A ticket in your mailbox for a transgression captured by a red-light camera is an unwelcome surprise. Fortunately, California drivers may have recourse when it comes to this type of ticket. Here are the facts you need to know about red-light tickets and how a traffic attorney Los Angeles can defend your rights.
Rules Vary by Jurisdiction
In California, red-light tickets are only enforced by certain counties. In other locations, they can be safely ignored without impacting your driving record or credit report.
Cameras Make Mistakes
Some drivers have received red-light tickets for legal actions such as making a right turn on red. In other cases, a driver is ticketed when no clear view has been captured of the driver and the license plate.
Cameras Are Not Installed by the Government
In fact, they are installed by third-party companies that have an incentive to ticket drivers to boost profits. In many cases, these companies must meet a minimum monthly number of recorded violations.
California Red-Light Penalties Are Exorbitant
Fees for this type of ticket range from $100 to more than $500. You’ll also have a point added to your driver’s license and may face suspension or revocation if you already have points on your record. Your insurance premiums will likely increase, making red-light tickets a costly proposition.
Minorities Are Disproportionately Impacted
According to a 2017 LA Weekly report, minorities are more likely to receive traffic tickets of all kinds, including red light tickets. This results in a spiral of consequences that can include job loss if the individual is no longer able to drive to work.
These facts indicate that your red-light ticket can be successfully challenged and may not hold up in court. As a San Diego traffic ticket attorney, The Ticket Clinic is prepared to advocate on your behalf when you’ve received this type of ticket in the mail. Don’t pay the fine or make a plea until you contact us for a free consultation.
