What Is the California Traffic Ticket Calculator?
The California Traffic Ticket Calculator is an online tool that estimates the total cost of a traffic violation in California. It calculates:
- Base fine
- State penalties
- County assessments
- Court fees
- Surcharges
- And more
Instead of guessing or searching through legal codes, you get a clear dollar estimate, plus info on:
- Points on your license
- Potential license suspension
- Court appearance requirements
Note: This calculator is an estimate tool. Actual fines vary by county and case. Always consult with a legal professional for specific advice.
What Types of Violations Can You Calculate?
The tool supports major common infractions in California, including:
1. Speeding (1–99 MPH Over Limit)
- Fine estimate ranges from ~$235 to ~$400 depending on how fast you were going.
- Adds 1 point to your license.
- May impact your insurance.
2. Speeding (100+ MPH)
- Starts at ~$800 minimum, and can exceed $1,000.
- Adds 2 points to your license.
- Comes with a mandatory 30-day license suspension.
- Requires a court appearance.
3. Red Light Violation
- Roughly $490 total.
- 1 point on your license.
- Usually doesn’t lead to suspension unless you have multiple points.
4. Texting / Distracted Driving
- First offense: ~$220 total, no points.
- Second offense: ~$280+, 1 point added.
- Fines increase with repeat violations.
5. Reckless Driving
- Starts at ~$600 but can exceed $1,000+.
- Adds 2 points to your license.
- Can result in license suspension or jail time.
- Mandatory court appearance.
How the Calculator Works (In Simple Terms)
When you use the calculator, it takes a base fine and adds all the extra fees California mandates:
| Fee Type | Calculation Method |
|---|---|
| Base Fine | Based on violation type |
| State Penalty | Matches base fine (100%) |
| County Penalty | 70% of base fine |
| Court Facility Fee | 50% of base fine |
| EMS Penalty | 40% of base fine |
| DNA Penalty | 50% of base fine |
| State Surcharge | 20% of base fine |
| Court Operations Fee | Flat $40 |
| Conviction Assessment | Flat $35 |
This results in 2x to 4x the base fine. Example: a $100 ticket can quickly become a $400+ bill.
Key Features of the Tool
- Interactive dropdowns for violation types
- Custom field for speeding over limit
- Checkbox to indicate repeat offenses
- Instant calculation with detailed breakdown
- Court fees and license points included
- Clear error messages if info is missing or invalid
Why Use the Calculator?
✔ Fast and Easy
Get an estimate in under 30 seconds. No legal knowledge needed.
✔ Accurate Fee Structure
Built using California’s actual penalty assessment formulas.
✔ Helps You Plan
Know what to expect before you go to court or pay the fine.
✔ Understand License Risk
See if you’re at risk for suspension or extra penalties.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only. It provides an estimate—not legal advice. Actual penalties may vary based on your driving record, location, or court decision. For accurate legal guidance, speak to a qualified attorney.
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