Types of Violations

Frequently different terms are used when referring to certain traffic violations and/or citations. This page offers some explanation to the different references you may hear regarding your citation. To conduct court business via online services, which includes requesting an extension, establishing a payment plan or making a payment, submitting electronic correspondence, submitting proof of correction online, reserving a court date, or setting up automatic reminders for your case(s), access My Court Portal as a guest user or create an account.

What is a moving violation?

A moving violation consists of failure to obey certain laws related to the driving and operating of a motor vehicle. Depending on the violation, you may be able to post bail for forfeiture resulting in a conviction reportable to the Department of Motor Vehicles, submit proof of correction, eligible to attend traffic school, post bail for a court trial, or in some instances a mandatory court appearance may be required. You should review your violation information notice or contact the court for your available options prior to the due date as indicated on your citation.

What is Owner's Responsibility?

Certain vehicle violations can be the responsibility of the registered owner rather than the driver. Such violations include those related to registration, equipment, and weight limitations. If a driver has been cited for these violations, the citation may have been marked as “Owner’s Responsibility”. The owner of the vehicle will be mailed a notice to appear. If the owner fails to take action on this notice it may prevent the renewal of the vehicle’s registration.

What is a correctable violation?

• Who can sign off my proof of correction citation?
  Proof of corrections can be inspected by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol or other approved law enforcement agencies. Some violations may require a certificate of compliance that must be obtained at any certified light and brake station before arriving at the inspection station. Pollution Control Device violations must be certified by a smog check station licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
• Where can I find the nearest Orange County Sheriff’s Department to sign off my proof of correction citation?
  There are Orange County Sheriff deputies available to perform vehicle inspection at each of the justice centers of the Orange County Superior Court with the exception of Central Justice Center located in Santa Ana. The Orange County Sheriff’s office will charge $15.00 to sign off your proof of correction violation.
• What type of proof will I have the violation has been signed off?
  The inspection office will sign off the violation you were cited for on the back of the citation. The sign off will include the violation, the officer’s name, agency and badge number. Proof of insurance cannot be signed off by law enforcement.

Advisement: Fraudulent or altered documentation may be referred to the office of the district attorney for a full investigation and possible criminal prosecution.

What is a red light - photo enforcement violation?

• About Photo Enforcement Citations:
  • Red light camera citations are issued to the individual listed as the registered owner of the vehicle according to the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The citations are issued by vendors under an agreement with city or county government. The citations are mailed by the vendor to the registered owner.
  • The vendor will notify the registered owner of the vehicle violation including an appearance date. The registered owner may also receive a violation information notice from the court which is mailed to the address listed on the vehicle registration. If a violation information notice is not received, the registered owner must appear or pay the bail by the date listed on the notice from the vendor.
  • Do not pay the citation if you intend on reporting the vehicle was driven by someone else.
  • Complete the affidavit of non liability portion contained on the citation to identify the driver of the vehicle.
  • Do not pay the citation if you plan to report the name of the person who was driving the vehicle.
  • If you are the person who will be reporting the name of the person who was driving the vehicle on behalf of the company.
  • Complete the affidavit of non liability portion contained on the citation to identify the driver of the vehicle.
  • If you received a photo enforcement citation, you may be given the opportunity to view the actual violation. To make this request, follow the instructions on the citation or call the following agency telephone number:
    • Costa Mesa Police Department 866-334-2157
    • Fullerton Police Department 866-334-2157
    • Garden Grove Police Department 714-741-5732
    • Laguna Woods Police Services 949-639-0500 or www.photonotice.com
    • Los Alamitos Police Department 562-431-2255
    • San Juan Capistrano Police Services 949-443-6369 or San Juan Capistrano | Orange County California - Sheriff's Department (ocsheriff.gov)
    • Santa Ana Police Department 714-245-8496

    Related Information

    • Court Locations, Hours, Contact Numbers and Cities Served
    • Automated Information and Payment Center

    Online Citation Payments

    • Citation Payment Processing
    • Traffic Citation Extension Request

    Department of Motor Vehicles

    Online Case and Calendar access

    Court Forms

    Fee and Bail Schedules

    • State Fee Schedule
    • Orange County Bail Schedule (PDF)
    • Judicial Council Bail Schedule with Orange County Penalty Adjustments (PDF)