In the opening paragraphs, I will provide quick answers to some key questions around camera tickets in California:
Are camera tickets like red light and speeding tickets still valid in California? Yes, camera tickets are generally still enforceable in California as long as certain requirements are met.
Can I ignore a camera ticket? No, you should not ignore a camera ticket as failure to respond could result in additional penalties being added to the fine amount.
How do I contest a camera ticket in California? You can contest a camera ticket by requesting a trial by written declaration or an in-person trial. You will need to provide evidence showing why you believe the ticket is invalid.
Do camera tickets affect my insurance in California? Getting a camera ticket will not directly increase your insurance rates, but having multiple tickets on your record could potentially impact your premiums down the line.
Are Red Light and Speed Camera Tickets Valid in California?
Red light cameras and speed cameras are used in many areas of California to automatically enforce traffic laws by capturing images of violations as they occur. The camera equipment is installed at intersections or along roadways and is connected to sensors in the ground that detect when a driver runs a red light or exceeds the posted speed limit.
If you receive a ticket from one of these cameras, you may wonder if it is valid and enforceable. The answer is generally yes, as long as some key requirements are met:
- The camera equipment undergoes regular inspections and checks to ensure it is functioning properly.
- Warning signs are posted to alert drivers that photo enforcement is in use at that location.
- The ticket is reviewed by law enforcement personnel who verify the violation before it is issued.
- The ticket documentation includes images showing the driver committing the traffic infraction.
California Vehicle Code Section 21455.5 specifically authorizes the use of red light cameras statewide, while Section 21455.6 covers automated speed enforcement systems. As long as the camera programs follow state guidelines, the tickets they generate can be legally enforced.
Can Red Light and Speed Camera Tickets Be Ignored?
When a driver receives a notice of a camera ticket in the mail, some may wonder if they can simply ignore it and not pay the associated fine. The answer is no – camera tickets should not be ignored and doing so can actually make the situation much worse.
Here’s what can happen if you fail to respond to a red light or speed camera ticket in California:
- Late fees will be added to the initial fine amount, quickly increasing the total you owe.
- A hold may be placed on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing until all fines are paid.
- The DMV can suspend your driver’s license for failure to pay.
- Your case may be referred to a collection agency, further increasing the cost.
- In some areas, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
To avoid these negative consequences, you should never simply ignore a camera ticket. Instead, follow the instructions on the notice to pay the fine or contest the ticket through proper channels.
Contesting Red Light and Speed Camera Citations
If you believe you were wrongly or unjustly cited by a traffic camera in California, you have the right to contest the ticket. There are a couple options for disputing automated enforcement citations:
Request a Trial By Written Declaration
This process allows you to contest a camera ticket by mail. You will need to provide written statements and evidence such as photos or diagrams showing why you believe the citation should be dismissed. The judge will then review your declaration and make a ruling based on the information submitted. If the judgment goes against you, you still have the option of requesting an in-person trial.
Request an In-Person Trial
This option allows you to contest the ticket by attending a court hearing before a judge. You will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony to support your case. The officer responsible for issuing the citation may also be required to appear and justify the ticket. Based on the arguments and evidence submitted, the judge will then decide whether to uphold or dismiss the citation.
Some potential defenses against camera tickets include:
- You were not the driver at the time of the violation.
- There was an equipment malfunction with the camera system.
- The required traffic control device was not properly visible.
- You did come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
Keep in mind that simply claiming you don’t like automated enforcement is not a valid defense. You will need solid evidence and arguments to beat a camera ticket in court.
Impact of Camera Tickets on Auto Insurance in California
One common concern drivers have about red light and speed camera citations is whether they will increase car insurance rates in California. The short answer is that a single ticket from an automated enforcement system will not directly cause your premium to spike.
However, if you accumulate multiple camera tickets on your record, insurance companies may see you as a higher risk driver. Too many tickets – whether issued by officers or cameras – can indicate poor driving habits and a potential lack of responsibility behind the wheel. As a result, your insurer may raise your rates at renewal time or in the future.
There are a few key points about how camera tickets impact auto insurance in California:
- Insurance companies do not penalize drivers specifically for camera tickets. Rates are based on overall violation history.
- Having a single camera ticket is unlikely to affect your premium. But multiple automated citations could influence rates down the line.
- Only violations that show up on your DMV record can be considered for rate impacts. Camera tickets are not reported to the DMV.
- California prohibits insurance companies from raising rates solely because of a camera ticket.
So a single camera citation should not send your insurance premiums soaring. But having too many tickets could eventually take a toll on your rates. The best way to avoid increases is to drive safely and limit all types of traffic violations on your record.
Number of California Cities Using Traffic Cameras
To understand the prevalence of camera ticketing in the state, here is a table showing the number of cities in California currently using red light cameras and/or speed cameras as of October 2023:
Type of Camera | Number of Cities |
---|---|
Red Light Cameras | 76 |
Speed Cameras | 30 |
As the data shows, red light cameras are by far the most common type of automated enforcement equipment currently used in California cities. Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno, and Sacramento all employ red light photo enforcement. Speed cameras are less prevalent but can be found in cities like San Jose, Fresno, Santa Ana, Commerce, and more.
Locations with the Most Camera Tickets Issued
When it comes to the volume of citations issued annually, these three California municipalities have traditionally topped the list:
City | Camera Tickets Issued* |
---|---|
Los Angeles | 490,562 |
Oxnard | 68,968 |
San Francisco | 66,001 |
*Based on data from 2019
Los Angeles operates the largest red light camera program in the country, capturing violations at 190 intersections across the city. This helps explain the extremely high citation numbers. Other mid-sized and large California municipalities issue tens of thousands of camera tickets per year as well.
Arguments For and Against Traffic Cameras in California
The use of cameras to catch red light runners and speeders has sparked significant debate in California and across the nation. Here are some of the key arguments made on both sides of this issue:
Potential Benefits of Traffic Cameras
- May reduce dangerous violations like red light running which can lead to crashes.
- Provide objective evidence of traffic violations that officers can’t always catch in person.
- Generate revenue for state and local governments.
- Free up law enforcement resources to focus on other crimes.
- Encourages drivers to modify behavior and obey traffic laws.
Potential Drawbacks of Traffic Cameras
- Criticized as an invasion of privacy and “Big Brother” style surveillance.
- Concern that some cameras are installed primarily to generate revenue, not improve safety.
- Citations feel arbitrary and impersonal compared to being pulled over by an officer.
- Lack of standardization in how camera systems are operated and enforced.
- Fails to positively influence all unsafe driver behaviors beyond running red lights.
Public opinion on the benefits and problems of camera enforcement varies widely. But local and state governments have generally continued supporting the use of cameras as long as they comply with California laws and policies.
Recent Developments Related to Traffic Cameras in California
There have been a few recent legal and legislative developments regarding automated traffic enforcement in California:
- In 2019, the California Supreme Court upheld the validity of red light camera tickets and rejected arguments challenging their constitutionality.
- In 2021, a new California law took effect (AB 550) restricting how camera evidence can be used in criminal speeding cases.
- Legislation proposed in 2022 (AB 959) sought to ban speed on green cameras statewide but failed to advance.
So while automated enforcement remains controversial, camera programs following state guidelines can continue operating in California cities for now.
Steps to Take if You Receive a Camera Ticket in California
If you find a notice of a camera citation in your mailbox one day for running a red light or speeding in California, here are some recommended steps:
- Review the documentation carefully. Make sure it is valid and meets state requirements for automated enforcement tickets.
- Check the deadline to respond. You only have a certain window (usually 30 days) to pay the ticket or contest it.
- Decide whether to pay or dispute. If clear evidence shows you did commit the violation, you may opt to simply pay the fine. But if you believe you were wrongly cited, start the process to contest it in court.
- Act promptly if contesting. Follow the proper procedure to request a written or in-person trial and submit evidence supporting your case.
- Pay fines promptly if found liable. If you do not win your challenge in court, pay the citation fees right away to avoid additional penalties.
With some camera systems having error rates of 5% or more, it is quite possible you were mistakenly ticketed. But never simply ignore automated citations, as failure to respond can create serious consequences.
Conclusion
Getting cited by a traffic camera can be frustrating, but following some key guidelines can help minimize the impacts. Remember these main points about red light and speed cameras in California:
- Automated enforcement tickets meeting state requirements are legally valid.
- Never ignore a camera citation – respond promptly to pay or contest it.
- Multiple camera tickets may eventually impact your insurance rates.
- You can fight unjust citations through a written or in-person trial process.
- If the judge upholds your ticket, promptly pay fines to avoid additional penalties.
Exercising your legal rights while also taking responsibility for justified violations is the best approach to dealing with camera tickets. Being aware of how photo enforcement works in California can help drivers avoid costly mistakes if they receive a citation notice in the mail.