If you’ve been issued a traffic ticket in San Gabriel, the very first thing you should do is read the citation carefully and understand exactly what you’ve been charged with. Don’t rush to pay the fine or assume you’re automatically guilty. Every detail on the citation—such as the violation code, location, and officer notes—matters. Understanding the type of ticket you received is the first step toward making the right legal decision. From there, you can decide whether to contest it, seek traffic school, or hire a traffic ticket attorney.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Violation
Your traffic citation will tell you whether you were charged with a moving or non-moving violation. Moving violations include things like speeding, running a red light, or not yielding—these usually carry DMV points. Non-moving violations, such as expired registration or a broken taillight, typically involve fines but no points. This distinction is crucial because points can raise your insurance rates and eventually lead to a suspended license.
Step 2: Know What Happens If You Just Pay
It’s tempting to pay the fine and be done with it—but doing so is legally the same as pleading guilty. This can have long-term consequences. Points stay on your record for years and can cause your insurance premiums to spike. Many drivers in San Gabriel don’t realize that they have other options. In many cases, a ticket can be fought, reduced, or dismissed entirely.
Step 3: Consider If Traffic School Applies
If you’re eligible, traffic school can help you avoid a point on your record. In California, you can take traffic school once every 18 months for qualifying violations. While this won’t erase the ticket itself, it can keep your insurance company from seeing the point. However, traffic school isn’t always the best choice—especially if the ticket can be dismissed altogether. That’s why reviewing your legal options first is so important.
Step 4: Think About Contesting the Ticket
You have the right to contest your citation in San Gabriel traffic court. Legal defenses could include officer error, unclear signage, or improper procedure. If you choose to fight the ticket, you can represent yourself or hire a traffic ticket lawyer. An experienced attorney will know the local court system and may be able to get the charge reduced or dismissed.
Step 5: Take Action Before the Deadline
Every ticket comes with a deadline—usually printed at the bottom. Ignoring it can lead to additional fines, license suspension, or even a bench warrant. Whether you plan to pay, request traffic school, or go to court, you must act before that due date. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Final Thoughts: Start With the Right First Step
If you’ve gotten a ticket in San Gabriel, don’t panic—but don’t pay it blindly either. Start by reading the citation and understanding the charge. Then explore your options. Fighting a traffic ticket the right way can save you money, protect your driving record, and avoid unnecessary stress down the line.
Need help with a traffic ticket in San Gabriel? Reach out today for a case review—and check out our other blogs for expert advice on how to handle citations across California.