How to Deal with a Speeding Ticket While Visiting Monterey County
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Monterey County’s coastal beauty draws millions of visitors each year — and many of them end up with speeding tickets. Whether you’re driving along Highway 1 between Carmel and Big Sur or cutting inland toward Salinas, it’s easy to get caught up in the views and lose track of your speed.
Tourists unfamiliar with California’s enforcement patterns often assume officers are lenient toward visitors, but in Monterey County, that’s rarely the case. Speed limits on scenic highways are tightly enforced to protect both drivers and wildlife, and officers patrol areas that attract frequent visitors. Monterey County traffic tickets can be quite daunting.
Understanding Your Monterey County Speeding Ticket
When you’re cited for speeding in Monterey County, you’re being charged with a violation of California Vehicle Code (most commonly CVC 22350 – “Basic Speed Law” or CVC 22349 – exceeding 65 mph on highways).
Your citation will include:
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The violation code
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The amount due (fine and fees)
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A court date or appearance requirement
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Instructions on how to pay or contest the ticket
If you’re a California resident, the ticket is processed like any other in your home county. If you’re from out of state, it’s important to know that ignoring the citation can lead to suspension of your driver’s license through interstate reporting agreements.
Even if you don’t live in California, your ticket must be handled through the Monterey County Superior Court—and yes, that can be done without traveling back.
What Happens If You Ignore a Monterey County Ticket?
Failing to take action by the due date leads to serious consequences, even for visitors.
If you don’t respond or appear in court, the court may:
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Add late fees and civil assessments (often $300 or more)
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Notify the California DMV, which can place a hold or suspension on your license
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Report the violation to your home state DMV
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Send the ticket to collections, significantly increasing the amount owed
In short, ignoring the ticket will not make it go away—it just makes it more expensive and complicated. Fortunately, there’s a better, faster way to take care of it.
Option 1: Paying the Ticket
The simplest—but often worst—option is to just pay the fine.
By paying, you’re pleading “guilty”, which:
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Puts points on your driving record
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Can raise your insurance rates for years
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Waives your right to contest the ticket
While it’s quick, it’s also costly in the long run. Paying without fighting should always be your last resort.
Option 2: Requesting Traffic School
In some cases, Monterey County allows you to take traffic school to keep the violation off your driving record. This is usually available if:
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You haven’t attended traffic school in the past 18 months
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Your violation was not a major offense (like reckless driving)
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You were driving a non-commercial vehicle
Traffic school requires you to pay the fine plus an additional administrative fee, then complete an online course approved by the DMV. Once done, the ticket is marked as “confidential,” meaning it won’t impact your insurance rates.
However, if you believe you were unfairly cited, there’s an even better option—one that doesn’t require paying the fine upfront.
Option 3: Fighting the Ticket by Mail
California offers a unique process called a Trial by Written Declaration, which allows you to fight your ticket entirely by mail—no court appearance required. This is especially helpful for visitors who don’t live near Monterey County.
Here’s how it works:
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You request a Trial by Written Declaration from the Monterey County court before your due date.
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You’ll pay the fine amount as bail, which is refunded if you win.
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You submit a written statement explaining your defense, along with any supporting evidence (photos, maps, calibration certificates, etc.).
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The officer who issued the ticket also submits their written statement.
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A judge reviews both sides and makes a decision by mail.
If you win, your ticket is dismissed, no points are added to your record, and your bail is refunded in full.
If you lose, you still have the right to request a new trial in person (Trial de Novo)—meaning you get a second chance.
How GetDismissed Helps You Fight a Monterey County Speeding Ticket
Fighting a ticket through Trial by Written Declaration can be confusing if you’ve never done it before—but GetDismissed makes it simple.
GetDismissed is an online service that helps California drivers contest traffic tickets by mail. Here’s how it works:
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You upload a photo of your ticket and driver’s license.
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GetDismissed automatically generates all the necessary court documents and written declarations tailored to your case.
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You simply print, sign, and mail the packet to the correct Monterey County court address.
The platform guides you through every step, ensuring your documents are properly formatted, submitted on time, and optimized for your best chance of dismissal—all without hiring an attorney or showing up in court.
It’s fast, affordable, and perfectly suited for travelers who don’t have time to return for an in-person appearance.
Tips for Visitors Driving in Monterey County
To avoid getting another ticket while you’re here:
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Watch for speed limit changes along Highway 1, especially near Big Sur, Carmel, and Pacific Grove.
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Remember that radar enforcement is common near scenic overlooks and coastal roads.
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Be mindful of construction zones and school zones, where fines double.
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Avoid using your phone while driving—California’s hands-free law applies statewide.
A little extra caution can go a long way in keeping your trip stress-free.
Trial by Written Declaration: The No-Court Option for Monterey County Drivers
If you’ve been cited in Monterey County, you can fight your traffic ticket through a Trial by Written Declaration, allowing you to contest it by mail rather than appearing in court. You provide a written statement and any evidence, and if your case is successful, the ticket is dismissed. GetDismissed helps Monterey County drivers complete this process easily and accurately, saving time and reducing stress.
Final Thoughts
A speeding ticket doesn’t have to ruin your Monterey County getaway—or your driving record. Whether you’re a visitor or a California local, you can handle the entire process from wherever you are.
Before you pay that fine, explore your right to a Trial by Written Declaration with help from GetDismissed. It’s the easiest, fastest, and smartest way to deal with a Monterey County traffic ticket—without ever stepping foot in court.
Steve has been leading the fight against traffic tickets for over 22 years and is the CEO/President of GetDismissed, a service that empowers California drivers with traffic tickets to fight back without going to court. As a thought leader and business entrepreneur, Steve has also been featured on TV, Radio, Print, and Online as a traffic ticket expert talking about such subjects as distracted driving, contesting traffic tickets, traffic ticket myths, traffic ticket tips, traffic law, and more. Steve is a published author, releasing his first book in 2011, and now has four books regarding fighting traffic tickets which can be found on Amazon. Read More…
Follow a manual added link
Photograph your ticket & license.
*If you don’t have your ticket handy, it’s okay — you can still start the process and just add it later!
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Provide info through guided questions.
*Be sure to quickly add as many notes about the stop as you can so you don’t leave out any important details!
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Sign & send your defense to court.
*We will send you a completed packet for the court that just needs your signature and a stamp!
What Types of Tickets Do We Help With?
GetDismissed produces results in fighting all kinds of tickets. Unfortunately, this list does not include exhibition of speed citations. Your best bet in fighting one of these infractions, is to contact an attorney. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to try and reduce fines, or even to reduce the charges to a lesser infraction which could possibly qualify for traffic school.
We do however, contest infractions revolving around speeding, red lights, red light cameras, cell phones, signs (primarily stop signs), carpool violations, U-turns, out of lane violations, and commercial violations. If you receive a citation and have questions, contact us today.
