Traffic Cameras In San Diego: What You Need To Know

California is known for having the highest rate of vehicle accidents caused by drivers running red lights. To combat this, many of the state's largest cities, including San Diego, have installed red light cameras. These cameras are made up of two components: sensors placed near the road and cameras synchronized with the sensors. When a vehicle crosses the line of sensors while the light is red, it triggers the camera to take a photo. Most San Diego red light cameras take two photos, with the second photo capturing the vehicle's license plate. In addition to red light cameras, San Diego also has live traffic cameras.

Red light cameras in San Diego

California has the highest rate of vehicle accidents caused by drivers running red lights. To combat this, many of the state's largest cities, including San Diego, have installed red-light cameras to catch violators. These cameras are made up of two components: sensors placed near the road and cameras synchronized with the sensors. When a vehicle crosses the line of sensors while the light is red, the camera is triggered to take a photo. Most red light cameras in San Diego take two photos, one as the car crosses the line and another as it moves through the intersection, capturing the vehicle's license plate, the intersection location, the date and time, and the speed of the vehicle.

Drivers who violate the law will receive a citation in the mail that contains all the information related to their offense, including the amount of the fine. In San Diego, red light tickets typically cost between $100 and $480. A red-light violation will add one point to your driving record and may increase your insurance premiums. If your violation caused a collision or the death of another person, you may be arrested for reckless driving or charged with vehicular manslaughter.

While the system is flawed, and some violations can be legitimately defended, red light tickets are entirely legal in California. Ignoring a violation could result in jail time and a hefty fine. It is possible to receive a false ticket if the equipment isn’t working correctly, the sensors are too sensitive, or the photo is too blurry to show your license plate. In such cases, the ticket must be withdrawn. However, intentionally blocking your license plate is illegal and can result in further penalties.

To avoid red light tickets, follow the rules of the road and come to a complete stop at all red lights. Be on the lookout for traffic signs that forbid right turns on red.

How red light cameras work

Red light cameras are installed by municipalities to enforce traffic light laws and catch drivers who violate them. They are set up at intersections, with cameras positioned at the corners, often on poles a few yards high, pointing inwards to capture vehicles driving through the intersection from different directions and angles.

Red light camera systems have sensors installed in the road that trigger the camera to take a photo when a vehicle crosses the line of sensors while the light is red. The cameras are synchronised with the traffic signals, and multiple pictures are snapped of motorists who run red lights. The cameras do not track vehicles; instead, they interface with the sensors that trigger them.

The cameras are fully automated devices that collect evidence to prosecute light-runners. If a camera catches a violation, the driver will receive a ticket in the mail, along with a photograph of the violation, a couple of months later. The ticket will include the amount of the fine, which can vary depending on the location and the severity of the violation. In San Diego, for example, red light tickets typically cost between $100 and $480.

In addition to fines, a red-light violation will usually add points to your driving record and may increase your insurance premiums. In some cases, a violation that causes a collision or the death of another person could result in an arrest for reckless driving or a charge of vehicular manslaughter.

Red light camera locations

In an attempt to reduce red-light collisions and improve road safety, the city of San Diego has installed red-light cameras at various locations. These cameras are usually placed at busy intersections, school zones, and areas with a history of accidents or speeding violations.

• 10th Avenue at "A" Street
• 10th Avenue at "F" Street
• Aero Drive at Murphy Canyon Road
• Camino Del Rio North at Mission Center Road
• Camino De La Reina / Camino Del Rio North at Qualcomm Way
• Clairemont Mesa Boulevard at Convoy Street
• Cleveland Avenue at Washington Street
• Del Mar Heights Road at El Camino Real
• Grape Street at North Harbor Drive
• Mira Mesa Boulevard at Scranton Road
• Mira Mesa Boulevard at Westview Parkway
• Mission Bay Drive at Garnet Avenue
• Kearny Villa Road at Balboa Avenue
• North Torrey Pines Road at Genesee Avenue
• Rosecrans Street at Nimitz Boulevard

Red-light camera systems in San Diego typically capture two photos, one as the car crosses the line and another as it moves through the intersection, along with the vehicle's license plate, intersection location, date, time, and speed.

What to do if you get a ticket

Yes, there are traffic cameras in San Diego. These include red light cameras, which are used to catch drivers who run red lights, a common cause of vehicle accidents in California.

If you receive a ticket, do not ignore it. While it may be tempting to do so, particularly if you think you've been wrongly accused, ignoring a ticket could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest, a hold being placed on your driver's license, and a $100 civil assessment penalty. You may also be subject to wage garnishments, tax refund intercept, and bank levies.

Instead, you should:

• Check the ticket for accuracy: Ensure your name, address, and vehicle information are correct. Unfortunately, fraud and identity theft are common, and you may have received a falsified ticket.
• Examine your options: Your ticket will outline the next steps, including whether you need to appear in court, and by when. If you are unsure, you can contact the relevant court or come in person to the business office at the courthouse.
• Fight the ticket: If you believe you have grounds to dispute the ticket, you can go to court and contest it. This option can be time-consuming and may require you to take time off work. Alternatively, you can hire a lawyer to handle the court hearings for you.
• Pay the ticket and attend traffic school: If you know you were at fault, paying the fine and attending traffic school may be the best option. Traffic school can help you avoid points on your license, which can increase your insurance premiums.

Types of Violations

The type of violation you have committed will determine the steps you need to take and the penalties you may face. Common violations include:

• Infraction violations: These are violations of certain provisions of the Vehicle Code, local ordinance, or other laws. Infractions are not punishable by imprisonment, but you may face a fine of up to $250 (plus assessments and fees).
• Misdemeanor violations: Misdemeanor offenses are generally punishable by imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1000 (plus assessments and fees), or both.
• Red light violations: Running a red light will typically result in a fine of between $100 and $480 in San Diego. It will also add one point to your driving record and may increase your insurance premiums.
• Speeding violations: Fines for speeding tickets are determined by how many miles per hour you were over the speed limit. Speeding over 100 mph is the most serious violation and carries a fine of $1,310, a two-point penalty on your driving record, and a 30-day license suspension.
• Proof of Correction (POC) violations: These are "Fix It" citations, where you can correct the violation and pay a mandated fee.

Fighting a red light ticket

Red light cameras are installed at several intersections in San Diego to catch drivers violating traffic rules. If you have received a red light ticket, you can either pay the fine or contest the citation. Here are some options and strategies for fighting a red light ticket:

Trial by Written Declaration

California law allows individuals to challenge a traffic citation without appearing in court through a process called a trial by written declaration. You need to fill out a form (TR-205) and submit it along with any supporting evidence. There are companies that specialize in fighting red-light camera violations through this method, such as Traffic Ninja, and they typically charge a refundable fee. However, you need to pay the full ticket amount when filing the declaration, and it may take several months to receive a decision.

In-Person Court Appearance

If you choose to fight the ticket in court, you will need to schedule an appointment and appear before a judge to enter a plea. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead guilty, you will need to pay the fine or make arrangements for payment. Pleading not guilty will result in a trial date being set, and you have the right to a speedy trial within 45 days. During the trial, a police officer will act as a witness/prosecutor and present the evidence against you, including any photos or videos captured by the red light camera system.

Legal Arguments and Strategies

• Misidentification: The prosecution must prove that you were the person driving the vehicle. If the photo or video evidence is blurry or unclear, it may be difficult to positively identify you as the driver, which could lead to the ticket being dismissed.
• Equipment Malfunction or False Triggering: Red light camera systems rely on sensors and cameras to detect and capture violations. If the equipment is not working correctly or the sensors are too sensitive, it could result in a false ticket. For example, if the light turned yellow after you crossed the sensors, but before you reached the intersection, you should not have triggered the camera.
• Improper Installation or Calibration: Request maintenance and calibration records for the red light camera system to ensure it was installed and maintained according to the required standards. If there are any discrepancies or missing records, it could create reasonable doubt about the accuracy of the violation.
• Violation of Traffic Signal Timing Standards: Research the minimum interval for yellow traffic signal duration in California and compare it to the timing at the intersection where you received the ticket. If the light changed too quickly from yellow to red, it could be a valid argument for disputing the ticket.
• Challenge the Legality of Red Light Cameras: While red light cameras are legal in California, many states consider them illegal. You can argue that these systems are inherently flawed, cause more accidents, and infringe on drivers' rights.
• Negotiate for a Reduced Fine: Even if you are found guilty, the judge may be willing to bargain down the ticket fee. Pleading guilty or no contest may result in a lower fine, and you can also request a payment deferral or arrangement.

Remember, fighting a red light ticket requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances and evidence related to your case. It is recommended to seek legal advice or consult with a traffic ticket attorney to ensure you have a strong defence and increase your chances of a favourable outcome.

Frequently asked questions