Receiving a Courtesy Notice for a traffic violation in Bakersfield can be confusing. This guide, brought to you by streetsounds.net, clarifies the process, ensuring you understand your obligations and options when navigating traffic citations on Bakersfield streets. You should receive this notice at least 10 days before your scheduled appearance date, but remember, whether you receive it or not, you are responsible for appearing by the date listed on your citation.
The Courtesy Notice is crucial as it indicates whether your violation requires a mandatory court appearance. The subsequent steps depend on this requirement. Let’s break down the process to help you understand how to handle traffic violations in Bakersfield.
Understanding Traffic Violator School (TVS) Eligibility in Bakersfield
Traffic Violator School (TVS) offers an option for eligible drivers to mitigate the impact of a traffic violation. As of January 1, 2013, drivers with Class A, B, or Commercial Class C licenses, when cited in a non-commercial vehicle, may be eligible for traffic school, provided they meet existing eligibility criteria. While the conviction will be recorded, successful completion of TVS means no points will be added to your driving record.
Important Update Regarding Traffic Violator School and Convictions
Effective July 1, 2011, a significant change was implemented: courts in Bakersfield and across California no longer dismiss infractions after traffic school completion. Assembly Bill 2499 mandates that all infractions are recorded as convictions with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, for a first conviction within an 18-month period, confidentiality is maintained, meaning no negative points will appear on your driving record. Crucially, any subsequent violation within that same 18-month window will result in points on your record because eligibility for TVS is lost for repeat offenses within that timeframe.
Where to Address Specific Traffic Violations in Bakersfield
It’s important to know where to go based on the type of traffic violation you’ve received in Bakersfield streets. Certain violations are handled by specific departments or agencies:
- DUI Violations: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) violations are under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Department. You will need to contact or visit the Criminal Department for any DUI-related traffic matters.
- Parking Tickets: Parking tickets are not processed by the Traffic Division. For any inquiries or issues related to a parking ticket received in Bakersfield, you must contact the law enforcement agency whose details are printed on the parking ticket itself.
- Juvenile Traffic Misdemeanors: If a juvenile receives a traffic misdemeanor, these cases are handled by the Juvenile Court, located at 2100 College Avenue, Bakersfield, California. This is near the County Health Department on College and Mt. Vernon.
- Juvenile Traffic Infractions: For juvenile traffic infractions within the Metropolitan Division, the Traffic Division at 3131 Arrow Street, Bakersfield, California 93308 is the designated location.
- Metropolitan Division Juvenile Traffic Court Schedule: Juvenile traffic court cases in the Metropolitan Division are scheduled for hearings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday afternoons of each month. Due to limited availability and quick scheduling, it is strongly recommended to arrange your court appearance with the Traffic Court as soon as possible after receiving your courtesy notice, and definitely before the due date on the notice. This arrangement must be made in person at the Arrow Street location.
- Mandatory Court Appearance for Juveniles: If a juvenile is cited for a moving violation, a mandatory court appearance is automatically required. If you are unsure whether a mandatory appearance is required for a juvenile citation, you can call the Traffic Department for clarification on this single question only. All other inquiries or requests must be made in person, and a parent or legal guardian must accompany the juvenile.
- Identifying the Correct Court Facility: Each traffic citation issued in Bakersfield includes information at the bottom indicating which court facility is handling the specific citation. Always check your citation to ensure you go to the correct location.
By understanding these processes and locations, you can effectively address your traffic violation and navigate the system on Bakersfield streets. Remember to act promptly and refer to your citation for specific instructions related to your case.
