Program For Reduced Fines On Non-Adjudicated Citations
The Court has created a program to allow you to ask the judge to lower your Traffic Citation fine without going to court. This new program is for Traffic Citations that have not had a court hearing and the Judge has not made a decision on your case.
When you ask for a reduction in your fine, you will need to tell the judge that you are responsible for the citation by entering a plea of "guilty" or "no-contest." The Court will also allow you to sign up for traffic school if you meet the qualifications.
You will not need to report to the Courthouse, nor pay your citation amount at the Traffic Office. You can accomplish all of this on-line.
If you would like to take advantage of this offer, choose one of the methods to apply:
| Online Submission through SignNow (***Preferred method***): |
|---|
| Request for Reduction of Fine If your citation contains correctable violations, you may submit Proof of Corrections online using the link below. Please use your mouse and cursor to fill out each field as best you can. SignNow will route the form to us and you may also print it for your own records. |
| US Mail |
|---|
|
You may also simply print the form and mail it to us, though SignNow is the preferred method. Request for Reduction of Fine (PDF) Mailing Address: Superior Court - San Mateo |
* Please note: red light camera violations can only be reduced to $367. Please allow the Court at least 3 weeks to respond to your request.
Please include your email address and a phone number as well as your mailing address.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT WITH THE FORM; THE COURT WILL DETERMINE THE CORRECT REDUCED FINE BASED ON THE CHART AND YOUR VIOLATION(S) AND CONTACT YOU WITH PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS.
Note: If you have already scheduled a court date, please appear as scheduled if you do not hear from the court by that date.
Contesting Your Citation:
If you prefer to contest your citation, please continue to check our website for the ability to request an arraignment date online.
Going to Trial:
If you wish to proceed straight to trial, write to the court via US Mail requesting a trial date or Trial by Written Declaration. Please be sure to send a check or money order for the full bail amount due on your Notice of Bail if you are requesting a trial date or sending the forms for Trial by Written Declaration.