Traffic fines in California just got tougher — here’s what late payments will now cost you

Motorists in the Golden State will need to be more careful going forward if they want to avoid new fines. Traffic courts have explained that harsher penalties will apply to those who either fail to pay tickets on time or continue racking up violations behind the wheel.

The new measure is designed to make drivers more cautious and avoid direct hits to their wallets. Late payments can now trigger an additional civil assessment fee of up to $100, applied if the fine is not paid before the deadline.

Some California drivers could receive additional fines

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will continue to flag traffic violations as usual. But if the fine is not paid on time, a judge or commissioner can issue a default judgment — which means an extra penalty added on top of the original fine.

In addition to the $100 civil assessment, drivers may also face a formal “failure to appear” charge, an entry on their DMV record, or even higher car insurance premiums. “If you missed the due date for a good reason, such as illness, contact the court immediately. They may be able to cancel the added fee,” officials explained in a statement.

For those who can’t pay immediately, traffic courts also allow drivers to request extensions or set up payment plans in order to avoid these new penalties.

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