CITATIONS

Citation Types

Officers may issue several types of citations. They include:

Traffic Citation – for infraction violations of the Vehicle Code
Correctable Violations – also known as Fix-it Tickets
Parking Citations – Parking fines

In each case, the person who receives the citation has the responsibility of paying any fines, making any required appearances, and/or contesting the citation in accordance with the rules of the court. If a person received a citation for a criminal violation, they may also need to be booked, which means getting photographed and fingerprinted. There is information on the violator’s copy of the citation that provides additional information and instructions.

Traffic Citation

Police Officers will stop a vehicle when they observe a traffic violation, if the vehicle is unsafe or has a mechanical violation, or if there is probable cause to investigate a crime. You are required to comply with the officer's requests, and you must show your driver's license, vehicle registration, and evidence of financial responsibility (insurance).

For infraction violations, you must do one of the following:

Pay the bail (fine)
Go to court
If authorized, inform the court of your intention to go to traffic school
Contest the violation

If you do not do one of these on or before the appearance date on your ticket, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.

Correctable Violations

If your violation is a vehicle equipment problem, take it to a repair shop or fix the problem yourself. If there's a problem with your documents (license, registration or proof of insurance), you may need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your insurance company.

If the citation is for registration or license issues, the DMV may sign off the ticket after the problem is resolved. Otherwise, bring your vehicle and citation to the Foster City Police Department. Request an officer to inspect your vehicle or documents. Once the officer signs off on the ticket, you mail it or take it to the court. There may be a fee. Once the court records the correction, your ticket will be dismissed.

Citation Sign-Off

Reason

If your violation is a vehicle equipment problem ensure it is fixed first before coming to the police department. If there is an issue with your documents (license, registration or proof of insurance), you may need to contact your insurance company go to the Department of Motor Vehicles first.

Cost:

Free 

Parking Citations

Parking fines (aka bail) must be paid within 21 days of issuance. Failure to pay may result in additional fines and a registration hold on your vehicle. If the fine is not noted on your citation, the vehicle's registered owner should receive a notice in the mail with the bail amount. Your parking citation is also an envelope you can use to pay the fine. You can pay by check or money order, payable to: The City of Foster City. Write the citation number on your check. Do not mail cash. If you lose the envelope, mail to:

Office of Parking Violations
PO Box 9003
Redwood City, CA 94062-9003

OR

You may pay by credit card at www.pticket.com/fostercity

Contesting a Parking Ticket

You may contest the citation online via www.pticket.com/fostercity or by requesting an initial review by writing, telephoning or appearing in person. The letter should be addressed to the Office of Parking Violations. You must provide your reason for requesting the initial review and include any documentation relating to your appeal. You will be notified by mail of the results of the review. You will also be provided with information on how to request an administrative hearing if you are not satisfied with the result of the initial review.