Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

Most traffic infractions, including jaywalking, are strict liability. This means that it does not matter if you understood the law, if you knew you were violating the law, or even if you knew the law existed. For example, if your speedometer is broken, that would not be an excuse for speeding.

However, I would guess that if you were to fight the ticket in court and appear apologetic and sincere, it is fairly likely that a judge would go easy on your son, and reduce or perhaps dismiss the fine.