In short, yes, you can still get camera tickets in California if you break certain traffic laws that are captured by an automated traffic enforcement system. However, there are some important things to know about how camera tickets work in California.
What are camera tickets in California?
Camera tickets, also known as automated traffic enforcement tickets, are citations issued based on traffic violations that are detected by automated systems like red light cameras and speed cameras. When a driver commits a traffic violation that is caught on camera, the license plate is recorded and a ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
In California, the use of traffic cameras is governed by the Automated Traffic Enforcement System statutes. These laws authorize the use of automated traffic enforcement systems to detect traffic violations under certain circumstances. Common camera tickets issued in California include:
- Red light tickets – Issued when a vehicle enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Red light cameras photograph vehicles that continue through intersections after the light has changed.
- Speeding tickets – Issued when a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit. Speed cameras use radar or sensors to determine a vehicle’s speed.
- Railroad crossing tickets – Issued when a vehicle crosses train tracks after the warning gates are activated. Cameras are situated at railroad crossings to detect violations.
- School bus stop arm tickets – Issued when a vehicle passes a school bus with extended stop arms, which is illegal. Cameras mounted on school buses record illegal passing incidents.
- Toll road tickets – Issued when a vehicle uses a toll road but does not pay the required toll. Tolling systems use license plate recognition to identify toll violations.
Where are traffic cameras located in California?
While traffic cameras can be found throughout the state, they are primarily concentrated in major metropolitan areas. Some of the cities and regions in California with a significant number of traffic cameras include:
- Los Angeles area (LA, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena)
- San Francisco Bay Area
- San Diego
- Sacramento
- San Jose
- Fresno
- Orange County
Within those areas, camera locations are situated on major roads, at busy intersections, in school zones, and along highway on-ramps and toll roads. Signage is required to notify drivers of the presence of traffic cameras.
What types of violations can you get camera tickets for in California?
Under California law, traffic cameras can only be used to detect a limited set of violations. The state prohibits the use of speed cameras statewide, except in specific areas near schools and work zones. The following violations may result in camera tickets:
- Running red lights
- Blocking railroad crossings
- Speeding in school zones
- Speeding in construction work zones
- Illegal turning on red lights
- Passing stopped school buses
- Tolling violations
Most California camera tickets are issued for running red lights, which occurs when a vehicle enters an intersection after the light has turned red. Fines for red light tickets often exceed $500. Speeding tickets from school zone and work zone cameras also carry hefty fines.
How much are camera tickets in California?
Traffic camera ticket costs in California can vary depending on the type of violation and location. Here are some typical fines for common camera tickets:
Camera Ticket Type | Typical Fine Amount |
---|---|
Red light violation | $500 |
School zone speeding | $250 |
Work zone speeding | $500 |
Railroad crossing violation | $500 |
Bus stop arm violation | $400 |
Toll road violation | $25-$500+ |
Fines generally increase for subsequent offenses within certain time periods. Court fees and assessments may also be added to traffic camera ticket fines.
Who gets the ticket – the driver or the vehicle owner?
In California, automated traffic enforcement tickets are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, rather than the actual driver. The law is based on the premise that the vehicle owner is responsible for violations committed by a vehicle they own, even if someone else was driving.
However, the owner does have options for transferring liability. If someone else was driving the car, the owner can identify the actual driver, who will then become responsible for the ticket. The owner must provide evidence that they were not driving at the time and identify the other driver.
Do camera tickets affect your driving record?
No, automated traffic enforcement tickets issued through camera systems in California are not placed on a driver’s DMV record. They do not impact your driving privileges, insurance rates, or result in points on your license in most cases.
The only exception is railroad crossing violations. These camera tickets are reported to the DMV and placed on your driving record. Too many can result in a license suspension.
Do you have to pay California camera tickets?
In general, yes – unpaid camera tickets in California can have consequences. While the tickets do not go on your driving record, they are still valid citations that require a payment or contesting the ticket. Some potential penalties for not paying include:
- Late fees added to the fine
- A hold placed on your vehicle registration renewal
- Difficulty obtaining your driver license from the DMV
- Vehicle impound or immobilization
- Civil assessments added to the fine
- Negative impacts to your credit
In addition, not paying can eventually result in misdemeanor criminal charges in some jurisdictions. Having an outstanding unpaid ticket may also result in an arrest warrant in extreme cases.
Can you fight or appeal camera tickets in California?
Yes, you have options to contest your automated traffic enforcement ticket if you believe it was issued in error or you have evidence to dispute it. Common grounds for fighting California camera tickets include:
- You were not the driver at the time
- There was an equipment or technical error
- The vehicle information or license plate is wrong
- The ticket was already paid or dismissed
- There are errors in the ticket information
- You did not run a red light or were already in the intersection when the light changed
- Signage about the traffic camera was inadequate
To dispute a ticket, you must follow the process outlined on your citation, which may require appearing before a traffic commissioner or judge. Some police departments allow you to submit evidence online. Carefully follow the instructions to improve your chances of getting the ticket invalidated.
Are there any proposals to ban traffic cameras in California?
There have been efforts over the years to restrict or ban traffic cameras in California through proposed legislation. In the past, state bills have been introduced seeking to either prohibit red light cameras statewide or impose stricter rules on their use.
For example, a recent proposal called the Safe Streets Act sought to ban red light cameras unless the intersection had a minimum number of accidents each year. However, the most recent legislative initiatives have largely failed to advance.
While some cities have ceased or scaled back camera programs in response to resident complaints or lawsuits, there are currently no statewide restrictions that prohibit properly authorized traffic cameras from being used to detect violations in California.
Should you avoid routes with traffic cameras?
Drivers concerned about receiving a camera ticket may wish to avoid intersections and roads known to have automated enforcement systems. However, keep in mind that cameras are deployed on many major streets, so it may be difficult to plan routes completely free of them.
The most surefire way to avoid camera tickets is to obey all traffic laws and drive conscientiously. Safely stop at red lights, don’t speed near schools or work zones, and follow posted signs to avoid violations that could lead to citations.
Conclusion
Traffic cameras are a common sight in many California cities and can result in expensive tickets for infractions like running red lights. While the citations don’t harm your driving record, they should still be paid or contested. The best way to avoid issues is to follow traffic laws closely, especially at intersections where cameras are present. With safe and lawful driving, California drivers can typically avoid the hassle and costs of automated enforcement citations.