San Luis Obispo Traffic Records
San Luis Obispo County traffic ticket records are managed by the Superior Court. When you get a citation in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, or other parts of the county, the court handles it. The court has online services to search for tickets, pay fines, and request traffic school. You can also contact the court by phone or visit in person. Most traffic cases can be resolved online without a court appearance. The court maintains records of all traffic violations issued in San Luis Obispo County and provides several ways to access them.
San Luis Obispo Superior Court Traffic Services
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court runs a traffic division for all moving violations. The court website at www.slo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic has all the details you need. The site explains how to pay, how to request traffic school, and how to contest a ticket. You can also find forms and instructions on the site.
Call the court at (805) 706-3600 if you have questions. The staff can answer questions about cases, fees, and court dates. Phone service is available during business hours. The automated menu lets you check case status any time. Most people call to verify their payment amount before using the online portal.
The main courthouse is in San Luis Obispo at 1035 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. You can go in person to pay your ticket or talk with a clerk. Bring your citation number and ID. The clerk's office processes payments, helps with forms, and answers questions. In-person service works well if you prefer to speak with someone face to face or if you have a complicated case.
Online Portal for Payments and Case Search
San Luis Obispo County has an online portal at secure.slocourts.net/Portal. This system lets you search for your ticket, see case details, and make payments. You need your citation number to use the portal. Enter the number and the system displays your charges, fines, and court dates.
The portal accepts credit cards and bank account payments. A processing fee applies to credit card transactions. After you pay, the system sends you a receipt by email. Save this receipt as proof of payment. Online payment is popular because it is fast and convenient. You can do it any time from your home or phone.
You can also request a trial by written declaration through the portal. This option lets you contest your ticket without appearing in court. You write your side of the story and the officer submits their report. A judge reviews both and makes a decision. If you lose, you can still ask for an in-person trial. This works well if you want to fight the ticket but cannot take time off work.
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 $70 traffic school fee. The court decides if your ticket qualifies. Not all violations are eligible 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 course that you can do at home. Finish 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 raise 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 light or missing license plate. If you fix 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 the due date.
Get the repair done right away and find someone authorized to sign the form. Take the certificate to the courthouse or mail it in. The court may allow you to upload it through the online portal. If you are late, the court charges the full fine plus penalties. Most fix-it tickets are cheap to clear if you act quickly.
Extensions and Payment Plans
If you cannot pay by the due date, ask for an extension. The court usually grants a 60-day extension if you request it before the deadline. You can ask for an extension online or by phone. An extension gives you more time without adding late fees.
Payment plans are available if the fine is too large to pay at once. Call the court to set up monthly payments. The clerk will arrange a schedule. 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 contact the court before the due date if you need help. The court is more willing to work with you if you ask early. Waiting until after the deadline reduces your options and costs more money.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
If you ignore your San Luis Obispo County traffic ticket, the court adds a $100 civil assessment to your fine. 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 suffer.
Driving on a suspended license is a crime. If you get caught, you face more fines and possible jail time. The best thing to do is 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 Record
San Luis Obispo County reports all traffic convictions to the California DMV. The DMV adds points to your driving record. Most minor tickets add one point. Serious violations like reckless driving add two points. Too many points in a short time can lead to license suspension.
You can order your DMV record online at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/. The cost is $2. Your record shows all convictions and points. Insurance companies check your record 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 verify it is correct and to see when old violations drop off.
Legal Help and Court Resources
The San Luis Obispo County court has a self-help center for people with 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 a lawyer, look for a traffic attorney in San Luis Obispo County. A lawyer can represent you in court and may get your fine reduced or the case dismissed. Many attorneys offer a free consultation. Hiring a lawyer costs money but it can be worth it if you have a serious charge or if your license is at risk.
Some law firms focus only on traffic cases. They know the local judges and court rules. A good lawyer can save you time by handling everything for you. This is useful if you live far from the courthouse or if you cannot take time off work for court.
Statewide Resources
California has a statewide citation system called MyCitations at mycitations.courts.ca.gov/atp. Some San Luis Obispo County tickets may be 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 county portal.
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 San Luis Obispo County
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court handles traffic tickets from these cities:
- San Luis Obispo
- Paso Robles
- Atascadero
- Arroyo Grande
- Pismo Beach
- Morro Bay
- Grover Beach
Nearby Counties
For traffic tickets in nearby areas, check:
Note: Fees and procedures may change so always check the court website for the latest information.