Berkeley Traffic Citations

Traffic tickets in Berkeley are handled by Alameda County Superior Court. When you get a citation from Berkeley Police or the California Highway Patrol in Berkeley, your case goes to the Alameda County court system. Berkeley has roughly 124,000 residents and is located in the East Bay area of Alameda County. All traffic violations like speeding on Interstate 80, red light tickets, and stop sign violations get processed through the Superior Court Traffic Division. You can search for your citation online using the Alameda County portal, pay fines through their website, or request traffic school if you are eligible. The court offers multiple ways to handle tickets without visiting a courthouse. This page explains how to find Berkeley traffic tickets, what payment options are available, and where to get help with your case.

Alameda County Superior Court

All traffic citations issued in Berkeley go through Alameda County Superior Court. This includes tickets from Berkeley Police Department, CHP on I-80 and Highway 13, and other agencies working in the city. Alameda County court handles traffic cases for 14 cities and unincorporated areas in the county. The court provides online tools for searching citations and managing cases.

The Alameda County traffic website at alameda.courts.ca.gov has information about traffic violations. You can find forms, fee schedules, and instructions for handling tickets. You can call the automated phone line at 1-866-822-0560 for basic case information. For questions that need a person, email asktraffic@alameda.courts.ca.gov during business hours.

Berkeley traffic cases get assigned to courthouses based on where the violation occurred. Most infractions can be resolved online or by mail. You only need to appear in person if your citation requires it or if you choose to contest the ticket in court.

The city of Berkeley provides information about parking ticket appeals at berkeleyca.gov. Note that parking citations are separate from moving violations and are handled differently by the city.

Look Up Berkeley Traffic Tickets

You can search for your Berkeley traffic citation by calling the Alameda County automated phone system at 1-866-822-0560. This system works 24 hours a day. Enter your citation number when prompted. The system tells you the amount due, due date, and whether you are eligible for traffic school. For more detailed questions, email asktraffic@alameda.courts.ca.gov with your citation number and date of birth. Staff will respond during business hours.

The statewide MyCitations portal works for some Alameda County tickets. Create an account and enter your citation number to see if your Berkeley case appears. This portal shows payment history, upcoming court dates, and lets you request payment plans and traffic school online in some cases. Wait at least two weeks after getting the ticket before searching. The court needs time to process the citation into their system.

The California DMV keeps records of traffic convictions on your driving record. Request your record at dmv.ca.gov for $2. This shows past tickets and points but will not show pending Berkeley citations. Use the Alameda County phone system or email for current tickets.

Pay Berkeley Traffic Citations

Alameda County provides several ways to pay Berkeley traffic tickets. Call the automated phone system at 1-866-822-0560 for payment options. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account payments. Card payments have a 1.95% processing fee. Bank payments may have a different fee.

You can pay by mail if you prefer. Send a check or money order made out to "Alameda County Superior Court" to the address on your citation. Write your citation number on the check. Mail it at least two weeks before your due date. Do not send cash. The court processes mail payments slower than phone payments. In-person payment is available at certain court locations. Check the court website for which courthouse handles Berkeley tickets and their hours. Bring your citation and photo ID.

Payment plans are available if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Call the court or use the MyCitations portal to request a plan. The court may require a down payment and set up monthly installments. If you have low income, ask about fee reduction programs under California law. Contact the court for details on how to apply.

Traffic School for Berkeley Tickets

Traffic school can keep points off your insurance record if you qualify. Alameda County charges $57 as the administrative fee for traffic school. This is in addition to the fine on your Berkeley ticket. You pay the full bail amount plus the $57 fee. If you complete the class on time, the point stays on your DMV record but is hidden from insurance companies.

Not everyone qualifies for traffic school. You must have a valid driver license. You cannot have attended traffic school in the past 18 months. The violation must be eligible under California Vehicle Code Section 41501. Some violations like DUI or reckless driving do not qualify. Commercial drivers may not be eligible if the ticket happened in a commercial vehicle.

To request traffic school, call 1-866-822-0560 or use the MyCitations portal. You must request it before your due date. The court approves your request and extends your deadline to complete the class. You pick any licensed California traffic school. Many offer online classes. The school sends proof of completion to the court. Missing the deadline results in the point being added to your record and possible late fees.

Correctable Violations in Berkeley

Some Berkeley citations are for correctable violations. These are equipment problems like broken lights or expired registration. When you fix the issue and show proof, the court reduces the fine to $25 under California Vehicle Code Section 40611. To clear a fix-it ticket, repair the problem and get a signature from an authorized person. Then submit the signed citation and $25 fee to Alameda County Superior Court before the deadline.

Missing Berkeley Ticket Deadlines

Missing the due date on your Berkeley traffic ticket creates consequences. Alameda County adds a civil assessment of $100 to $300 on top of your fine under California Penal Code Section 1214.1. The court reports the failure to appear to the DMV, which suspends your license. To fix a failure to appear, call 1-866-822-0560 or email asktraffic@alameda.courts.ca.gov. You must pay the original fine plus the civil assessment.

Fight Berkeley Traffic Tickets

You can contest your Berkeley traffic citation in Alameda County court. The court offers trial by written declaration or trial by court appearance. To request a trial, check "not guilty" on your citation and return it by the due date. You can also request through the MyCitations portal or by calling the court. The court sends you instructions and a trial date.

Berkeley Tickets on DMV Records

Traffic tickets from Berkeley affect your California DMV driving record. Points stay for three years for most violations according to DMV rules. Too many points cause license suspension. Points also affect insurance rates. Get your driving record from DMV at dmv.ca.gov for $2.

Help with Berkeley Traffic Tickets

For questions about your Berkeley traffic ticket, call Alameda County Superior Court at 1-866-822-0560 or email asktraffic@alameda.courts.ca.gov. For legal advice, hire a private traffic attorney. The California Courts self-help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has free guides. For DMV questions, call 1-800-777-0133.