What if I cannot afford to pay?

If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay the full amount of your traffic fine, you may submit an Ability to Pay application for the court’s consideration.

Do not submit an Ability to Pay application if:

• You wish to request Traffic Violator School 
• You wish to submit proof of correction
• You wish to contest the ticket
• Your offense requires a mandatory appearance 
• Your case is currently set up for the Alternative Sentencing Program (community service)

How can I apply?

Apply online by accessing the ability to pay MyCitations portal.

MyCitations

Alternatively, you may submit a paper Ability to Pay application either by drop box or mail to:

Traffic Division
Carol Miller Justice Center
301 Bicentennial Circle, Room 100
Sacramento, CA 95826

If you have been approved to attend Traffic Violator School you must submit an application at least 10 calendar days before the due date.

What happens after I submit my application?

Applications and any supporting documentation will be reviewed within 30 days. You will be notified of the decision by email for electronically filed applications or by mail for paper applications. You can also view the status of your application by looking up your case online on our Public Case Access System.

When submitting an Ability to Pay application on a case in either "active" or "failure to appear" status, you must enter a plea of “Guilty” or “No Contest.” Once the court accepts your plea, you may no longer appear in court.

If the judicial officer orders a referral to the Alternative Sentencing Program (community service) and you are unable to complete the program, you may convert the service hours into a fine before the due date. Failure to complete the program or convert the fine may result in your case being referred to an outside collection agency.