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  • California DMV Driving Record: What’s on It and How to Read It

    California DMV Driving Record: What’s on It and How to Read It

    Your California DMV driving record is a running scorecard, and most drivers never look at it until something goes wrong. A suspension notice arrives in the mail. An insurance renewal doubles overnight. An employer runs a background check and asks about a violation you had forgotten about. By that point, the entry is already there,…

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  • Is Reckless Driving a Felony or Misdemeanor in California?

    Is Reckless Driving a Felony or Misdemeanor in California?

    The citation in your hand says 23103, and the box marked “must appear in court” is checked. That is not a standard traffic ticket. Reckless driving is a criminal charge in California, and whether it lands as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on facts most drivers do not know to look for. A conviction…

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  • Is It Worth It to Fight a Traffic Ticket in California?

    Is It Worth It to Fight a Traffic Ticket in California?

    A traffic ticket in California features a due date and a dollar amount. For many drivers, paying it feels like the path of least resistance. But that fine is rarely the full cost of the violation. In many cases, drivers should fight their traffic ticket to avoid license and insurance issues later on.  If you…

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  • How Much Are Traffic Tickets in California?

    How Much Are Traffic Tickets in California?

    The number printed on your citation is almost never the number you expected. California layers penalty assessments, surcharges, and court fees on top of every base fine. A violation with a $100 base fine can reach $486 by the time the court closes your case. Most drivers find out weeks later, at a courthouse window…

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  • Is Traffic School Worth It? How It Affects Your Ticket and Insurance

    Is Traffic School Worth It? How It Affects Your Ticket and Insurance

    A traffic ticket looks minor until you read what it does to your driving record. The courtesy notice from the courthouse gives you a due date, a fine amount, and a box marked traffic school. It does not tell you what either choice costs you over the next three years. In California, one moving violation…

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  • Everything You Need To Know About Interlock Devices

    Everything You Need To Know About Interlock Devices

    An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer test technology used to ensure that repeat DUI offenders cannot drive their car while under the influence of alcohol. They are also used for first-time offenders who want to save their license from being suspended.

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  • How to Check If Your License Is Suspended in California

    How to Check If Your License Is Suspended in California

    Many California drivers do not realize their license may be suspended. Some don’t realize it until the worst possible moment: when they are pulled over. A suspension does not always come with a clear warning, and it will not lift on its own once the suspension period ends.  That is why it pays to know…

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  • Should I Get a Lawyer for My DUI in Los Angeles?

    Should I Get a Lawyer for My DUI in Los Angeles?

    Yes, hiring a skilled DUI attorney is highly recommended. California opens two separate cases the moment you are charged with a DUI. One unfolds in criminal court, and the other moves through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), where you have only 10 days to request a hearing before your license is automatically suspended. Missing…

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  • How Long Does a Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record in California?

    How Long Does a Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record in California?

    A single moving violation can follow you longer than you’d expect. If you’re asking how long a ticket stays on your record in California, the honest answer is that it depends on the type of violation, whether you were convicted, and what you do next.  For most drivers, a routine speeding ticket or rolling stop…

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  • What to Do When You Get a Texting And Driving Ticket in California

    What to Do When You Get a Texting And Driving Ticket in California

    Getting a texting and driving ticket in California can be a costly and inconvenient experience. Most people know it’s dangerous to text and drive, but many drivers still risk it and end up paying the price. The following guide explains what to do if you get caught texting and driving in the state of California.…

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