Contesting Your Traffic Ticket (Plead Not Guilty). You must plead not guilty, in writing, before the court date.Send in your written declaration that you are pleading not guilty. Do not say anything else. In California, a no contest plea generally has the same legal effect as a guilty plea, but with one exception. If you plead guilty or no contest, you'll likely have to pay fines and may have points added to your license. You can plead nocontest. Ask the judge to reduce fees, and ask for traffic school. If you wish to contest your traffic ticket (plead not guilty), click here. If you plead guilty and pay the fine, you will get points on your driving record and your car insurance payment will go up.