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TR-205Mandatory

Request for Trial by Written Declaration

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 1999

This form is used to ask the court if you can challenge a traffic ticket by writing a declaration instead of appearing in court in person. It asks you to state the facts of your case and list the evidence you want the court to consider.

The court describes it as: Ask the trial court to allow you to challenge a traffic citation in writing without going to court in person (called a trial by written declaration).

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Hearing

Stage: Hearing

This form is used when a person wants to challenge a traffic citation by submitting written statements and evidence to the court, rather than attending a hearing in person.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The form has sections to be filled out by the court clerk, and the main request and declaration are filled out by the defendant. The form also mentions a 'Declaration of Facts' on the reverse.
What does the form ask for?
It asks the person filing to request a trial by written declaration, state facts they know to be true, and list all the evidence that supports their case.
Is there a fee mentioned?
The form has sections for the court to fill out regarding a required bail amount and any bail already deposited.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 1999.

Related forms

  • TR-200

    Instructions to Defendant

    This form provides instructions to a defendant on how to challenge a traffic citation by writing a declaration instead of appearing in court. It explains the steps needed to request and participate in a "trial by written declaration."

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  • TR-235

    Officer's Declaration

    This form is used by a law enforcement officer to write down facts that support the traffic charges against a person in a trial by written declaration. It asks the officer to confirm details about the incident, the equipment used, and the evidence.

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  • TR-210

    Notice and Instructions to Arresting Officer

    This form tells a law enforcement officer that someone has chosen to have a trial by written declaration for a traffic ticket. It also gives the officer instructions on what to do next.

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  • TR-215

    Decision and Notice of Decision

    This form is used by the court to write down and officially announce the final decision after a traffic trial by written declaration. It details what the court found regarding specific violations and what the defendant is ordered to pay or receive back.

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  • TR-220

    Request for New Trial (Trial de Novo)

    This form is used to ask the court for a new trial, called a trial de novo, if you are unhappy with the decision made in your trial by written declaration. It requires you to state that you are dissatisfied with the court's decision.

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  • TR-225

    Order and Notice to Defendant of New Trial (Trial de Novo)

    This form is used by the court to officially tell a defendant whether or not their request for a new trial (trial de novo) was approved. If approved, it provides the date, time, and location for the new trial.

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  • TR-300

    Agreement to Pay and Forfeit Bail Installments

    This form is an agreement where a person agrees to pay the full amount of a traffic ticket in monthly payments instead of appearing in court. The person signs to accept the payment schedule and understands that certain rights are being given up by signing.

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  • TR-300 o

    Online Agreement to Pay and Forfeit Bail Installments

    This form is an online agreement where a defendant can ask the court to pay off a traffic ticket in monthly payments instead of going to court. By signing, the person agrees to the payment terms and gives up certain rights they would normally have in court.

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