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Are you or someone you know dealing with a red light camera ticket in California? Are you struggling to sort out all of the information online regarding what to do, how to pay, and what the options are to fight a red light camera ticket? This guide will go through all the information you need to know, as well as what your options are, in the case of this kind of traffic violation.
What is a Red Light Camera Ticket?
In California, certain red lights will feature red light cameras, which are positioned next to the light and automatically detect when, and take a picture of, someone running a red light. From the photo the license plate is extracted and the vehicle owner is sent a ticket.
If you receive a red light camera ticket in the mail in California, do not lose hope – there are methods and steps you can take to help beat a red light camera ticket. This guide will first go through the penalties and consequences of a red light camera ticket, how to pay your ticket, and how to fight it risk-free in court so you can avoid accumulating license points and fines.
Penalties for Running a Red Light in California
Regardless of whether an officer sees you run a red light or if it is caught by a camera, the penalties will be the same. In California, the penalty of running a red light costs upwards of 500$. The cost breaks down to a 100$ base fine and about $400 in fees.
You will also have 1 point removed from your license unless you attend California DMV-certified traffic school, which can eliminate that penalty. You will still be required to pay the traffic fine, however. The court will decide whether you are eligible to attend traffic school instead of having one point removed from your license.
To be eligible for traffic school, you must not have received another traffic violation ticket in the 18 months prior to your red light ticket. According to the government website, you need to have requested eligibility for traffic school before the court due date. If approved, you will be subsequently given a due date for the completion of traffic school. Your eligibility may also be included on the official notice you receive in the mail.
How Long Does it Take For a Red Light Ticket to Come in the Mail in California?
If you are caught by a red light camera running a red light, the ticket should arrive in the mail no more than three weeks after the infraction. Included on the notice will be the amount due, whether you need to see a judge, the due date, if you are eligible for traffic school, and whether the violation can be contested and dismissed with proof of correction.
How to Pay a Red Light Camera Ticket in California
If you choose to pay your red light camera ticket in California rather than contest it, you can do so by paying the bail without appearing in court. This can be done online, by mail, or at a local courthouse. You can call your local police station if you would like more information on how to pay your ticket in your California county.
You can also reserve a date to see a judge for an arraignment hearing to outline the different options for dealing with your ticket. If you decide to contest the ticket, the following section will outline how to best beat a camera red light ticket in California.
Can I Appeal a Red Light Camera Ticket in California?
Although it may seem daunting at first sight, there are several ways you can appeal, and beat, your red light camera ticket in California. Things like examining the photo, requesting proof, and bringing in a witness can all help your case when fighting a ticket.
Requesting Proof of Camera Competence
If you believe the camera’s detection system wrongly detected your car, you can ask the court to order proof that the camera was serviced recently and it is in working condition. This is especially pertinent if you believe you did not run a red light and were falsely accused.
Bring in a Witness
If you ran a red light because of an emergency situation, you can bring in a witness to testify for you. While it is still illegal for any vehicle except for police, fire, and ambulances to run a red light no matter the situation, the court may be willing to alleviate or decrease the penalties. A witness could be a friend, another driver, or someone at a hospital you were rushing to meet.
Check to See if There Were Several Cars
It is possible that if another car was running a red light, the camera’s detection system falsely identified your vehicle as the perpetrator. You can request a re-examination of the photograph to see if there were any cars the system may have missed. Getting a professional lawyer to do this kind of examination is also a great idea to favor the elimination of the ticket.
Getting Professional Help
Ultimately, the best way to beat a traffic ticket is to have a professional lawyer defend you. Lawyers are trained to do all of the dirty work for you, so you don’t have to worry about examining photos or dealing with complicated and incomprehensible laws.
The WinIt team of professional lawyers was created to make fighting and eliminating parking and traffic tickets fast and easy. Not only can it make your life easier, you won’t lose any money trying – WinIt only charges you if they are able to get your ticket dismissed, and the cost is 50% of the ticket fine.
How Does WinIt Work?
To access high-quality and professional help for your red light camera ticket in California, all you need to do is take a picture of your ticket or use the WinIt app to look it up, submit any and all evidence you may have, and wait for WinIt to do its magic. You have nothing to lose by checking out WinIt’s website here.
FAQs About California Red Light Camera Tickets
Can I Put a License Plate Camera Blocker on My Car in California?
According to the California Vehicle Code section 5201, all vehicles must be securely mounted on the front and back of their issued vehicle. They must also always be legible and in full sight. The section explicitly notes that any cover which “obstructs or impairs the reading or recognition of a license plate” is prohibited.
Will a Red Light Camera Ticket Raise my Insurance in California?
If the ticket is not paid in time, your red light camera ticket can affect your insurance. You may also facean insurance cost increase if you accumulate points on your license over time. This can be avoided, however, if you fight off your ticket, pay the fine on time, or attend traffic school if deemed eligible.
Are Red Light Cameras Legal in California?
Although they are not used in all states, red light cameras are legal and commonly used in California. This is why it is particularly important to know your rights regarding red light cameras if you are living or driving in the state of California.
Are the Penalties of Red Light Camera Traffic Violations in California Serious?
Red light camera traffic tickets in California are not the most serious nor grave of existing traffic violations, but the consequences can become much more serious if you accumulate traffic violations on your record.
Is Fighting a Red Light Ticket in California Worth it?
Although it may not seem like such a big deal, accumulating tickets and points on your license can quickly turn into a long-term problem in your life. Luckily, with teams such as WinIt, battling a ticket in court is inexpensive and hassle-free, so fighting your ticket is a risk-free process.
Conclusion
Whether you made an error driving or were falsely accused by the camera system, no one wants to have to deal with a red light camera ticket in California. With this guide, you will be able to make the wisest decision if you find yourself being ticketed, and have all of the necessary knowledge to alleviate the stress of the process.
If you are dealing with any traffic or parking violation, you should always consider contesting the ticket. This can save you money and points on your license. WinIt specializes not only in California tickets, but across a wide-range of states and issues. If you have any questions, or if you are wondering whether fighting your ticket is worth it, you can easily reach WinIt’s customer support by following this link here.
