whats the staue of limitation of traffic tickets in california?

Question

I got a ticket 4-5 yrs ago and did not pay the fine then... got another ticket and found they are asking to pay 1,000 for it. is there a statue of limitation on the collection of the traffic tickets? and how long will the record show on the dmv?

first thanks for all who answered and tried to help, second, I didnt pay the original fine because I was in a situation in my life which consumed all my time and thought, the ticket was just forgotten, I dont mind paying the original fine, it was like 200 bucks, but now its at 1000. which I cant afford. maybe I can plea my case to a judge for the original fine? if anyone knows this please let me know, I'd like to resolve this. and no, it was a speeding ticket 85 on the highway passing thru west covina, not dui .... (btw... why does west covina police come up to the highway to make the arrest? is it their jurisdiction?)

Answer 1

That's right there is NO statue of limitations.

Also, in some cities, such as San Francisco, they can boot your car if the total fines exceeds $300. Fines also increase over time. A simple $45 street cleaning fine can easily go up to $80 over time. Yes, I know this is traffic stuff.

They stay on your record for three to ten years. It depends.
From www.dmv.ca.gov
"Most convictions of traffic offenses, such as hit and run, reckless driving, and driving under the influence (DUI) will remain on your record for 10 years from the violation date and count as 2 points.
Most other traffic offense convictions will remain on your record for 3 years from the violation date and count as 1 point."

Why don't you just tough it up, accept it and pay the fine? Maybe they'll let you make payments

Answer 2

Hello, I am surprised there was not a warrant for you for the unpaid ticket.

Of course most places don't look more than 7 years on DMV reports, but tickets stay on your record forever they never fall off, it is just most record checks only go back usually never more than 10 years but could.

And no the fine will never go away, at some point and time they may decide to be more agressive in collecting the money.

Answer 3

statute of limitations only applies when the police agency can charge you with a crime or traffic after the offense is known. typically traffic is a Minor misdemeanor. most states give the police up to six months to charge in that case.
you have been charged, no is no limitation on the fine or collection, you can't simply get out of something because you did not show up for court or wavier the ticket and pay for it. your lucky there was not a warrant for your arrest.

Answer 4

A statute of limitations has to do with not pressing charges or suing years after a wrongdoing is discovered. Your violation WAS discovered and ticketed. They're going to keep your name on their list forever. If you go back into the state, depending on the state's laws they could put a Warrant out for you. I know someone who was arrested on an outstanding Warrant for not appearing in court for several traffic violations (delaware)

Answer 5

There is NO statue of limitations on traffic tickets whether infractions or misdeamnors. Tickets will always remain on your driving record unless you've had it exponged.

Answer 6

There are none! It is a civil offense, not a criminal one, though in most civil cases have to be brought within a certain time frame.

I don't think that applies to parking tickets!

Answer 7

Maybe you should learn how to drive...

If the fine is that much, it must be a dui, and they can suspend your license for that.

Answer 8

well if they put a warrant out for your arrest for non payment it will still be there 100years from now

Answer 9

there isnt a statue of limitations on them.

Answer 10

7 years after you pay it....