How to Beat Tickets in California

I have definitely received my fair share of tickets and I can tell you that the rise in insurance along with the cost of the ticket is not something that I can afford. But I have learned a way of getting around the system that can help avoid points on your record and save you money on insurance. This is not a reason, I repeat not a reason, to stop obeying traffic laws. You should always obey the traffic laws. But there are instances in which you may have been unfairly given a ticket (i.e. for not wearing a seatbelt. According to California law, an officer cannot pull you over for a seatbelt infraction alone.) and this can help you avoid the points

1. YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE FINE
   But do not worry you will receive this money back later
2. FIGHT THE TICKET
   When you finally have to show up to pay the fine, claim you want to fight the ticket, but that you want an extension on your court date. These extensions are generally 30-60 days from the date you file.
3. WAIT
4. SHOW UP FOR COURT
   When you show up again ask for a second extension. Give any reason, and they generally approve the extension.
5. WAIT SOME MORE
6. SHOW UP FOR COURT
   Show up for court on time. 90% of the time the officer who wrote the ticket will not show up and therefore the case will be thrown out. You will receive the full amount of the fine you paid in about 3 weeks.

This works because so much time passes between the time you received your ticket and the time you actually go to court. In some cases it's a full ten months, before you finally attend court and most officers simply don't care.

Also make sure that if you have received a ticket but have not received anything in the mail that you need to go down to the court anyways and let them know about it. I received a notice saying I had a warrant out for a ticket I never received in the mail, and I wasn't even in the country.

This is not guaranteed as there maybe a cop or two who decides they want to show up just because they don't like you, so when you get pulled over, always act polite. Even if they aren't polite to you.