Got a Traffic Ticket in Fresno, CA? Here’s What To Do Next
A plain-English guide for Fresno (Fresno County) drivers: where to pay, whether to fight it, whether traffic school can save your record, and when a lawyer is worth it.
The 30-second answer
You usually have four options: pay the fine, contest it yourself, take traffic school, or hire a lawyer. The right choice depends on whether it’s a moving violation and whether you have a good-driving record to protect.
👉 Use the free decision tool below — it tells you which option fits your ticket.
1Where do I pay the ticket?
Never pay through a random site. Use the court’s official portal:
🔗 Fresno Superior Court - pay traffic fines (ePayIt) or request an extension
Your ticket names the court handling your case. If you’re not sure which court, use the official finder:
🔗 Fresno Superior Court - Traffic Division (arraignment calendar, contacts, extensions)
Fresno details, verified against Fresno County Superior Court
- Fresno County citations go to the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, Traffic Division. The traffic court is at 2317 Tuolumne Street, Fresno, CA 93721 (clerk's office Mon–Fri 8am–4pm). You can also pay or write by mail to 1100 Van Ness Avenue, ATTN: Traffic Division, Fresno, CA 93724, by fax on (559) 457-1710, by email to InfoDeskCrim@fresno.courts.ca.gov, or via the drop box inside the M Street Courthouse. The call centre is (559) 457-1700, Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.
- You must pay the bail on your reminder notice or appear on or before the due date - that date is printed at the bottom of your citation and on the reminder notice. To appear without an appointment you put yourself on the morning arraignment calendar (heard Monday to Wednesday) and must check in at the Traffic Clerk's Office by 9:30am; the lines are long, so arrive early.
- Missing the deadline has a specific consequence: under California Vehicle Code 40903 the court may deem you to have elected a trial by written declaration.
- Extensions: the clerk may grant one 90-day extension to appear or pay bail, but only on eligible citations that do not require a mandatory court appearance - and no further extensions are given after that 90 days. Ask online through the court's ePayIt system, by phone, by mail, or in person.
- Delinquent fines are collected by an outside firm. If you get a letter from Linebarger (LGBS), pay at lgbswebpayments.com using the reference number on their letter, call 1-844-566-6558, or write to LGBS LLP, PO Box 708900, San Antonio, TX 78270.
- Two things the online payment service cannot do: if you are pleading not guilty you may not use it - you must mail your written request for a court trial, with bail, to the court listed at the bottom of your citation; and you may not use it for fix-it violations, because the amount owing drops once you show proof of correction.
- Fraud advisory from the court itself: scam text messages pretending to come from the California Judicial Branch, with links to fraudulent payment websites, are circulating. The Judicial Branch does not send unsolicited text messages about filed cases. Report a suspicious message to JCCInfoSec@jud.ca.gov.
2How much will it cost?
Fines vary by violation and county. Check the court's current bail/fine schedule - the amount on your court notice is the real number.
Don’t just look at the fine. For a moving violation, the real cost is the fine plus the insurance increase, which can last up to three years. A moving violation adds a point to your DMV record, which can raise your insurance for up to 3 years.
3Should I fight it, or just pay?
| Option | Best when | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Just pay | It’s a non-moving / fix-it ticket, or you don’t mind the point | Just the fine |
| Contest it yourself | The officer’s account is wrong, or the sign/light was unclear | Free (your time) |
| Traffic school | You’re eligible and want to keep the point off your record | Fine + small course fee |
| Hire a lawyer | A moving violation + a record you can’t afford to damage | $250-$500 typical for a simple moving violation |
Free decision tool: what should you do?
Answer three questions. There is nothing to type — no name, no citation number. We only record which options people choose (anonymously, so we know which cities and questions need work); the recommendation itself is calculated in your browser.
4Can traffic school save my record?
In California you can usually take traffic school once every 18 months to keep a point off a moving violation, if the violation is eligible. Your court notice says whether you qualify.
🔗 Check the official list of approved schools: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/traffic/traffic-school
5Do I need a lawyer?
For a simple moving violation a lawyer typically costs $250-$500 typical for a simple moving violation. It’s usually worth it when the insurance increase, or your job (CDL, company car), outweighs that fee.
6Do I have to show up in court?
It depends on the ticket. Many moving violations can be handled online or by mail; others require a court date. Check the court named on your ticket before the deadline — missing a deadline can add penalties or suspend your license.
Other California cities we cover
Common questions
Will paying the ticket raise my insurance?
For a moving violation, usually yes — often for up to three years. Non-moving and parking tickets usually don’t.
What if I just ignore it?
Don’t. Unpaid tickets can lead to extra fines, a suspended license, or a warrant. Every option above is better than ignoring it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general information to help you understand your options. For advice about your specific case, talk to a licensed attorney in California.
Tell us what’s missing for Fresno and we’ll add it. (feedback link — to be wired up)
⚠️ Items still to verify for Fresno: current bail schedule amount; traffic-school provider list. Last checked 2026-10-12.