People who never paid the fines on their old traffic tickets are getting a break: Starting Oct. 1, they can pay them off at half the amount owed, or even 80% off if they are low-income.
There’s ifs, ands or buts, however.
In June, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a one-time amnesty program for unpaid traffic and non-traffic infraction tickets, and the program will run through March 31, 2017.
Who is eligible: Those with unpaid tickets whose fines were due to be paid or who had a court date on or before Jan. 1, 2013.
Those who are now making payments on their tickets that were due both before and after Jan. 1, 2013 are eligible to have their driver’s license reinstated but are not eligible for a reduction in the amount owed, according to an announcement Thursday by Tulare County Superior Court.
All Superior Courts in California are participating in the amnesty program.
All Superior Courts in California are participating in the amnesty program.
Parking tickets, driving under the influence citations and reckless driving citations are not eligible. Other no-nos: owing restitution or having an outstanding warrant.
Payments plans are allowed.
The discount is 80% for those who can show they make less than 125% of the federal poverty level, which is $14,712 for an individual or $30,312 for a family of four, or who receive public assistance.
Civil assessments will be deducted and will not have to be paid.
In addition to paying a portion of the fine, there’s a $50 fee to the Superior Court, and the Department of Motor Vehicles also will charge a $55 driver’s license reinstatement fee.
The California Courts website has a question and answer page and a video about the amnesty program.
To check eligibility, contact the court where the violation was filed.
▪ Fresno County Superior Court traffic division: (559) 457-1700
▪ Madera County Superior Court traffic division: (559) 675-7944
▪ Tulare County Superior Court collections division: (559) 730-5000, option 1
▪ Kings County Superior Court collections division: (559) 582-1010, x3057
Lewis Griswold: 559-441-6104, @fb_LewGriswold
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