San Diego's Camera Tickets: What You Need To Know

California has the highest rate of vehicle accidents caused by drivers running red lights. To combat this, San Diego has installed red light cameras at various intersections to enhance traffic safety and reduce violations. These cameras are equipped with sensors that are synchronised with the traffic lights and capture two photos of the vehicle in violation, along with the license plate, speed, date, time, and location. If a vehicle crosses the line after the light turns red, the sensors trigger the camera, and the driver receives a ticket in the mail, including a fine ranging from $100 to $486. While these tickets can be contested, ignoring them can result in costly consequences.

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. These cameras are typically installed at high-traffic intersections, school zones, and areas with a history of accidents or speeding violations.

The cameras work in conjunction with sensors placed near the road. When a vehicle crosses the 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 sensors and another as it moves through the intersection, capturing the license plate. The camera system also records the intersection location, date, time, and speed of the vehicle.

If a driver violates the law, they will receive a citation in the mail, including information about their offense and the amount of the fine. In San Diego, red light tickets typically range from $100 to $480, with lower fines for illegal right turns. A red-light violation will also add a point to the driver's record and may increase insurance premiums.

While red light cameras are legal in California, the system is not perfect. Drivers may receive false tickets due to equipment malfunction or sensor sensitivity. To issue a fine, the photo must clearly show the car, license plate, and driver. If any of these criteria are not met, the ticket must be withdrawn. Drivers who receive a red light ticket can choose to pay the fine or contest it in court, especially if they have a clean driving record and no one was harmed.

How do red light cameras work?

Red light cameras are installed at intersections to enhance traffic safety and reduce violations. They are typically placed at high-traffic intersections, school zones, and areas with a history of accidents or speeding violations. The goal is to deter red-light running and speeding through automated enforcement.

Red light cameras are synchronized with traffic signals and work in conjunction with sensors installed in the road. When a vehicle crosses the sensors while the light is red, it triggers the camera to take a photo. Most red light cameras take two photos: one as the car crosses the line and another as it moves through the intersection, capturing the license plate. The cameras also record the intersection location, date, time, and speed of the vehicle.

If a violation occurs, the vehicle owner will receive a citation in the mail, including photographs, the amount of the fine, and instructions for payment or appearing in court. The fines for red-light violations are typically between $100 and $480, depending on the county and the nature of the violation.

It is important to note that red light cameras are not always in use. They are typically installed in areas with a high volume of traffic or a history of accidents. Additionally, the process for appealing a red light camera ticket varies by municipality, and there may be valid reasons to contest the violation.

What happens when you get a ticket?

Red light cameras have been installed at various locations in San Diego to improve traffic safety and reduce violations. These cameras are typically installed at high-traffic intersections, school zones, and areas with a history of accidents or speeding violations.

If you get a ticket from a red light camera in San Diego, you will receive a citation in the mail that contains all the information related to your offence, including the date, time, location, violation code, and a photo of your vehicle and license plate in the intersection. The citation will also include your fine, which is typically between $100 and $480, depending on the county and the nature of the violation.

Paying the ticket is an automatic admission of guilt and will result in a point being added to your DMV record, which may lead to higher insurance rates. If you accumulate too many points, your license may be suspended or revoked.

If you choose to fight the ticket in court, you can argue against the citation if the photo you receive is fuzzy or unclear, or if the vehicle's license plate is obscured or unclear in the photo. In some cases, you may argue that you were not the driver of the vehicle when the photo was taken. Alternatively, after a conviction, you can pay the fine but have the point removed from your license by attending traffic school.

Can I fight a red light ticket?

Yes, you can fight a red light ticket in San Diego, but it may be difficult to do so successfully, especially if there is clear photographic evidence of your vehicle running a red light.

Building Your Defence

First, check the details of the incident outlined in your citation, including the date, time, location, and violation code. Then, request photos or videos of the incident to review. If you weren't driving, you can submit an affidavit to provide the name and address of the person who was.

Next, study up on traffic laws and check the following:

• The yellow light interval: California law requires lights to stay yellow for a specified period. If the yellow light was unusually short, this could be used as a defence.
• Warning signs: There should be a warning sign posted within 200 feet of the intersection. If there wasn't, or it wasn't visible, this could be a valid defence.
• Camera maintenance: California state law requires automatic enforcement systems to be regularly calibrated and inspected. If the camera hadn't been inspected or failed calibration, the ticket could be dismissed.

Contesting the Violation

To contest the violation, you must enter a plea of "not guilty" at your arraignment. You'll then need to organise any documents and evidence to present your case at trial. This could include physical evidence and witness testimonies.

Appealing an Adverse Decision

If you lose your case, you can file an appeal within 30 days of the judge's decision. While it isn't necessary to have an attorney for this, it may be beneficial to consult one, as your conviction will only be overturned if the judge made a legal error.

Where are the cameras located?

Red light cameras are installed at various locations in San Diego to improve traffic safety and reduce violations. The cameras are typically placed at high-traffic intersections, school zones, and areas with a history of accidents or speeding violations.

• 10th Avenue at A Street
• Grape Street at Harbor Drive
• Broadway at H Street
• East H Street at Paseo Del Rey
• Johnson Avenue at Arnele Avenue
• Main Street at Magnolia Avenue
• Valley Parkway at Center City Parkway
• 2nd Avenue at Broadway
• Vista Village Drive at Santa Fe Avenue
• South Santa Fe Avenue at Civic Center Drive
• Oceanside Boulevard at College Boulevard
• Mission Avenue at El Camino Real

Temporary speed cameras have also been set up near schools, such as La Jolla High School and San Diego High School, as well as in neighbourhoods like Del Mar and Mission Hills.

Red light cameras are usually positioned on the side or corner of an intersection, while traffic cameras that monitor flow are typically located on top of the traffic light.

Frequently asked questions