Notice to Appear and Related Forms
California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2025
This document is a guide that explains the purpose and format for 'Notice to Appear' forms used in traffic cases. It provides templates and details for law enforcement agencies to use when issuing these notices.
The court describes it as: Explains the purpose and format of Notice to Appear forms, and provides templates for law enforcement agencies to use.
Where this fits in a case
General & infoInformation / general use — not tied to one step of a case
This guide is used by law enforcement agencies to understand the proper way to create and use Notice to Appear forms for traffic violations.
Prepared by the court or clerk.
Official instructions
How-to guides published by the court for this form.
Common questions
- What is this form?
- This document is a manual that explains the purpose and format for Notice to Appear forms.
- Who uses this form?
- It is intended for law enforcement agencies to use when creating these notices.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2025.
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."
MandatoryFillable PDF4 translationsMotions
Eff. Jan 1, 1999
- TR-205
Request for Trial by Written Declaration
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.
MandatoryFillable PDFHearing
Eff. Jan 1, 1999
- 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.
MandatoryFillable PDFMotions
Eff. Jan 1, 1999
- 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.
MandatoryFillable PDFJudgment
Eff. Jan 1, 1999
- 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.
MandatoryFillable PDFMotions
Eff. Jan 1, 1999
- 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.
MandatoryFillable PDFJudgment
Eff. Jan 1, 1999
- 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.
MandatoryFillable PDFHearing
Eff. Jul 1, 2025
- 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.
MandatoryFillable PDF1 translationMotions
Eff. Jan 1, 2024