Los Angeles Traffic Camera Tickets: To Pay Or Not?

If you've received a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles, you may be wondering whether you need to pay it. While red light cameras are legal in Los Angeles and California, there is some nuance to whether you need to pay the associated fines.

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 of these tickets, and as a result, the California DMV will not suspend licenses over failure to pay. However, other consequences of ignoring a red light camera ticket may include fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, it's important to respond promptly and accurately. You can review the citation, check the date and time, and determine whether you were driving at that time. You also have the right to review the evidence of the citation, including any photos or videos captured by the red light camera. If there isn't clear evidence, the state may not be able to prove its case.

While ignoring a red light camera ticket might seem like an easy way out, it's important to remember that there could be financial and legal consequences. It's always best to consult with a legal professional or a California traffic school to understand your specific situation and make an informed decision.

Red light camera tickets are triggered by sensors

In Los Angeles, the red light camera system works as follows: when a vehicle passes over a sensor in the road while the light is red, the camera is triggered and takes a photo of the license plate and the driver. The registered owner of the vehicle will then receive a ticket in the mail, along with the dollar amount of the fine, the photo evidence, a copy of the traffic citation, and information on how to challenge the ticket.

While red light camera tickets are considered moving violations that can impact your driving record and insurance rates, there is some debate about whether or not you have to pay them. Since the tickets are mailed, the court cannot always guarantee that you received the ticket, and there may be no consequences for non-payment. However, ignoring a traffic ticket is risky, as the state could change its policies or still submit information to the DMV, potentially resulting in a suspended license.

In Los Angeles County specifically, paying a red light camera ticket has been voluntary since 2011. The Superior Court decided not to prosecute non-payment, and as a result, the DMV will not suspend licenses over failure to pay these tickets. However, if you contact the court or check your ticket status online, you acknowledge receipt of the ticket, and the court may report you to the DMV if you don't take care of it by the due date.

Red light cameras are run by third parties

Red light cameras are typically installed and maintained by private third-party firms. The cameras are triggered by sensors installed in the road, which detect when a vehicle has entered an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras then take a photo or video of the vehicle, which is used as evidence to assist authorities in enforcing traffic laws.

In Los Angeles, the red light camera tickets are issued by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. However, the cameras themselves are operated by eight different cities within the county, as well as the MTA/Metro, which has over 100 cameras near its light rail lines and busways. Each of these nine entities contracts with a red light camera company of its choosing to install and maintain the cameras.

While red light camera tickets are considered legal under California law, there has been debate and ongoing research about their effectiveness and impact on public safety. Some argue that the cameras can scare drivers into making more sudden stops, potentially increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, there have been concerns about the privacy implications of red light cameras, although courts have generally upheld their use as lawful.

In terms of paying red light camera tickets in Los Angeles, it's important to note that the decision to prosecute non-payment of these tickets rests with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. As a result, the DMV will not suspend licenses solely based on the non-payment of red light camera tickets. However, ignoring any type of traffic ticket is still considered risky, as policies can change, and there may still be consequences for non-payment.

Red light camera fines are high

Red light camera fines are notoriously high, and they can be complicated. In California, traffic tickets can become very expensive, very quickly. This is due to the base fines set by state laws, as well as the additional surcharges and fees that are required to be paid.

The base fines for different types of red-light violations in California are as follows:

• Making an illegal right turn at a red light: $35
• Going through a stop sign without stopping: $35
• Going through a solid or flashing red light: $100

However, after surcharges and fees are added, the cost of these violations can more than double. For example, after additional costs, an illegal right turn at a red light can cost up to $250, and going through a solid red light can cost up to $500.

In NSW, fines for red-light camera offences are also costly. The fine for running a red light is $457, and if the offence occurs during school hours in a school zone, the fine increases to $572. Demerit points are also added to the driver's license, and double demerits apply during long weekends and holiday periods.

In LA County, paying a red-light camera ticket has been voluntary since 2011. The LA County Superior Court decided not to prosecute non-payment of red-light camera tickets, and as a result, the DMV will not suspend licenses over failure to pay. However, if you contact the court to check the status of your ticket or sign up for an extension, you are acknowledging receipt of the ticket, and the court could report you to the DMV if you don't take care of it by the due date.

Red light camera tickets can be lowered, dismissed, or ignored

Lowering the Fine

In California, you can go to traffic school to lower the fine. An online traffic school course is easy, fast, and hassle-free. By completing a course, you may be able to remove one point from your driving record.

Dismissing the Ticket

To get a red light camera ticket dismissed, you can take the following steps:

• Review the citation: Check the date, time, and location of the incident. If you weren't the driver, you are required by law to submit an affidavit form with the name and contact information of the driver.
• Review the evidence: You can request to see the photos or videos captured by the red light camera. If there isn't a clear photo of the driver, the state may not be able to prove its case.
• Check the intersection: Visit the intersection where you received the citation. Ensure there are proper warning signs posted and time the yellow light interval. If the yellow light interval is shorter than the minimum required time, you may have grounds for dismissal.
• Plead not guilty: Enter a plea of "not guilty" and prepare your case for trial. Organize your documents and evidence, including photos, videos, and relevant traffic laws.
• Present your case: Attend your trial and present your evidence to the judge. Speak clearly and calmly, sticking to the facts of your case.
• Appeal if necessary: If the judge finds you guilty, you can appeal the decision and request a trial by written declaration if you prefer not to appear in court.

Ignoring the Ticket

In Los Angeles County, paying a red light camera ticket is considered voluntary. The court decided not to prosecute non-payment of these tickets, and as a result, the DMV will not suspend licenses for failure to pay. However, ignoring any type of traffic ticket is risky, as policies may change, and you could still face consequences in the future.

Ignoring a red light camera ticket may have consequences

In Los Angeles County, it is possible to ignore a red-light camera ticket with little consequence. However, doing so is not without risk. While the Los Angeles County Superior Court has decided not to prosecute non-payment of red-light camera tickets, and the DMV has said it will not suspend licenses over non-payment, there may still be financial repercussions.

If you ignore a red-light camera ticket, you may receive a letter from a collection agency, such as GC Services, demanding payment of a fine. This fine could be as high as $500. While this may not be reported to the credit bureaus, it is still a significant amount of money. Additionally, if you take any action on the ticket, such as contacting the court or checking the status online, you acknowledge receipt of the ticket, and the court could then report you to the DMV.

It is also important to note that ignoring a red-light camera ticket may not be a viable strategy in other parts of California, such as Orange County and the Inland Empire. The laws and policies regarding red-light camera tickets can vary by county and city, so it is essential to understand the specific rules in your area.

Furthermore, while there may be no immediate consequences to ignoring a red-light camera ticket in Los Angeles County, the situation could change in the future. The state could change its policies, or the court could start reporting ignored tickets to the DMV, which could result in a suspended license or difficulties renewing your license.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to ignore a red-light camera ticket, particularly in Los Angeles County, it is a risky strategy. The potential consequences, including financial penalties and issues with your driver's license, may outweigh the benefits. It is always advisable to seek legal advice if you are unsure about how to handle a traffic ticket.

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