In this blog post, we will discuss the answer to which are the top five traffic tickets in CA and how much each one costs to pay the fine.
However, paying the fine without consulting a traffic attorney is never advisable, as there are technicalities that could get you a reduced fine or full dismissal.
Likewise, there are other options only a practicing CA traffic attorney would know about. Many attorneys practice different niches or areas of law, such as criminal, family, divorce, personal injury, etc.
You want to consult a traffic attorney for traffic tickets because they typically spend the better part of their workweek in traffic court hearing rulings about the same types of ticket you need resolved.
Taking a Close Look at Which Are the Top Five Traffic Tickets in CA
#1—Speeding.
As it is almost everywhere in the world, speeding is the traffic ticket most often issued.
If you're convicted of speeding in California, the fines can add up quickly, and that's just the start.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for speeding at each level:
1-15 mph over the limit: The base fine is $35, but once surcharges are added, your total comes to about $237.
16-24 mph over the limit: The base fine jumps to $70, and with surcharges, you're looking at roughly $360.
25-99 mph over the limit: The base fine increases to $100, and with additional fees, your total penalty will be around $490.
100 mph or more: This is the big one. The fine can range from $859 to $2,137, depending on the specifics.
While these fines can be tough to swallow, the real cost comes from the long-term effects on your driving record and insurance premiums.
Consider this: if you are convicted of speeding or pay the fine, which is the same thing, you will likely lose your “good driver’s discount of 20%,” and the risk associated with the speed you were traveling will be added.
The average Californian will pay $2,973 for full coverage auto insurance in 2025. The minimum paid fine for a speeding ticket will cost $2,319.10 more over the next three years.
Yes, you read that right. Nearly $800 annually for the minor infraction of speeding one to fifteen mph over the speed limit or safe speed due to weather or road conditions.
For most speeding tickets (under 100 mph), the California DMV will assign one point to your record, and this stays there for three years.
However, if you're speeding over 100 mph, the DMV assigns two points, and these points stay on your record for up to seven years, which can seriously impact your insurance rates.
Speeding tickets aren’t just a one-time cost — they can affect you for years.
#2—Running a Red Light
The fine for running a red light could be $238 for a bumper stop or $490 for a photo-enforced red light ticket. The good news is that you could be eligible to attend a Traffic Violator School to mask the fine and avoid an insurance increase.
Consult a traffic attorney before you decide, as there are many technicalities surrounding a red light ticket, especially a photo-enforced ticket.
#3—Running a Stop Sign
The fine for running a stop sign is $238. You might read online that it is $35, but that is the “base fine” established when the vehicle code was written, and the CA Assembly approved ten surcharges for everything from night court maintenance to DNA ID and court constriction.
The good news is that you could be eligible to attend a Traffic Violator School to mask the fine and avoid an insurance increase.
Consult a traffic attorney before you decide, as there are many technicalities surrounding running a stop sign.
#4— Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right of way could be anything from not slowing down at a crosswalk or railroad crossing to not giving way for an emergency vehicle and others.
The fine is also $238 for a minor infraction, and TVS could be possible.
#5—Illegal Cell or Mobile Phone Use
As of 1 July 2021, the enactment of AB-47, Distracted Driving, the amendment to CA VC Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses, has made this violation much more expensive.
The first offense fine is $20; however, with the ten surcharges, the total fine is around $160, and a subsequent conviction is nearly $250. Plus, if it is within three years of the first, then the DMV will assess one NOTS point that could significantly raise your auto insurance premium.
However, you should always consult a traffic attorney.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About Which Are the Top Five Traffic Tickets
If you’ve been issued a traffic ticket that needs resolution in Porterville or Visalia Courthouse in Tulare County, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Alternatively, use our handy online contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
CA VC Section 21453, Offenses Relating to Traffic Devices, Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses, Section 22450, Special Stops Required, Section 22350, Speed Laws [22348 - 22441]
CA AB-47, Distracted Driving, & Section 21800, Right-of-Way.