Mandatory reminder notice―infraction cases

(a) Mandatory reminder notice for infractions

(1) Each court must send a reminder notice to the address shown on the Notice to Appear, or an alternate address of which the defendant notifies the court.

(2) The court may satisfy the requirement in (1) by sending the notice electronically, including by email or text message, to the defendant. By providing an electronic address or number to the court or to a law enforcement officer at the time of signing the promise to appear, a defendant consents to receiving the reminder notice electronically at that electronic address or number.

(3) If the court cannot comply with (1) because the defendant does not have a valid mailing address or with (2) because the court does not have the necessary information or the technological capability to send reminder notices electronically, the court need not send a reminder notice.

(4) The failure to receive a reminder notice does not relieve the defendant of the obligation to appear by the date stated in the Notice to Appear.

(b) Minimum information in reminder notice

In addition to information obtained from the Notice to Appear, the reminder notice must contain at least the following information:

(1) An appearance date and location;

(2) Whether a court appearance is mandatory or optional;

(3) The total bail amount and payment options; including procedures for requesting installment plans, community service, and an ability-to-pay determination;

(4) The notice about traffic school required under Vehicle Code section 42007, if applicable;

(5) Notice that a traffic violator school will charge a fee in addition to the administrative fee charged by the court, if applicable;

(6) The potential consequences for failure to appear, including a civil assessment of up to $100, a new charge for failure to appear, a warrant of arrest, or some combination of these consequences, if applicable;

(7) Contact information for the court, including the court's website;

(8) Information regarding trial by declaration, informal trial (if available), and telephone or website scheduling options (if available); and

(9) Correction requirements and procedures for correctable violations.