Logo courtesy of Sacramento Superior Court

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Superior Court is launching a new innovation designed to make contesting eligible traffic tickets faster, easier and more convenient for the public.

Beginning Dec. 11, 2025, Sacramento County residents have access to the Judicial Council’s expanded MyCitations platform, which now features “Online Trial by Declaration”, a fully digital way to contest infraction citations without ever stepping foot in a courthouse.

This new tool allows individuals with certain traffic tickets to submit a written statement and upload supporting documents online. Judicial officers will review the submitted materials and issue rulings through the system. Decisions will then be emailed directly to the individual contesting the citation.

“We are excited to offer a streamlined, user-friendly option that gives our community greater flexibility and accessibility,” said Brenda Allen, Director of Operations at the Carol Miller Justice Center, where traffic cases are processed.

“The ability to contest a ticket online - on your schedule - helps remove barriers and enhances access to justice for everyone.”

“Request an Online Trial by Declaration” is the newest module in the MyCitations suite, designed for infraction violations that do not require a personal appearance in court. With a simple step-by-step process, users can explain what happened, attach evidence and submit everything electronically. A judge then reviews both the defendant’s and the issuing officer’s statements before making a determination.

Use this tool if: you were issued a ticket for infraction violations only; you want to contest the violation (plead not guilty) and complete your trial online; the due date to address your ticket has not passed; and your ticket or courtesy notice does not require a mandatory court appearance.

 Do NOT use this tool if: you have already appeared in court, and/or you have already been sentenced, fined or paid your ticket, and/or have an active ability to pay petition.

 The Online Trial by Declaration feature is also available for Amador, Imperial, Nevada, San Francisco and Siskiyou counties.

The Online Trial by Declaration portal is available on the Sacramento Superior Court’s website at https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/traffic/citations-contesting.aspx.