The Judicial Branch of California announced that it has rolled out a new online tool to request reductions to traffic tickets across all 58 counties in the state.
The new online tool – MyCitations – allows low-income individuals with infraction violations to request a reduction in their fines and fees without going to the courthouse. Users can also request a payment plan, more time to pay, or community service.
Initially, the tool was launched in just seven county superior courts in April 2019, but as of this month the tool is now being made available in all counties.
Since its original launch, the court system said more than 127,000 litigants have submitted requests to reduce their fines, resulting in approximately $49 million in reductions.
In addition to the statewide rollout, MyCitations is also adding a new functionality Online Trial by Declaration. The new module will allow a defendant to contest eligible traffic citations by submitting a written statement and uploading evidence online. The Superior Court of San Francisco County expects to pilot this online trial module next month.
The court system added that to better reach ticket holders, all California traffic/infraction tickets will now feature information about the MyCitations tool and how to access it. In addition, information about the program is posted on local court websites as well as the California Courts website.
