While speeding is against the law in every state in the union, a California speeding ticket may be one of the most costly in the nation. Fines can reach over $300 and insurance rates will increase, making those in California the highest in the land, as well. Aside from avoiding speeding entirely, the best choice is to try to be assigned to driving school. For minor speeding tickets, that is often available. If the classes are completed successfully, your charges may be dropped, your record cleared, and your insurance rates remain unchanged. For major speeding tickets, it may take a good legal negotiator to help influence the judge to make that assignment. California also allows Trial by Written Declaration, in which you argue your ticket by mail. You make your case and the arresting officer makes his case to the judge. The judge then determines your guilt or innocence.