The red light camera ticket: do I pay it or fight it? Many people ask this after receiving a very high red light camera fine in the mail for around $500. There is a lot of misinformation online suggesting that people can safely disregard a red light camera ticket and never have to deal with it again.
Sadly, many who choose to disregard the citation later come to regret their decision. In cases when defendants fail to appear in court, the court will often issue a $300 fine in addition to the original $500 fine. But this is only in some cases; want to know more about the red light ticket law in California and what happens if you don’t pay it? Keep reading!
You Got a Red Light Ticket; Who Should Pay the Ticket if the Driver Is Not the Registered Owner?
California law specifies that the driver on the ticket, and not the vehicle’s owner, is responsible for the fine. If someone else was driving your car when they were caught on camera running a red light, you would still get the penalty at your registered address.
You can fight the citation by claiming you weren’t the driver at the time. However, the proof will be required. Red light camera evidence will, unfortunately, lead to your being believed guilty; therefore, you will need an alibi. Consult a lawyer if you need assistance with this.
Higher Fines If Not Paid On Time
Most California courts let those who have broken traffic laws up to 90 days to pay their fee or enter a plea. The Court believes that 90 days is sufficient time for a person to make a decision and take appropriate action. If you haven’t taken care of the problem by the end of the grace period, the courts may add a “civil assessment” to the amount you already owe. Commonly, this sort of evaluation costs around $300.
Courts can refer cases to collections if fines and assessments aren’t paid within extended deadlines. A response to the ticket is required to stop the civil assessment and collections actions. The court only needs to know that you aren’t ignoring the ticket, which you can prove by either paying the fine or showing up in court.
What Happens If I Ignore the Red Light Ticket?
In addition, the court may proceed to detain or suspend your driver’s license until the red light charge is paid. Ignoring a red light camera ticket will likely result in you having to spend additional time and money trying to fight the ticket.
People often have no idea that their driving privileges have been revoked. Some people find out that their license is suspended after they are stopped by police for a traffic infraction. If the driver’s license has been suspended, the police officer will issue a ticket for both the current infraction and the suspended license. Do not hope that a red-light camera ticket will disappear if you ignore it.
What Are the Penalties for Running a Red Light?
One of the major factors in auto accidents in California is running a red light. If you disregard a red light, you will be subject to a number of fines. If you cause an accident, you may be given a traffic violation ticket or potentially be charged with a crime.
In California, all traffic infractions begin with a “base fine.” Your final fine, however, will be made up of the base fine plus additional fees and surcharges. The overall cost may significantly increase as a result of these extras. Base penalties for disregarding stop signs and stop lights are as follows:
- $35 for turning right against the light when it’s red.
- Running a stop sign costs $35.
- $100 for ignoring a solid or flashing red light while it is on.
You Also Get Points on Your Record
You will also receive one traffic violation point to your driving record for a stop sign or red light violation. But you can avoid this point and lower the amount of your fine by going to and completing traffic school.
The proper authorities can also suspend your license if you have accumulated too many points, as the state will consider you a negligent operator. Having the following point counts could trigger a suspension:
- 4 points in 12 months.
- 6 points in 24 months.
- 8 points in 36 months.
A conviction for reckless driving may occasionally follow a stop sign or red light infraction. Additionally, vehicular manslaughter charges may be brought against you if these infractions result in the death of another person.
Now you know, maybe running a red light didn’t sound like such a big deal, but we are pretty sure that you’ll try and be more careful after reading this. Please have a safe drive!
Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you’ve been given a red light ticket; we will defend you against any type of traffic ticket. We are available 24/7, so if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants, you are welcome to!