Red light cameras are a controversial topic in LA County and across California. These cameras are installed at busy intersections to automatically photograph vehicles that run red lights, allowing police to issue tickets by mail to the vehicle’s registered owner. However, many motorists feel that red light camera tickets are unfair and that they should be able to ignore them without consequences. In this article, we’ll examine whether or not you can safely ignore a red light camera ticket in LA County.
Are Red Light Camera Tickets Enforceable in California?
The short answer is yes – red light camera tickets are considered valid traffic citations in California. The state began allowing red light cameras in 1996 through the Intersection Red Light Enforcement Program. This program authorizes local governments like LA County to install and operate red light cameras at dangerous intersections in order to improve traffic safety.
The cameras automatically photograph vehicles entering an intersection after the traffic light has turned red. A police officer will then review the photographic evidence and determine if a violation has occurred before issuing a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. Under California law, these tickets carry the same penalties as regular traffic tickets issued by police officers.
So while some motorists may consider red light camera tickets unfair, they do represent valid citations that can result in fines, driver’s license points, and increased insurance rates if ignored.
Myths About Ignoring Red Light Camera Tickets
There are a few common myths about whether you can get away with ignoring a red light camera ticket, such as:
- The tickets are not enforceable because you didn’t get pulled over by a police officer at the time
- If they can’t confirm the driver’s identity, the ticket can be ignored
- The tickets are merely “suggestions” that don’t need to be paid
- The fines will simply go away if ignored long enough
However, under California law, none of these myths hold true. Red light camera tickets carry the same authority and penalties as any other traffic citation, even though an officer did not pull you over personally. The photographic evidence of the infraction is considered sufficient evidence to identify the violation.
And even if the driver cannot be specifically identified, the ticket is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, who is ultimately responsible for any citation associated with their vehicle.
What Happens If I Ignore My Red Light Camera Ticket?
Ignoring a red light camera ticket in LA County or anywhere in California can lead to some costly consequences:
- Late fees – If you fail to pay the ticket on time, you will start incurring late fees that quickly increase the amount owed.
- DMV registration hold – The DMV may place a hold on renewing your vehicle’s registration until the ticket is paid.
- Suspended license – If the ticket remains unpaid, the court can suspend your driver’s license until you resolve the matter.
- Civil assessment – After a certain period, the court may add a “civil assessment” of up to $300 to the ticket fines.
- Collection agency – Your debt may eventually get referred to a collection agency, damaging your credit rating.
- Warrant for arrest – In the worst case scenario, an arrest warrant could be issued if you continue to ignore a red light camera citation.
So while you may be tempted to ignore one of these tickets, doing so will almost certainly lead to much more severe headaches and legal consequences down the road.
How to Contest a Red Light Camera Ticket
If you believe you have valid reasons to fight a red light camera ticket, there are legal options to contest the citation:
- Submit a written declaration – You can complete a Declaration of Non-Liability form to declare that you were not driving the vehicle at the time of the ticket.
- Request an administrative hearing – You have the right to an administrative hearing where you can present evidence related to your citation.
- Challenge in traffic court – You can also request that your red light camera ticket be dismissed by pleading “not guilty” and arguing your case in traffic court.
- Hire a lawyer – An experienced traffic ticket attorney can help you navigate the process of contesting a red light camera citation.
However, simply ignoring tickets and failing to pay is not a viable option. Contesting them through proper legal channels is the only way to avoid responsibility for red light camera infractions you believe to be invalid or unjustified.
Common Red Light Camera Ticket Defenses
There are a number of legal arguments that skilled lawyers have successfully used to beat red light camera tickets in court. Potential defenses include:
- You were not the driver – If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can provide evidence proving you were not behind the wheel.
- Mechanical failure – You can argue a mechanical malfunction (like faulty brakes) made it impossible to safely stop.
- Emergency – You may be able to claim an emergency situation forced you to safely go through the red light.
- Not in violation – A lawyer can scrutinize the photographic evidence for any loopholes indicating you did not commit a true traffic violation.
- Due process violations – There are cases where the cameras or ticketing process violated a driver’s constitutional right to due process.
While challenging a red light camera ticket should never be taken lightly, working with an experienced attorney can help certain drivers get unfair or erroneous citations dismissed.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Red Light Camera Ticket
Here are some recommended steps if you’ve been issued a red light camera citation:
- Review the notice carefully – Make sure it is valid and matches the vehicle make/model and license plate.
- Contact the courthouse – Ask about fine amounts, payment options, and procedures to contest.
- Check the photographic evidence – Look closely to see if the images accurately reflect a violation.
- Consider hiring a lawyer – For help contesting a ticket you believe to be invalid or unjustified.
- Pay or contest the ticket – If you opt not to fight, pay before the deadline to avoid late fees.
- Dispute responsibility – File a declaration if someone else was driving at the time of the incident.
The worst thing you can do is try to ignore a legitimate red light camera ticket, as the penalties will quickly escalate. Instead, be proactive about carefully reviewing your options after receiving one of these citations.
Conclusion
While many drivers feel frustration over red light camera tickets, the reality is that ignoring them is not an option in California. Like any other traffic citation, they constitute valid legal documents that must be addressed properly to avoid harsh consequences. Paying the fine or contesting the ticket through the proper channels are the only safe choices when dealing with an LA County red light camera violation. With sound legal help and strong evidence, it may even be possible to successfully challenge certain unfair or erroneous citations. But outright disregarding these tickets will only make the situation exponentially worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ignore the initial notice from the red light camera?
No, you should never ignore the initial violation notice or any other notifications related to a red light camera ticket. This first notice gives you the chance to view the photographic evidence against you and pay the ticket early at a reduced cost. Ignoring this initial notice will typically result in a full citation and fine being mailed to you within a few weeks.
What if I wasn’t the driver when the violation occurred?
Red light camera tickets are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, even if they were not actually driving at the time. However, you can file a Declaration of Non-Liability providing evidence that someone else was driving your vehicle and therefore responsible. This may shift liability for the ticket away from you as the registered owner.
Can I avoid penalties by delaying payment on a red light camera ticket?
No, delaying payment will actually result in additional penalties being added to your red light camera ticket. Late payment fees, collection agency referral, loss of driving privileges, and other consequences can begin accruing if you do not promptly satisfy your citation or contest it through the proper legal channels.
Is it illegal for me to remove the license plate on my car to avoid red light cameras?
Yes, you may face criminal charges for obscuring or removing a license plate to avoid red light cameras. Under California Vehicle Code 4463(a)(1), it is illegal to alter your license plate in order to evade enforcement technology like red light cameras. You could be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines or jail time if caught covering or removing your plates.
Can I contest a red light camera ticket by arguing that the technology is flawed?
You are welcome to make arguments questioning the accuracy and reliability of red light cameras during your administrative hearing or trial. However, contesting a ticket solely on those grounds is usually difficult unless you have proof of specific technical failures in your case. The technology is government-certified for accuracy and assumed to be functional unless shown otherwise.
Violation Type | Fine Amount (approximately) |
---|---|
Running a red light | $500 |
Blocking an intersection | $250 |
Turning illegally on red | $450 |
Stopped past limit line on red | $200 |
This table provides estimated fine amounts for common red light camera violations in LA County. However, exact fine amounts can vary depending on city and type of infraction. Additional fees are usually added by the courts when unpaid tickets go into delinquency.