If you have an old traffic ticket, the Judicial Branch of California says, “Come on down. Let’s make a deal!”
Okay, all references to 1980s gameshows aside, next week begins the six month Traffic Amnesty Program. The California Legislature mandated that all 58 counties must implement a one-time amnesty period that allows a lump sum payment of 50 percent of the outstanding balance on certain violations to fully satisfy that court ordered obligation, according to an announcement posted yesterday by the Judicial Branch.
Amnesty is available for drivers with outstanding traffic tickets that were due to be paid in full before January 1, 2009. All of the following also must apply:
Driver either failed to appear in court or failed to pay in full. The last date the driver made a payment was on or before January 1, 2009. The driver does not owe restitution to a victim on any case in the county where the traffic case was filed. The driver has no outstanding misdemeanor or felony warrants in the county where the traffic case was filed.
Other eligibility requirements may vary from county to county. Parking tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), and reckless driving cases are not eligible.
The Traffic Amnesty Program begins January 1, 2012 and ends June 30, 2012. Those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit their local superior court, which can be found at www.courts.ca.gov/find-my- court.htm.
So, if you have a traffic ticket that qualifies, now is the time to hop into your 1969 Dodge Charger, put the pedal to the metal, and burn rubber all the way to your local courthouse to settle up. On the other hand, you might just want to take public transportation for this trip.