced to a no-point violation or outright dismissal, which would mean no increase to their insurance.
Send an email, attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com, with the details of your ticket, or send a private message to them on their Facebook page. Include a scannedcopy of the ticket and a summary of the incident, with as much detail as you remember. Often something you consider insignificant is just the detail they need to get a dismissal or no-point conviction. You may still need to pay the fine, but if your insurance premium does not go up, you could save up to $1500.
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References:
The 2018CA Driver Handbook .pdf
CVC 40510.5, Installment Payment of Bail Forfeitures
The 2018 California Superior Court Bail Schedule for Infractions and Misdemeanors.pdf