Traffic Cameras In Garden Grove: Tickets Still Issued?

Traffic cameras in Garden Grove, California, can result in tickets that cost hundreds of dollars. The City of Garden Grove uses an automated red-light enforcement system to issue tickets at eight intersections, with signs installed to notify drivers of the presence of these cameras. While some people choose to pay the fine, there are options to fight these tickets, such as through a trial by written declaration, which can result in no points on your driving record, a refund of bail money, and no increase in insurance.

How much is a traffic ticket in Garden Grove?

Traffic tickets in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, can be extremely expensive. The base fine for a traffic ticket is usually around $35, but with additional fees and penalties, the final cost can be hundreds of dollars. For example, a speeding ticket in California with a $35 base fine can end up costing an average of $710.

The cost of a traffic ticket in Garden Grove depends on the type of violation. Here are some examples of average costs for different types of traffic tickets:

• Speeding ticket: $710
• Red-light ticket: $450
• Traffic camera ticket: $490
• Cell phone ticket: $178
• Stop sign ticket: $238
• Carpool lane ticket: $490

It's important to note that these amounts can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Additionally, insurance premiums can increase significantly after receiving a traffic ticket, adding to the overall financial burden.

When a driver receives a traffic ticket in Garden Grove, they have the option to fight the ticket without going to court through a process called Trial by Written Declaration. This allows drivers to submit documents and explain their side of the story in writing instead of appearing in person. Seeking legal assistance from a traffic ticket lawyer or a law firm specialising in traffic violations can also help drivers understand their options and potentially reduce the fines or have the ticket dismissed.

How to fight a traffic ticket in Garden Grove

Traffic tickets in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, can be very expensive. The base fine is not the full cost of the ticket; there are various additional fees and penalties added by the county and state of California. These include a court operations assessment fee, a conviction assessment fee, a state penalty assessment fee, and a night court assessment fee. All these can add up to a huge financial burden.

However, there is a way to fight your traffic ticket without going to court, called a Trial by Written Declaration. This is a real court trial, just in written form instead of in person. All California drivers need to do is complete the documents and submit them to the courthouse by mail. There are apps and systems that can help you with this.

If you do choose to fight your traffic ticket, it's important to act quickly. In Garden Grove, you can contest a traffic ticket within 21 days of issuance or 14 days after the offense notice. After that, you'll need to deposit the amount of the fine and a signed statement to the City of Garden Grove, explaining your reasons for contesting. Then, you may be called for an in-person hearing or receive an email.

If you'd rather not go through the hassle of fighting your ticket, you can pay the fine by calling 800-453-1606 and using the Interactive Voice Response System, or by sending a money order or check to the City of Garden Grove.

Red light camera locations in Garden Grove

Red light cameras in Garden Grove, California, are located at the following intersections:

• Brookhurst Street and Trask Avenue
• Brookhurst Street and Westminster Avenue
• Chapman Avenue and Brookhurst Street
• Harbor Boulevard and Trask Avenue
• Magnolia Street and Trask Avenue
• Orangewood Street and Brookhurst Street
• Valley View Street and Chapman Avenue
• Valley View Street and Lampson Avenue

The City of Garden Grove is required to notify the public about the automated enforcement system in use at these intersections. This is usually done by installing Automated Enforcement Signs (SR-56) near the intersections. These signs should be clearly visible to drivers as they approach the intersections.

In addition to the signs, the city must also provide adequate yellow clearance time at the signalized intersections to allow drivers to come to a safe stop before entering. The minimum yellow clearance time at intersections is set by the CA MUTCD.

Garden Grove is one of two Orange County cities that still use red light traffic cameras. The city has a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems Inc. to provide cameras at ten intersections. The contract is set to automatically renew at the end of June each year.

How to identify a real traffic ticket

Traffic cameras in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, are still issuing tickets, which can be contested in court. Here is a guide on how to identify a real traffic ticket:

Firstly, a real traffic ticket will have all your personal identification information correct. This includes your date of birth, driver's license number, address, car make and model, registration information, and insurance details. Mistakes do happen, and officers may write down the wrong information. Usually, these mistakes are recognised by the court as simple human errors and are corrected. However, this seldom leads to the dismissal of a ticket.

Secondly, the ticket will have the name of the issuing agency in the top left corner, such as CHP, the County Sheriff's office, or the local police department. The citation number, which starts with an agency code, will be located in the top right corner. This combination of letters and numbers is essential when researching your case.

Thirdly, the middle portion of the ticket will contain the code section and a brief description of the charge. Look up the exact code section online for a full description as the description on the ticket is usually in shorthand. To the left of the code, there will be boxes indicating if the violation can be corrected, and to the right, boxes will show the severity of the charge (misdemeanour or infraction).

Fourthly, the name of the officer who issued the citation will be just above the signature box, along with their badge number and vacation dates (which are often left blank).

Finally, at the bottom of the citation, you will find critical information, including the date you must appear in court and the address of the courthouse. If you do not respond by the due date, further penalties may be incurred, including additional fines, a warrant for your arrest, and the suspension of your driving privileges.

In summary, a real traffic ticket will have your correct personal information, the issuing agency's name and citation number, a code section with a description of the charge, the name of the issuing officer, and the date and address for your court appearance.

How to dismiss a traffic ticket without going to court

Traffic cameras in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, are still issuing tickets, which can be extremely expensive. The average cost of a California traffic camera ticket is over $490, plus insurance increases of around $272 per year for the next three years following a traffic camera violation.

If you want to dismiss a traffic ticket without going to court, one of the most common and effective strategies is to complete an online traffic school course. By taking a defensive driving course, you are admitting your mistake but showing willingness to improve your driving. Many courts allow online driving schools for ticket dismissal, and it will also help you to become a safer driver.

Another option is to request a ticket dismissal by default. This is a gamble, as it relies on the police officer either not appearing in court or failing to fill out the correct paperwork. If the officer does show up, you will need to present a case to get out of the ticket.

You can also demonstrate an error on the ticket. For example, if your car is misidentified, or if the time of the violation is incorrect, you may be able to argue for a ticket dismissal.

Frequently asked questions