Calif. DMV offering ticket amnesty program

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has created an amnesty program designed to assist qualified drivers with paying unpaid traffic or non-traffic infraction tickets, by reducing fines by 50 or 80 percent.

The 18-month program begins today.

Applicants must contact the superior court in the jurisdiction where they received the traffic ticket to find out if they are eligible to participate.

California drivers with outstanding infraction tickets originally due for payment on or before Jan. 1, 2013, and those seeking to have their driver’s license reinstated may qualify for the program. This amnesty program does not apply to parking tickets, reckless driving, and DUI offenses.

Courts, counties, and other authorized collection agencies may charge a $50 amnesty program fee.