I believe I can get my traffic tickets dismissed under Vehicle code section 41500. How do I do that?
You must proactively request dismissal from the DMV directly. The court will not automatically do this on your behalf. You will need to send a letter to the DMV on official California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation letterhead, and get it signed by an “Authorized Representative.”
- If you’re currently incarcerated, you should ask your Correctional Counselor or other prison staff person to provide letterhead and sign off on your request.
- If you’re formerly incarcerated and on some form of community supervision like probation or parole, you will have to ask your parole or probation officer to provide letterhead and sign off on your request.[2249]
The letter should say that you are requesting dismissal of your misdemeanor or infraction ticket under Vehicle Code Section 41500, and it must include the dates of your commitment and release (if you’re out). Send your request to: Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Drivers Safety and Licensing, P.O. Box 9412890, Sacramento, CA 94290. A DMV employee will then review your request to decide if your ticket qualifies for dismissal.
HELPFUL HINTHere are 3 more options to look into if you are struggling to pay your traffic fines:
Payment Plans—If you owe unpaid traffic fines, you can contact the court, parking authority, or collection agency that you owe money to and ask about setting up a payment or installment plan (where you pay off a little every month instead of everything all at once). Amnesty Programs—Some counties have traffic amnesty programs to help people reduce the amount of traffic debt owed and in some cases, reinstate a suspended driver license.[2250] Contact the traffic court in the county where you owe money for more information.Specialty Courts—Some counties have special homeless courts, DUI courts, or other community courts that may be able to help you resolve your tickets and fines. Contact the local public defender in the county where you got the ticket to ask if there are any community courts available and whether you are eligible. What if I owe court-ordered debt for a federal offense?