Camera Tickets: Enforced In La?

Red light cameras are legal in Los Angeles and California. While some people believe that red light cameras were banned in LA, this is not true. However, several cities in California have removed cameras as tickets are expensive at almost $500, and many people have stopped paying. In LA County, paying a red light camera ticket is voluntary unless you've contacted the court. While some people suggest ignoring tickets, this is dishonest and risky as the state could change its policies or still submit information to the DMV, which could result in a suspended license.

Red light camera tickets are not prosecuted in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Superior Court does not report ignored red light camera tickets to the DMV. This means that there are no consequences for not paying a red light camera ticket in LA County. There will be no warrant for your arrest, and your credit rating will not be affected.

However, if you contact the court or check your ticket status online, you acknowledge that you received the mailed ticket. If you then decide to take no further action, the court could report you to the DMV. It is okay to view the photos or videos of the violation online, as these sites are run by the camera companies, not the court.

If the ticket was addressed to someone else in your household, make sure whoever opens the mail knows to consult with you before responding to any threatening letters from the court or its collection agency.

While red light camera tickets are not prosecuted in LA County, it is important to respond accurately and promptly when you receive one. These tickets are triggered by sensors when a vehicle passes above an intersection with a red light. The camera snaps a photo of the license plate and the driver, and a traffic ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The ticket includes the fine amount, photo evidence, a copy of the citation, and information on how to challenge the ticket.

Red light camera tickets are complicated and nuanced

In Los Angeles County, paying a red light camera ticket has been voluntary since 2011. The Los Angeles County Superior Court decided not to prosecute non-payment, and as a result, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) changed its policy and will not suspend licenses over failure to pay these tickets. However, ignoring a traffic penalty issued by a camera may result in severe consequences, and the state could change its policies at any time.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, it is advisable to respond quickly. The citation will include a court date, and failure to file a protest, settle your dispute, or appear in court may result in your driver's license being suspended. You can also request to review the evidence, such as photos or videos captured by the red light camera, to determine if there is a clear image of your face and license plate, which is required for an enforceable ticket.

There are also "snitch tickets," where the camera doesn't get a clear photo of the driver. In this case, the court might send a fake ticket, and you are not required to pay. If you receive a legitimate ticket, you can attempt to have it dismissed by providing evidence, such as unclear photos or incorrect timing of the yellow light, and pleading "not guilty."

While some people choose to ignore red light camera tickets without facing immediate consequences, there are risks involved. The state could change its policies, and your license could be suspended or unable to be renewed until the ticket is paid. Additionally, your tax return could be affected, as some people have reported deductions from their returns due to unpaid tickets.

The decision to pay or ignore a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles is complex and depends on various factors. It is essential to consider the possible risks and consequences before taking any action.

Ignoring a red light camera ticket is risky

You may have heard that it is possible to ignore a red-light camera ticket in Los Angeles with little consequence. While this is true to an extent, there are still risks involved in ignoring one of these tickets.

Firstly, it's important to understand how red-light camera tickets work in Los Angeles. When a vehicle passes over a sensor on a red light, a camera captures a photo of the license plate and the driver. A ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, including the fine amount, photo evidence, a copy of the citation, and information on how to challenge the ticket.

In Los Angeles, the majority of red-light camera systems are operated by third-party companies, not the city. As a result, these companies are motivated to issue tickets and may be contractually obligated to meet a minimum number of recorded violations. This means that vehicle owners may receive unwarranted tickets.

Now, what are the risks of ignoring a red-light camera ticket?

Possible Fine

While it is true that ignoring a red-light camera ticket in Los Angeles County typically does not result in significant consequences, there is still a small chance of a $300 fine. This fine is unlikely to be enforced, but it is a possibility to consider.

Time and Effort

Ignoring a red-light camera ticket may result in a series of "mean letters" and phone calls from collection agencies. While this may not have a direct impact on your legal standing or credit score, it can certainly be a nuisance and cause unnecessary stress.

Future Complications

If you find yourself in court for another traffic violation, having an ignored red-light camera ticket on your record could potentially cause complications. While judges often dismiss the $300 fine, they may require you to address the red-light camera ticket, adding an extra step to the legal process.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to ignore a red-light camera ticket in Los Angeles, it is important to weigh the risks involved. Although the consequences are typically minimal, there is still a chance of fines, hassle, and future legal complications. It is always best to respond accurately and promptly to any traffic violation to avoid further issues.

Red light cameras are legal in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles and most cities in California, a red-light ticket is triggered when a vehicle passes over a sensor in the intersection while the light is red. The camera then captures a photo of the vehicle's license plate and the driver. The registered owner of the vehicle will then receive a traffic ticket in the mail, along with information on the fines to be paid, photo evidence, and details on how to challenge the ticket.

While red light cameras are legal, there are stipulations on what constitutes an enforceable ticket. According to California law, a citation can only be issued if the camera captures a clear photo of both the driver's face and the license plate. Additionally, enforcement of red light tickets can be challenging, and many drivers may choose to ignore them without facing immediate repercussions.

It is important to note that the consequences of ignoring a red light camera ticket may vary over time. While there have been instances where the Los Angeles County Superior Court decided not to prosecute non-payment, it is always advisable to respond promptly and seek legal advice if needed.

Red light camera tickets can be dismissed

Red light camera tickets in Los Angeles can be dismissed, although it may require a little time and effort. Here are some ways to do so:

Submit an Affidavit

If you weren't the driver, you can submit an affidavit form, which is included with your citation. Provide the name and address of the person who was driving, so the citation can be sent to them instead. You are not required to share the name of the person driving, but if you do, the citation will be redirected to them.

Check the Yellow Light Interval

California law requires lights to stay yellow for a specified period. If you recall the yellow light being unusually short, time the interval yourself with a stopwatch and compare it to the required time listed in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. If the yellow light interval is shorter than the minimum, use this as a defence.

Check for Warning Signs

Ensure there is a warning sign posted within 200 feet of the intersection, visible to oncoming traffic, stating that an automatic enforcement system is in use. If there are no warning signs, or they are not clearly visible, you may have a defence against your ticket.

Check Camera Maintenance

California state law requires automatic enforcement systems to be calibrated and inspected regularly. If the camera had not been inspected or failed calibration when you received your ticket, you might be able to get it dismissed. This information should be available on the police department's website, or you can request it directly from the department.

Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

At your arraignment, enter a plea of "not guilty". Many courts have a form for this, but you may need to write a letter. Some cities and counties may also allow you to enter a "not guilty" plea online.

Present Your Case in Court

Organise your documents and evidence, such as photos, videos, and witness testimonies, and present your case in court. Speak clearly, stick to the facts, and treat the judge with respect.

Request a Trial by Written Declaration

If you don't want to go to court, some cities and counties allow you to request a trial by written declaration. If you use this procedure, you may be required to pay the full bail amount upfront, which will be refunded if you are found not guilty.

Appeal the Decision

If you are found guilty, you can file an appeal within 30 days of the judge's decision. Consult an attorney to help with your appeal, as your conviction will only be overturned if the judge made a legal error.

Frequently asked questions