Fighting Camera Tickets: Your Rights In Ventura County

If you've received a red light camera ticket in Ventura, California, you may be able to get it dismissed without going to court. Red light camera tickets can be expensive, often costing $490 or more, so it's worth finding out if your ticket can be dismissed. One way to do this is through a trial by written declaration, which doesn't require your presence in court. You can also check if the driver photo is clear, as the law requires automatic enforcement systems to produce a clear picture of the driver. If it's not clear, you may have grounds for dismissal. Additionally, you can review the photo enforcement sign at the intersection, as California law requires these signs to be posted, and they may be missing or obstructed.

Check the ticket is legitimate by looking for the four photos on the right side of the page

When you receive a red-light camera ticket in Ventura County, California, the first thing to do is to check whether the ticket is legitimate. One way to do this is by looking at the placement of the four photos on the ticket. If the ticket is legitimate, the four photos will be arranged in a column on the right side of the page. If the photos are at the bottom of the page, this is what is known as a "snitch ticket", and you can safely ignore it.

A legitimate ticket with the four photos on the right will include login information, usually found on the back page, first paragraph. Sometimes, it can be found on the front page, in the upper-right corner, within a red rectangle.

If you receive a legitimate ticket, you should not ignore it as the fine amount will double and go into collections if not dealt with correctly.

Examine the quality of the driver photo – it must be clear for the ticket to be valid

If you've received a red light camera ticket in Ventura, California, you may be able to get it dismissed by examining the quality of the driver photo. Red light camera tickets can be expensive, costing $490 or more in fines, not to mention the potential impact on your driving record and insurance premium.

Red light camera systems use a two-camera setup to capture images of vehicles that progress through an intersection after a specific time following a red signal. The data, including video and still images, is secured, encrypted, and placed into an evidence file for police personnel to review. If a violation is found, the driver receives a ticket in the mail.

When challenging a red light camera ticket, it's important to know that automatic enforcement systems are legally required to produce a "clear" picture of the driver. If the driver's photo is fuzzy, grainy, or generally unclear, the ticket-issuing agency should not have issued a citation. Challenging the ticket through a Trial by Declaration can be a successful strategy, as the law requires a clear photo for the ticket to be valid.

By carefully examining the driver's photo and determining if it meets the standard of being "clear," you can identify a potential basis for getting the ticket dismissed. This strategy has been successfully employed by services like Ticket Ninja, which assists individuals in fighting red light camera tickets in Ventura. They offer a free assessment of your ticket and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Check for obstruction of the Photo Enforcement warning sign

If you're unsure whether there was a "Photo Enforcement" warning sign posted near the Ventura County intersection where you received your ticket, you should go back to the intersection and check. These signs can be posted way before the intersection or right at it, so be sure to check carefully. If there are any obstructions to the sign, such as tree branches, take photos and forward them to your legal representative.

In California, it is required by law that the photo enforcement warning sign be placed at all photo enforcement-equipped intersections. If the photo enforcement sign is missing or obstructed, red light camera tickets can be successfully challenged. You may be able to get your ticket dismissed based on the legal requirement that photo enforcement locations have adequate warning to let drivers know that the intersection is monitored by cameras.

Ticket Ninja CA, for example, can help prepare your Trial by Declaration so that you can take advantage of this legal requirement. They offer a true 100% money-back guarantee and claim to be the traffic ticket defense specialists. Their fee for this service is $99, which is much less than the $490+ fine for a red light camera ticket in Ventura County.

Challenge the yellow light interval – claim it was too short

If you've received a red light camera ticket in Ventura, California, you may be able to get it dismissed by challenging the yellow light interval. This defence has been used successfully in the past, where the claim is made that the yellow light interval was unusually short.

To do this, you will need to request that the red light camera operators prove that the yellow light interval was set properly and that the light was in proper working condition at the date and time of the citation. The Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides guidance that the yellow light interval be between three and six seconds. However, this is not a statutory requirement and legislation mandating proper yellow light times is mostly non-existent. The yellow light time will vary depending on the speed limit, and the recommended duration is based on the assumption that it takes one second for a driver to perceive the signal and at least three seconds to react to it. For example, the recommended yellow light duration for roads with a speed limit of 45 mph is 5 seconds, while for roads with a speed limit of 30 mph, the recommended duration is 3.7 seconds.

It is important to note that this defence may not be successful in all cases, and there are other factors to consider as well, such as the presence of a clear driver photo and proper warning signs.

Prepare a Trial by Written Declaration defence form

If you have received a red light camera ticket in Ventura, California, you can fight it by preparing a Trial by Written Declaration defence form. This allows you to challenge a traffic citation in writing without having to go to court in person. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your defence form:

Step 1: Understand the Process

Before you begin, it is important to understand the process of a Trial by Written Declaration. This type of trial allows you to challenge your traffic ticket in writing, without the need for a court appearance. You will need to submit a written defence package, which includes the Trial by Declaration form and any supporting documents or evidence.

Step 2: Gather Information and Evidence

Start by gathering all the information related to your case. This includes your traffic ticket, photos, videos, and any other relevant evidence. Review the requirements and guidelines for the Trial by Written Declaration process, which can be found on the California Courts website or through services like Ticket Ninja and GetDismissed. These sources will provide you with specific instructions and strategies for building your defence.

Step 3: Prepare Your Defence Package

Your defence package should include the Trial by Written Declaration form (TR-205), your written defence document, and any supporting evidence. Services like GetDismissed can help you prepare your defence package by asking guided questions and providing a customised defence form. They will also review your evidence, such as photos and videos, to identify the best strategy for your case.

Step 4: Sign and Submit Your Defence Package

Once you have prepared your defence package, carefully review and sign the required documents. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the court or the service you are using. Submit your defence package to the court by the specified due date. It is recommended to send the package via certified mail or a trackable delivery method so you have proof of submission.

Step 5: Await the Verdict

After submitting your defence package, the court will review your written defence and the officer's response to your ticket. The judge will then make a decision on whether to dismiss your ticket. You will typically receive a verdict by mail within 30 to 90 days, but this timeframe may vary depending on the court's caseload.

Remember, each case is unique, and it is essential to carefully review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the court or the service assisting you. Good luck with preparing your defence!

Frequently asked questions