How Much is a Speeding Ticket at the Santa Cruz County Superior Court? | Santa Cruz Fine Guide

Receiving a citation in the Santa Cruz district is often more expensive than the face value of the fine shown on your ticket. Between mandatory state court fees, Santa Cruz County penalty assessments, and the inevitable 3-year insurance premium hike, a single speeding ticket in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court can cost a typical driver over $2,500.

Santa Cruz Traffic Court Surcharges Explained

In California, the "Base Fine" is only the beginning. For every $10 of base fine, the state and Santa Cruz add various "Penalty Assessments." This means a $35 base fine for a minor speeding violation quickly balloons into hundreds of dollars at the Santa Cruz courthouse before you even consider the impact on your DMV record.

The Hidden Cost: Insurance Impact in Santa Cruz

For drivers in cities like Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, a single point on your DMV record can lead to a 20-30% increase in your annual insurance premium. Over the three years that a point stays on your record, this can easily exceed $2,000 in additional costs. SilverlightPRO helps you protect your financial future by contesting the ticket through the written trial process at the Santa Cruz County Superior Court, aiming for a full dismissal and zero points.

Common Speeding Fines in Santa Cruz

• 1-15 MPH Over: Significant fines plus 1 DMV point.
• 16-25 MPH Over: Higher tier fines plus 1 DMV point.
• 26+ MPH Over: Major fines, possible mandatory appearance, and 1 DMV point.

Regardless of the speed, the Trial by Written Declaration is your most effective tool for avoiding these costs entirely.