How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Los Angeles County’s Busy Freeways
Start fighting your traffic ticket in under a minute
Los Angeles County is home to some of the most congested — and heavily monitored — roads in the country. The 405, 101, I-10, and 210 freeways carry millions of vehicles daily, and drivers often feel pressured to keep up with fast-moving traffic once congestion breaks. It’s a recipe for speeding tickets, especially during early mornings or late evenings when enforcement ramps up. Los Angeles traffic tickets are common.
Why Speeding Tickets Are So Common
CHP officers and local law enforcement agencies are constantly on the lookout for speeding and unsafe lane changes. Radar traps are common on downhill stretches or just beyond major interchanges like the 405/10 or 101/170. Aircraft monitoring is also used along long straightaways where radar visibility is limited. Many citations result from small, unintentional speed increases — the kind that happen when traffic suddenly opens up after gridlock.
In addition, speed enforcement often increases during holidays, major events, and long weekends when traffic volume and accident risk rise.
How to Handle a Citation
If you’re cited, the first step is to read the details carefully. Your ticket will include instructions for payment, requesting traffic school, or scheduling a hearing. Los Angeles County has multiple courthouses handling traffic matters, so confirm which one applies to your case. You can manage most tasks — including fine payments and extensions — online through the court’s system. Prompt action prevents late fees or license suspension.
Tips for Contesting a Ticket
If you believe your citation was incorrect, gather as much evidence as possible before contesting. Photos of the area, weather records, or dashcam footage can all help. If you appear in person, stay calm, dress appropriately, and keep your explanation focused on facts rather than emotion. Judges appreciate drivers who demonstrate preparation and professionalism.
Smart Habits for LA Freeway Driving
Defensive driving is crucial in Los Angeles. Maintain awareness of changing speed limits, particularly when merging between city jurisdictions. Avoid tailgating — even when traffic is moving fast — and use cruise control when conditions allow. Plan trips with extra time to reduce the temptation to speed.
Los Angeles freeways demand patience, not aggression. Knowing that enforcement is frequent and predictable helps you adapt your habits for smoother, safer travel.
Trial by Written Declaration
How to Fight a Los Angeles County Traffic Ticket Without Court
Los Angeles County drivers can contest their tickets through California’s Trial by Written Declaration, a process that allows you to fight your ticket by mail. You submit your written defense and any evidence, and if successful, your ticket is dismissed. GetDismissed takes care of the details for LA County drivers—making it fast, easy, and fully online to fight your traffic ticket.
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!
Follow a manual added link
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!
Follow a manual added link
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.
