Does A Red Light Camera Ticket Go On Your Record?
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It is always unsettling to open up your mailbox and find a red light camera ticket, especially when you do not remember ever running a red light. These traffic tickets are also particularly upsetting since they are one of the most expensive traffic tickets to get in California. Most states this ticket would only cost around $100 but in California the average cost is $480. This is a huge expense. On top of which you may be wondering if this ticket affects your driving record. Does a red light camera ticket go on your record and increase insurance rates as well? So let’s delve into a little more detail and answer these questions.
Are Red Light Cameras Legal?
Many people wonder if red light cameras are even legal and the answer is yes. Red light cameras are legal in California if there is a warning sign posted and it is visible from all directions. Keep in mind, red light camera warning signs can be posted at the start of city limits, highway entrances or the actual intersections.
How Do Most People Receive Red Light Camera Tickets?
Red light cameras are installed at an intersection and synchronized with traffic lights. These cameras become triggered when a vehicle enters an intersection after a red light. The camera will take two photos – one of the vehicle’s license plate and the second of the driver’s face. As the registered owner of the vehicle, you’ll receive a ticket in the mail that includes the amount that must be paid, a copy of the citation, and photographic evidence of the citation.
So, Does a Red Light Camera Ticket Go on Your Record?
If you are found guilty, then yes it will end up on your driving record and one point will automatically be added. The point will cause higher insurance rates for the next three years. And you may be suspended from driving, too – of course, that’s dependent on how many points your record currently holds.
How to Fight Red Light Camera Tickets
Many drivers assume that, as soon as a picture has been taken and you’re incriminated, it is impossible to fight your case. But that is not true. You can still fight these tickets and get them dismissed.
Typical defenses associated with beating a red-light camera ticket in California are as follows:
- Firstly, an argument can be made as to whether the camera machine was functioning properly. If you can find some proof that it may have been faulty on the day it was taken, then the entire case could be thrown out.
- You should also fight a red light camera ticket if the image isn’t clear. If you can prove that you can’t tell who is behind the wheel, then you will be cleared there, too.
- Similar to the one above, if the citation does not include both mandatory photos – license plate and driver. Then you definitely have a strong case to why your ticket should be dismissed.
- Another argument can be made if the yellow light was too short. The time in between changing from yellow to red light is not random. The light must give you enough time to react.
- Finally, you could argue that the red light was run in order to avoid greater harm to yourself or another person around you. The judge may understand that you acted out of necessity and did the right thing. This could result in the ticket being dismissed.
How GetDismissed Will Help
The majority of us are very inexperienced when it comes to fighting red light camera tickets. With that said, it’s wise not to take action and fight this kind of ticket on your own. Any ticket should be fought with the help of experts.
At GetDismissed, we specialize in helping you dismiss unfair red light camera traffic tickets through a trial by written declaration. A trial by written declaration is fighting your ticket in writing instead of going to court. Our system builds a written defense for you. All you have to do is upload a photo of your traffic citation, tell us in your own words what happened and download and mail defense to the courthouse. Get started today!
Steve has been leading the fight against traffic tickets for over 22 years and is the CEO/President of GetDismissed, a service that empowers California drivers with traffic tickets to fight back without going to court. As a thought leader and business entrepreneur, Steve has also been featured on TV, Radio, Print, and Online as a traffic ticket expert talking about such subjects as distracted driving, contesting traffic tickets, traffic ticket myths, traffic ticket tips, traffic law, and more. Steve is a published author, releasing his first book in 2011, and now has four books regarding fighting traffic tickets which can be found on Amazon. Read More…
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What Types of Tickets Do We Help With?
GetDismissed produces results in fighting all kinds of tickets. Unfortunately, this list does not include exhibition of speed citations. Your best bet in fighting one of these infractions, is to contact an attorney. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to try and reduce fines, or even to reduce the charges to a lesser infraction which could possibly qualify for traffic school.
We do however, contest infractions revolving around speeding, red lights, red light cameras, cell phones, signs (primarily stop signs), carpool violations, U-turns, out of lane violations, and commercial violations. If you receive a citation and have questions, contact us today.
