The easy answer to the question can I plea bargain a speeding ticket in Los Angeles (LA) County, CA is no, you can’t.
However, it is much more complex than that, and you should always consult an LA County traffic attorney because there are exceptions.
This blog post will help you cut through some of those complexities. This is not a ploy to get you into the office.
Knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorneys across California are so busy from repeat customers and personal referrals they do not need to con someone into providing legal services by making false promises. However, if you can avoid getting a point on your record by getting your speeding ticket dismissed that could save you as much as $1,500 of increased auto insurance premiums over the next three years and much more if you are a CDL driver or caught going over 100 MPH.
What’s more, although most speeding tickets are a minor infraction and the fine is between $238 and $490, a speeding ticket for 100+ mph could double or triple your premium after a fine of between $859 and $2,137.
Los Angeles County courts are notorious for about the last 10 years for being tough on drivers, particularly CDL drivers. It is very rare to get a judge who will consider reducing violations to a non-point violation. Sometimes judges can be convinced to reduce speeds or make other concessions.
This means that it is even more important to have a traffic ticket attorney who can give you the best chance of a dismissal or reduced speed.
California made billions in traffic ticket revenue in 2024. In fact, some call it “taxation by citation.”
LA drivers pay one the highest auto insurance premiums in the country:
“Drivers in Los Angeles, according to our research, pay an average rate for full coverage insurance of $3,997, 36 percent more than the state average.”—Bankrate.
That’s the average. If you’re a teen or you have a teen on your policy, it could be much worse. For most families, a conviction is out of the question and financially devastating.
“California parents adding a 16-year-old driverto their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $6,605 per year.”—Bankrate.
We’re not revealing these statistics to scare you—our intent is to inform LA drivers so that they will ask one of Bigger & Harman’s LA County traffic attorneys for a consultation to make an informed decision about their speeding ticket.
Why Hiring a Traffic Attorney to Fight Your Speeding Ticket Makes Sense
Other than the possible financial factors there’s also the possibility of damage to your reputation and career.
An experienced and knowledgeable LA County traffic attorney can:
Discuss your situation and tailor a defense.
Subpoena speed measurement calibration and officer training records.
Request the ticketing officer’s official statement about the stop.
Negotiate with the judge for Traffic Violator School (TVS) attendance to keep your ticket confidential if your speed would not normally allow it.
Ask for a dismissal.
Represent you at arraignment and trial so you can go to work or school as usual.
Raise the level of “reasonable doubt,” which is the standard of guilt or innocence.
Although TVS is only allowed in certain circumstances, a speeding ticket lawyer can ask the judge to make an exception.
Some of the TVS eligibility requirements:
TVS can only be used to mask a ticket holder’s conviction or paid fine once within 18 months.
Can only be used for a minor infraction. Speeding under 100 mph, for instance.
The driver must be a valid CA driver’s license holder.
TVS is not “forgiveness.” Those negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points still count for suspension.
However, TVS can keep your insurance premium level if you’re eligible and you finish it before the court-ordered completion date.
If you don’t finish on time, the ticket will be part of your public record and your insurance provider will likely discover it at renewal when they check your driving record.
However, you should never use it for a “fix it” ticket, a second ticket, or a correctable ticket, such as no proof of insurance in possession or loud exhaust. Make the correction and bring proof to the police station where you were ticketed.
Always consult a traffic attorney before you accept TVS attendance, for several reasons. One reason is you must plead guilty and pay the full fine amount.
Ask Bigger & Harman, Can I Plea Bargain a Speeding Ticket in Los Angeles, CA.
For the answer to Can I plea bargain a speeding ticket in Los Angeles, CA, and other options, call Bigger & Harman today at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our convenient contact form to schedule a consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.