Correctable Violations (Fix-It Tickets) and Getting Proof of Correction

Your traffic ticket may be a "correctable violation" or a "fix-it" ticket. Your "Notice to Appear" should have the "yes" box checked below "Correctable Violation." Also, the courtesy notice the court will probably send you will say whether you can pay for the violation or if you have to show proof of correction.

If you show proof of correction and pay a dismissal fee, the court will dismiss the relevant charge.

Some common tickets of this kind are:

• Equipment violations — "fix-it" tickets (like a broken taillight)
• Driver's license violations (like if you did not have your license with you when you got your ticket, or it was expired)
• Car insurance violations where you have car insurance but did not have proof of insurance when the police pulled you over (remember, in California, you must have car insurance by law)
• Car registration violations (like if your registration is expired, or you did not have it with you when the police asked you for it).

When you fix the problem, get an authorized person to sign the "Certificate of Correction" part of your ticket. Take the proof of correction to the court and pay the dismissal fee before the deadline. You can check your ticket or contact the court to see if the court accepts proof of correction by mail. The court will then dismiss your case and it will not go on your record. You must take or mail the signed ticket with proof of correction to the court along with your dismissal fee. Do this before the deadline on your ticket. The court will then dismiss your case.

Getting your proof/certificate of correction signed

To get your ticket (citation) signed, ask:

• A police officer — for "fix-it" tickets
• The DMV — for driver's license and car registration violations
• A court clerk — for proof of car insurance at the time of citation and for driver's license and car registration violations. (Make sure you have the correct documentation.)