Salinas Traffic Court
Traffic citations issued in Salinas are handled by Monterey County Superior Court. No city operates its own traffic court in California. All tickets go to county courts. The Marina Traffic Court handles most Monterey County traffic cases. The address is 3180 Del Monte Boulevard in Marina. The phone number is 831-883-5300. Mail goes to P.O. Box 2010, Marina CA 93933-8910. The court offers night court on the last Monday of every month. Red light camera tickets are processed through a separate system at ViolationInfo.com. Records processing takes a minimum of ten days in Monterey County.
Salinas Traffic Court Quick Facts
Which Court Processes Salinas Tickets
Monterey County Superior Court handles all traffic citations for Salinas. The Marina Traffic Court is the main location. It sits at 3180 Del Monte Boulevard in Marina. This courthouse serves the entire county. Your citation shows where your case is filed. Most Salinas tickets go to Marina.
The court has night sessions once per month. Night court happens on the last Monday of each month. This helps people who work during regular hours. You can attend hearings in the evening instead of taking time off work. Check with the court to see if you need to schedule ahead for night court in California.
Red light camera tickets use a different system. If you got a red light camera citation, visit ViolationInfo.com to view your violation. The site shows photos and video of the incident. You can also call 1-866-790-4111 for assistance with red light camera tickets. These cases still go through the court. But you access evidence through the third party website in California.
Search Salinas Traffic Cases Online
Monterey County provides online case access. The portal shows traffic case information. Search by case number or citation number. You can view charges, court dates, and fine amounts. The system is available twenty four hours per day. Use it whenever you need to check on your case in California.
Records processing takes a minimum of ten days. Do not expect your ticket to appear right away. The court needs time to receive and process citations. Wait at least two weeks from the date you got the ticket. Three to four weeks is more realistic for most cases. If your case does not show up after a month, call the court to check on it in California.
The online system does not answer questions. It only displays case information. If you need help, call the Marina Traffic Court at 831-883-5300. Court staff can answer questions about your case, payment options, and court procedures. They operate during regular business hours Monday through Friday in California.
After You Get a Citation in Salinas
Your options depend on what type of ticket you received. Most people pay the fine, request traffic school, or contest the ticket. You must act before your appearance date. This date is on your citation. The court sends a courtesy notice several weeks after your ticket. The notice shows your bail amount and explains your options. It tells you if traffic school is available for your violation.
Do not wait for the notice to take action. Some get lost in the mail. That does not excuse you from the deadline. The appearance date on your citation is what matters. California courts make this clear on their websites. Act by that date whether or not you receive a notice in the mail.
If you miss the deadline, the court adds penalties. A civil assessment gets added to your fine. This is one hundred to three hundred dollars. The DMV puts a hold on your license. You cannot renew registration until you clear the hold. Avoid these problems by responding before your deadline. Even if you need more time, ask for an extension before the due date passes in California.
Traffic School for Salinas Tickets
Traffic school keeps a conviction off your public driving record. The DMV files it as confidential. Insurance companies do not see it. Your rates stay the same. You must meet eligibility requirements. No traffic school in the past eighteen months. The ticket must be a one point violation. You cannot have been driving a commercial vehicle. No alcohol or drug charges. Speed cannot be more than twenty five over the limit.
If you meet these rules, you can request traffic school. Do this before your appearance date. Pay the full bail amount plus court fees. Then pay the traffic school. Most online schools charge twenty to fifty dollars. You have sixty days to complete the course after the court approves your request in California.
Only use schools from the DMV approved list. Check dmv.ca.gov for licensed providers. Do not use unlicensed schools. The DMV rejects completion from schools not on the list. You waste money and the ticket goes on your record anyway in California.
The eighteen month rule runs from violation date to violation date. If you get another ticket during that period, you cannot use traffic school for the second one. The second ticket goes on your public record. Plan ahead if you think you might get another citation soon in California.
Marina Traffic Court
The Marina Traffic Court is at 3180 Del Monte Boulevard in Marina. Call 831-883-5300 for questions. Mail goes to P.O. Box 2010, Marina CA 93933-8910. This courthouse handles traffic cases for all of Monterey County. Check your citation to confirm your case is assigned here.
Bring your citation if you visit in person. Also bring identification. If you plan to pay, bring your payment method. The court accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring or what forms of payment are accepted in California.
Pay Salinas Traffic Fines
Pay online through the Monterey County court website. Credit and debit cards are accepted. The court may charge a convenience fee. You can also pay by mail. Send a check or money order to P.O. Box 2010, Marina CA 93933-8910. Write your case number on the payment. Include your citation number as well. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you cannot afford the full amount, ask about a payment plan. The court reviews your income and sets up installments. A setup fee applies. Then you make monthly payments based on what you can afford. Community service is another option. You work off your fine at a set rate per hour. The court provides a list of approved organizations for volunteer work in California.
Use the statewide ability to pay program if you receive public benefits or have low income. Visit mycitations.courts.ca.gov and answer questions about your financial situation. If you qualify, the court may reduce your fine. This program helps people who cannot afford to pay standard amounts in California.
Other Cities in Monterey County
Monterey County has other cities that use the same court system. No other Monterey County city meets the one hundred thousand population threshold for a separate page. All traffic cases in the county go through Monterey County Superior Court.
Monterey County Superior Court
For complete information about traffic court in Monterey County, including all courthouse locations, fees, and procedures, visit the county traffic court page: