Traffic court trial
If you want to fight your traffic ticket, you can ask for a court trial.
This means you tell the court you are not guilty, and a judge will decide if you broke the law or not.
You must ask for a trial by the due date on your ticket or on the notice from the court.
⚠️This page has general information. For exact steps, read your court notice or visit the court’s website.
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How to ask for a court trial
✅ Check your court notice or website.
It should tell you how to ask for a trial.
You may be able to ask:
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By phone
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In person at the courthouse
If you go to court to ask, the trial won’t happen that day.
The court will give you a trial date later.
What if my notice says “arraignment”?
An arraignment is a court date where:
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The judge tells you what the ticket is for
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The judge explains your rights
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The judge asks if you say you are guilty or not guilty
If you say not guilty, the judge will give you a trial date.
⚠️ This is not your trial. The trial will happen on a different day.
Do I have to pay before I get a trial?
Sometimes.
You can always go to court to ask for a trial without paying first.
But if you ask for a trial online or by phone, the court may ask you to pay the fine (called bail) to save your spot.
If the judge says you are not guilty, you will get your money back.
What happens at a traffic trial?
If you say you are not guilty, the court will give you a trial.
There is no jury.
A judge or commissioner will decide what happens.
At the trial:
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The officer who gave you the ticket will speak
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You can also speak
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You can bring proof, like pictures, videos, or witnesses
What if I’m found guilty?
The judge will decide how much you owe.
If you can’t afford the fine:
- Tell the judge about your money situation
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The court may let you pay less, give you more time, or let you do community service
- ✅ You may also be able to go to traffic school to keep a point off your record. Learn more.
Key takeaways
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Ask for a trial before the due date on your ticket or notice.
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You can ask for a trial online, by phone, or in person.
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If you ask in person, your trial will be later.
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You may need to pay the fine first if you ask for a trial online or by phone.
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A judge (not a jury) will decide your case at trial.
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You can bring proof and people to help your case.
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If you are found guilty and can’t pay, you can ask for help.
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You can ask for traffic school if you qualify.