Kings County Traffic Records Search
Kings County traffic tickets go through the Superior Court system. When you get a citation in Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore, or other parts of Kings County, the court handles it. The court has online services to search for your ticket, pay your fine, and request traffic school. You can also visit the courthouse or call for help. Most traffic violations can be resolved online without going to court. The court maintains records of all traffic citations issued in Kings County and makes them available to the public.
Kings Superior Court Traffic Services
The Kings County Superior Court has a traffic division that processes all moving violations. Visit www.kings.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic for complete information on how to handle your ticket. The website explains your options for paying, contesting, or requesting traffic school. All necessary forms and instructions are available on the site.
Call the court at 559.582.1010 if you have questions. The staff answers questions about cases, fees, and court dates. Phone lines are open during business hours. The automated system gives you case status information any time. Many people call first to verify details before they pay online.
The courthouse is located at 1640 Kings County Dr, Hanford, CA 93230. You can go in person to pay your ticket or talk with a clerk. Bring your citation number and ID. The clerk can process payments, answer questions, and help you with forms. In-person service works well if you need help with something specific or if you prefer to speak with someone face to face.
Online Payment Portal
Kings County uses an online payment system at kings.epay-it.com/. This portal lets you pay your traffic fine with a credit card or electronic check. Enter your citation number to find your case. The system shows your charges and the total amount due.
Credit card payments include a processing fee. Electronic check payments have a lower fee. After you pay, you get a receipt by email. Save this receipt as proof of payment. Most people choose online payment because it is quick and you can do it from anywhere at any time.
The portal also shows your court date if you have one. Check the site to see when you need to appear. If you plan to pay instead of going to court, do it before the deadline. Late payments result in extra fees and can cause problems with your license.
Traffic School Options
Traffic school can keep a point off your insurance record. If you finish an approved course, the point gets hidden from insurance companies. You still pay the fine plus a $69 traffic school fee. The court decides if your ticket is eligible. Not all violations qualify for traffic school.
Request traffic school before the due date on your citation. The court sends you a list of approved schools. Most people take an online class that you can do at home. Complete the course by the deadline and the school sends your certificate to the court. The violation stays on your DMV record but insurance companies do not see the point.
Traffic school costs more than just paying the ticket but it saves money in the long run. A point on your record can increase your insurance rates for three years. The traffic school fee is usually less than the extra insurance costs. California allows traffic school once every 18 months for the same benefit.
Fix-It Tickets
Fix-it tickets are for equipment problems like a broken headlight or missing tags. If you repair the issue and get it signed off by a police officer or mechanic, you only pay $25. Submit the signed certificate to the court before your due date.
Get the repair done right away and find someone authorized to sign the certificate. Take the form to the courthouse or mail it in. If you miss the deadline, the court charges the full fine plus late fees. Most fix-it tickets are cheap to clear if you act quickly.
Extensions and Payment Plans
If you cannot pay by the due date, request an extension. The court usually grants a 60-day extension if you ask before the deadline. You can request an extension online or by phone. An extension gives you more time without adding penalties.
Payment plans are available if the fine is too high to pay all at once. Call the court to set up monthly payments. The clerk will arrange a schedule for you. You must make each payment on time or the plan gets canceled and fees get added. Payment plans help if you need to split a large fine into smaller amounts.
Always ask for help before the due date. The court is more willing to work with you if you contact them early. Waiting until after the deadline limits your options.
Consequences of Not Paying
If you ignore your Kings County traffic ticket, the court adds a $100 civil assessment. The DMV suspends your license for failure to appear. Your case goes to collections and more fees pile up. The debt grows and your credit score may be affected.
Driving on a suspended license is a crime. If you get caught, you face more fines and possible jail time. The best choice is to handle your ticket right away. The court gives you ways to pay or contest the ticket but you must act before the deadline.
DMV Points and Your Driving Record
Kings County reports all traffic convictions to the California DMV. The DMV adds points to your driving record. Most tickets add one point. Serious violations like reckless driving add two points. Too many points in a short time can lead to license suspension.
Order your DMV record online at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/ for $2. Your record shows all convictions and points. Insurance companies use this information when they set your rates.
Points stay on your record for three years for most violations. DUI and major offenses stay longer. Traffic school hides one point from insurance but the conviction still shows on your DMV record. Check your record once a year to make sure it is correct.
Legal Help and Court Resources
The Kings County court has a self-help center for basic legal questions. The staff can explain court procedures and help you with forms. They cannot give legal advice but they can guide you through the process. Visit the self-help center at the courthouse or check the court website.
If you need more help, hire a traffic attorney. A lawyer can represent you in court and may get your fine reduced or the case dismissed. Many attorneys offer a free first meeting. Hiring a lawyer costs money but it can be worth it for serious violations or if your license is at risk.
Some law firms focus only on traffic cases. They know the local courts and judges. A good lawyer can save you time and money by handling everything for you. This is useful if you live far from Hanford or if your work schedule makes court attendance difficult.
Statewide Citation Tools
California has a statewide system called MyCitations at mycitations.courts.ca.gov/atp. Some Kings County tickets may appear in this portal. You can search for your citation and see if you can resolve it online. Not all courts use MyCitations but it is worth checking if you cannot find your ticket on the Kings County site.
The DMV website has information about how long violations stay on your record. Visit www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/retention-of-driver-record-information-ffdl-15/ to learn about retention periods. Understanding these rules helps you make the right choice about how to handle your ticket.
Cities in Kings County
The Kings County Superior Court handles traffic tickets from these cities:
- Hanford
- Corcoran
- Lemoore
- Avenal
Nearby Counties
For traffic tickets in nearby areas, check:
Note: Fees and procedures may change so always check the court website for current details.