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Last Modified on Feb 18, 2026
Being cited for speeding or traffic violations on the 101 near Calabasas can be frustrating. This stretch of the 101 is heavily patrolled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and tickets are issued for everything from speeding to reckless driving.
The consequences of a traffic ticket can extend past just a fine, impacting your driver’s license and insurance premiums. Before immediately accepting your citation and paying the fine, taking time to understand your legal options could reduce negative penalties.
Traffic Violations on the 101 Near Calabasas
With a high volume of commuters and travelers on the 101, many traffic violations occur near Calabasas. Tickets are common for traffic violations, such as:
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit can result in a citation, but so can driving too fast for the conditions. Even if you are below the speed limit, if your speed is inappropriate for conditions, such as weather or traffic, you may receive a ticket.
- Excessive speeding: Driving over 100 mph can lead to an excessive speeding citation. About 1600 drivers in California are cited by the CHP for excessive speeding each month. Often, excessive speeding charges can be in addition to charges such as reckless driving.
- Unsafe lane changes: Failing to signal a lane change 100 feet in advance or failing to be aware of other cars can lead to a citation for unsafe lane changes.
- Distracted driving: 3% of traffic fatalities in California are the result of distracted driving. The most common form of distracted driving is using a cell phone, but distractions could also come from adjusting navigation systems, eating, or grooming.
Understanding the Traffic Violation Penalties in California
The consequences of a traffic violation vary depending on what you were cited for and the severity of the citation. Fines are a common penalty for most traffic violations and can range from below $100 for minor infractions to over $1,000 for some serious or aggravated charges.
The DMV adds points to your driving record after a traffic violation. Typically, less serious violations, such as speeding or unsafe lane changes, are 1 point. More dangerous violations, such as excessive speeding or driving under the influence (DUI), are 2 points.
Traffic violations can lead to license suspension if you have a certain number of points on your DMV record in a set period of time. Your license can be suspended or revoked if you have:
- 4 points in 12 months
- 6 points in 24 months
- 8 points in 36 months
Another financial cost of a traffic violation is its impact on your insurance premiums. By accruing points on your DMV record, your rate rises. In California, a speeding ticket increases the annual insurance rate by an average of 45%. Even when a fine may seem low, fighting a ticket can save you money by avoiding accruing points that raise insurance costs.
Why You Should Hire a Traffic Violation Lawyer
A Calabasas traffic ticket attorney can help you reduce the impact of a traffic citation on your driving record and your wallet. Their knowledge of traffic laws, ability to examine evidence, and negotiation skills can help you fight penalties rather than give in to the fines and repercussions on your driving record.
In most cases, you can choose to accept the penalties, or you can challenge them in court. If you are looking to challenge a traffic citation, your DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can identify what avenues for reducing consequences or dismissing charges are possible in your case. Some legal options for fighting a speeding or traffic violation include requesting dismissal or reduced penalties by:
- Challenging the legality of a traffic stop
- Identifying flaws in the use or calibration of speed detection tools or red light cameras
- Identifying unreliable law enforcement statements
- Proving factual mistakes in an officer’s citation, such as the location
- Proving emergency circumstances, such as a medical emergency, or taking actions to prevent an accident
FAQs About Calabasas Speeding or Traffic Violations on the 101
Is Speeding Over 100 MPH a Felony in California?
No, speeding over 100 MPH is not a felony. Excessive speeding is a serious infraction that may result in mandatory appearance at court, a license suspension from 30 days to 1 year, a $500 to $1,000 fine, and 2 points on your DMV record. Excessive speeding charges increase in severity for repeated offenses and a large number of points on your driving record.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Cited as an Out-of-State Driver?
If you are an out-of-state driver who has been cited on the 101 near Calabasas, hire a traffic violation lawyer in the Calabasas area. Their knowledge of California laws and court procedures can help you throughout this process. They can also reduce penalties that affect you when you are in California and in your home state.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record?
For most traffic violations, points stay on your driving record for three years in California. After this time, they will be removed from your record and will not be used to calculate if your license can be revoked or suspended. In some cases, such as after a DUI, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay your fine, points can remain on your record longer.
What if You Can’t Afford the Fines?
While working with a lawyer can often lead to reduced or dismissed fines, if you are left with a fine you can’t afford, your lawyer can request that your fines be further lowered based on your financial situation. In some cases, by providing proof of your financial situation, you may be able to reduce fines, set up a payment plan, or do community service in place of a fine.
The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein Can Help
Working with an experienced Calabasas traffic lawyer can minimize the impact of a citation on your life. The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein have over 20 years of experience representing clients and securing the optimal outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options after a traffic violation on 101 near Calabasas.
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