Find Tulare County Traffic Records
Tulare County traffic ticket records are kept by the Superior Court. When you get a traffic citation in Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, or other parts of the county, the court is where you go to handle it. The court provides online services for searching tickets, paying fines, and scheduling court dates. 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 detailed records of all traffic violations issued in Tulare County and you can access them several ways.
Tulare Superior Court Traffic Services
The Tulare County Superior Court runs a traffic division that handles all moving violations. Visit the court website at www.tulare.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic for complete information on your options. The site tells you how to pay, request traffic school, or fight a ticket. All the forms and instructions are there.
Call the court at 559-730-5000 for help with your case. The staff can answer questions about fines, court dates, and payment plans. Phone lines are open during business hours. The automated menu lets you check case status at any time. Most people call to verify their payment amount before they use the online system.
The main courthouse is in Visalia at 221 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93291. You can walk in to pay your ticket or talk to a clerk. Bring your citation number and ID when you visit. The clerk's office handles payments, forms, and questions about traffic cases. Going in person works well if you need help with paperwork or if you want to speak with someone directly.
Online Payment Portal
Tulare County offers online payment at online.tulare.courts.ca.gov/?q=WebPayment. This portal lets you pay your traffic fine with a credit card or bank account. You need your citation number to use the system. Enter the number and the site shows your case details and the amount you owe.
A processing fee applies if you use a credit card. Paying from your bank account costs less. After you pay, the site sends a confirmation email. Save this email as proof of payment. Most people like online payment because it is fast and you do not have to go to the courthouse. You can pay any time of day.
The portal also shows your court date if you have one scheduled. Check the site to see when you need to appear. If you plan to pay instead of going to court, make sure you do it before the deadline. Missing the due date adds fees and can lead to a license suspension.
Traffic School Eligibility
Traffic school is an option for many violations in Tulare County. If you complete an approved course, the court will keep the point off your insurance record. You still pay the fine plus a $68 traffic school fee. The court decides if your ticket qualifies. Not all violations are eligible.
Request traffic school through the court website or by phone. You must ask before the due date. The court sends you a list of approved traffic 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 cannot see the point.
Traffic school costs more than just paying the fine but it can save you money on insurance. If you get a point, your rates may go up for three years. Hiding the point from insurance is worth the extra cost for most people. California only lets you use traffic school once every 18 months for the same benefit.
Fix-It Tickets in Tulare County
A fix-it ticket is for an equipment problem like a broken brake light or missing registration sticker. If you fix the issue and get it signed off, you only pay $25 instead of the full fine. Take the signed certificate to the court or submit it online if the portal allows uploads.
You have to fix the problem and submit proof before the due date. If you are late, the court charges the full fine plus penalties. Most fix-it tickets are cheap to clear if you act fast. Get the repair done and have a police officer or mechanic sign the form. This saves you a lot of money.
Extensions and Payment Plans
Tulare County allows extensions if you cannot pay by the due date. You can request an extension online or by calling the court. An extension gives you more time without adding late fees. The court usually grants a 60-day extension if you ask before the original deadline.
If your fine is too high to pay all at once, ask about a payment plan. Call the court to set it up. They will split the amount into monthly payments. You must pay on time every month or the plan gets canceled and fees get added. Payment plans help people who are facing big fines and need to spread the cost over time.
Always ask for an extension or payment plan before the due date. Waiting too long limits your options and adds costs. The court is more willing to work with you if you contact them early.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
If you ignore your Tulare 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 can suffer.
Driving on a suspended license is illegal. 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 fight the ticket but you must act before the deadline. Do not let it slide.
DMV Points and Driver Records
Tulare 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 get your license suspended.
You can check your DMV record online at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/. The DMV charges $2 for an online record. Your record shows all convictions, points, and license status. Insurance companies look at your record when they set your rates.
Points stay on your record for three years in most cases. DUI and other major offenses stay longer. Traffic school hides one point from insurance but the conviction still appears on your DMV record. Check your record once a year to make sure it is correct and to see when old tickets drop off.
Legal Help and Court Resources
The Tulare County court has a self-help center for people who have questions. The staff can explain court procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice but they can tell you what steps to take. Look for the self-help center at the courthouse or on the court website.
If you need a lawyer, look for a traffic attorney in Tulare County. A lawyer can go to court for you 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 job depends on a clean driving record.
Some law firms focus only on traffic cases. They know the local judges and court rules. A good lawyer can save you time and money by handling everything for you. This is helpful if you live far from the courthouse or if you cannot take time off work.
California Statewide Tools
California has a statewide citation system called MyCitations at mycitations.courts.ca.gov/atp. Some Tulare County tickets may show up in this system. The site lets you search for your ticket and see if you can handle it online. Not all courts use MyCitations but it is worth checking if you cannot find your ticket on the Tulare County site.
The DMV website has information on 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 more. Understanding these rules helps you make the best choice about how to handle your ticket.
Cities in Tulare County
Traffic tickets from these cities are processed by the Tulare County Superior Court:
- Visalia
- Tulare
- Porterville
- Dinuba
- Lindsay
- Exeter
- Farmersville
- Woodlake
Nearby Counties
For traffic tickets in other areas, check these county pages:
Note: Fees and procedures can change so always check the court website for the latest information.