By the Ticket Dismissal HQ editorial teamReviewed Oct 20, 2026Sources cited at the endNot legal advice
Traffic tickets written anywhere in Los Angeles County are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, the largest trial court in the country. Most of what you need (looking up the ticket, paying, requesting traffic school, asking for an extension, or contesting by mail) can be done through the court’s traffic online services without going to a courthouse. Here’s how.
Quick answer
- Court: LA Superior Court, traffic division (online at lacourt.org).
- Look up: by citation number or driver’s license number, after the courtesy notice arrives (about 2–3 weeks).
- Options online: pay, request traffic school, request an extension, request trial by written declaration, or schedule a court date.
- Traffic school: pay the fine plus the administrative fee, then finish a DMV-licensed course by the court’s deadline.
Your options with an LA traffic ticket
- Traffic school (if eligible): keeps the point confidential. Request it online, pay the fine and administrative fee, then complete a DMV-licensed course. How it works.
- Pay the ticket: fastest; the conviction and point go on your record.
- Trial by written declaration: contest by mail. You post bail; if you win, it’s refunded; if you lose, you can ask for a new trial in person.
- Court trial: schedule an appearance at the courthouse handling your case.
- Extension or payment plan: available online for many tickets if requested before the due date.
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Practical tips
- Use the courtesy notice. It shows the amount, the due date, and whether you’re eligible for traffic school.
- Act before the due date. A missed date can add a civil assessment and a failure-to-appear.
- Camera tickets from LA-area red-light cameras are court cases too and usually traffic-school eligible. Details.
- Parking tickets are handled by LADOT (City of LA) or the issuing city, not the court.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look up a traffic ticket in Los Angeles?
Through the LA Superior Court’s traffic online services, by citation number or driver’s license number.
Can I request traffic school online in LA?
Yes, for eligible tickets, before your due date.
Do I have to go to court for an LA traffic ticket?
Not for most infractions. Paying, traffic school, extensions and trial by written declaration can be handled online or by mail.
Sources: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles traffic information; California Vehicle Code §§40902, 42005. This site is not affiliated with the court.