How to Fight a California Traffic Ticket – Step by Step

✅ You'll Use This Legal Process:

Trial by Written Declaration – a method under California law that lets you fight your ticket by mail. It's official, legal, and used by thousands of people every year.

This process works for the tickets most drivers get: speeding, red lights, stop signs, unsafe lane changes, talking or texting while driving, tailgating, expired tags, and many other everyday traffic mistakes. If you have a normal moving violation, this guide is for you.

Step 1: Gather Your Ticket Info

You'll need:

• Your citation number
• The due date (usually found on the courtesy notice)
• What the ticket was for (speeding, stop sign, etc.)

Step 2: Write Your Defense

You must explain what happened and why you believe the ticket should be dismissed. Your statement is critical – it's what the judge reads to decide your case.

👉 This is where most people get stuck or give up.

Step 3: Prepare Your Court Paperwork

To fight your ticket by mail, you’ll need two things:

• TR‑205 Form: This is the official California court form you use to tell the judge your side of the story.
• Ticket Payment (Bail): You must pay the full ticket amount now. The court calls this “posting bail.” You’ll get your money back if your ticket is dismissed.

Step 4: Mail Everything In

Send the completed forms and your bail payment to the courthouse listed on your citation. Make a copy for your records. That's it. The court will mail you a verdict in a few weeks.

Why Most People Screw This Up

• They don't know what to write in the defense
• They used the wrong court address
• They used the wrong argument and was rude to the judge
• Using the wrong tone and being unprofessional
• They miss the 30-day deadline by mailing in too late
• They panic and just pay the fine

Should you hire a lawyer instead?

For minor traffic infractions, hiring an attorney typically costs $400–$800. Most lawyers use the same Trial by Written Declaration process you can do yourself. You still have to gather the facts, send in the forms, and wait for the court. Paying a lawyer doesn't guarantee dismissal—it just drains your wallet.

ClerkHero gives you the same strategic defense without the hourly fees. You stay in control, file the official paperwork in minutes, and keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket.

Frequently Asked

People Use Our Tool Because:

• They don't want to pay a lawyer $500
• They'd rather try fighting than just roll over
• It's legal, fast, and gives you a real shot at dismissal