Sacramento Out-of-State Driver Traffic Tickets

Helping Out-of-State Drivers Handle Traffic Violations in California

Receiving a traffic ticket while visiting California can be stressful, especially if you live in another state. If you’ve been cited for a traffic violation in Sacramento or elsewhere in California, it’s important to understand how the state’s traffic laws affect you and your home state driving record. At Crowell Law Offices, we help out-of-state drivers resolve traffic citations efficiently, minimizing the risk of license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and other penalties.

Common Traffic Violations for Out-of-State Drivers

Out-of-state drivers can receive the same traffic violations as California residents. Some of the most common offenses include:

• Speeding tickets, including excessive speeding
• Reckless driving and aggressive driving behaviors
• Red light and stop sign violations
• Missing license plate or expired registration
• Railroad crossing violations
• DUI and other serious violations

Even if you don’t live in California, ignoring a traffic citation can result in additional penalties, such as a bench warrant, license suspension, or an impact on your driving record in your home state.

How an Out-of-State Ticket Affects Your Driving Record

Many states, including California, participate in interstate agreements that allow them to share driving record information. This means that if you receive a ticket in California, your home state may record the violation on your driver license and impose additional penalties. Potential consequences include:

• Points added to your driving record, which may lead to license suspension
• Higher insurance premiums or increased auto insurance rates
• The requirement to complete traffic school in some cases
• The inability to renew your driver license in your home state

If you fail to pay the ticket or appear for your court date, a bench warrant may be issued, leading to further legal trouble.

Options for Resolving a Traffic Citation in California

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in California but live elsewhere, you may have several options for handling the violation:

1. Pay the Fine

In most cases, you can simply pay the ticket, which means accepting guilt and allowing the violation to be recorded on your driving record. However, this may result in higher insurance rates and additional penalties in your home state.

2. Attend Traffic School

For minor traffic violations, attending traffic school may prevent the violation from appearing on your dmv record, helping you avoid increased insurance premiums.

3. Fight the Ticket with a Written Declaration

California allows out-of-state drivers to contest a traffic citation through a written declaration, meaning you can challenge the ticket without having to appear in court. This is often the best course for drivers who cannot travel back to California.

4. Hire a Traffic Attorney

A traffic attorney can represent you in court, negotiate with the judge, and help reduce or dismiss your ticket. This can help prevent license suspension, high fines, and points on your driving record.

Consequences of Ignoring a California Traffic Ticket

Failing to resolve a traffic ticket in California can lead to serious consequences, including:

• A suspended license in your home state
• Additional fees and penalties
• A bench warrant for your arrest
• Increased insurance rates and difficulty obtaining auto insurance

To avoid these consequences, it’s essential to obtain legal assistance as soon as possible.

How Crowell Law Offices Can Help

At Crowell Law Offices, we assist out-of-state drivers in resolving traffic violations without unnecessary travel or complications. Our experienced traffic attorneys can:

• Appear in court on your behalf, so you don’t have to travel
• Help you fight speeding tickets, red light violations, and other offenses
• Negotiate for reduced fines or alternative solutions like traffic school
• Work to prevent a suspended driver’s license or other serious penalties

If you’ve received a ticket in California, let us help you protect your driving privileges and keep your record clean.

Contact Us for Assistance

Learn more about fighting a California traffic ticket. Call Crowell Law Offices at (916) 303-2800 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the best approach to resolving your traffic violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fight a California traffic ticket if I live in another state?

Yes. You can contest a traffic citation through a written declaration or hire a traffic attorney to represent you in court.

Will a California speeding ticket affect my home state driving record?

In most cases, California reports traffic violations to your home state, which may add points to your driving record and increase your insurance rates.

What happens if I don’t pay a traffic ticket in California?

Failure to pay the ticket or appear for your court date can lead to license suspension, additional penalties, and even a bench warrant for your arrest.

Can I attend traffic school to avoid points on my record?

If eligible, completing traffic school can prevent a traffic citation from affecting your driving record and insurance premiums.

How can a traffic attorney help with my case?

A traffic attorney can negotiate with the judge, help you avoid fines and penalties, and in many cases, get your ticket dismissed or reduced.