Skip to main content.

ATTENTION

Scam Alert: The Superior Court of Santa Cruz has been notified that an individual posing as a deputy/court security is calling court customers stating that they owe money for failing to appear. If you receive a call of this nature, please contact the court directly at 831-420-2200 to receive accurate information.

Paying a Ticket

Please Note
  1. If you choose to pay your ticket without going to trial, it is called bail forfeiture. Bail forfeiture means the ticket will be deemed paid and a conviction will be reported to DMV.
  2. For moving violations, you may attend Traffic Violator School if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about Traffic School, visit the Traffic School page.
  3. If your ticket includes “correctable violations,” (like mechanical issues, missing a headlight, or insurance/registration violations) “proof of correction” is required to pay the correctable (reduced) fine amount.
  4. Making installment payments to pay a fine may be available if you are financially unable to pay the entire fine amount at once. Please visit the Financial Hardships page to view more options.

Some violations require you to appear in court and can't be resolved using the options below. Your Courtesy Notice will say if you are required to appear for court.

How do I pay my ticket?

  • Option 1 (Recommended)

    Pay Online

    Note that there is a convenience fee assessed for all online payments.
  • Option 2

    Pay by mail

    Mail a payment to the Clerk's Office. You must make your check or money order payable to ‘Santa Cruz Superior Court’ and include your case number. The Court will not accept a cash payment by mail.

  • Option 3

    Pay in person

    Make a payment in person at the Clerk's Office. You can also place a payment in the drop box at either location. If using the drop box, you must make a check or money order payable to ‘Santa Cruz Superior Court’ and include your case number. The Court will not accept a cash payment through the drop box. 

How do I obtain proof of correction?

Most mechanical violations can be signed off by law enforcement officers or certain employees of the Department of Motor Vehicles. They will inspect your vehicle and sign the back of your ticket or Courtesy Notice, which you can then submit to the court along with a $25.00 payment for each correctable violation. Do not pay your fine online if you want to provide proof of correction. You can send your proof of correction and payment by mail or visit either the Santa Cruz or Watsonville clerk's offices.

If you have lost your ticket or courtesy notice, the court can provide you with a replacement proof of correction form. You can request the form by sending an email, calling the clerk's office, or visiting the clerk’s office in person.

Insurance Violations cannot be signed off by law enforcement or DMV personnel. If you were insured when the ticket was issued but were unable to provide proof to the officer, you can submit a copy of your insurance card or policy along with a $25.00 payment to the court.

Acceptable proof of financial responsibility MUST be issued by the insurer and include the following information:

  • Name of insurance carrier
  • VIN number (vehicle identification number)
  • Policy number
  • Effective dates of coverage must cover the date the ticket was issued for dismissal of the charge
  • Name of person who received the ticket AND the vehicle listed on the ticket

If you did not have insurance at the time the ticket was issued, you can either:

  • Submit proof of insurance purchased after the violation date and the Court's Plea Form to request a reduction of the fine amount. 
  • Pay the full bail amount for this violation

Registration Violations can be corrected by submitting a copy of the current registration along with a $25.00 payment to the court. If any of the following apply, you must submit proof with the Court's Plea Form to request a reduction of the fine amount:

  • The officer marked the violation as “non-correctable”
  • You cannot provide current registration, but you have paid all DMV fees
  • You have sold or junked the vehicle