How Long Do You Have to Respond to a Camera Ticket in California?

The deadline for responding to a California camera ticket — whether it's an AB 645 speed camera citation under CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law) or an SB 720 red light camera citation under CVC 21453(a) (Red Light) — is 30 days from the date printed on your Notice of Violation. This is not a suggestion. Missing this deadline has real consequences.

Check if your camera citation qualifies and see your deadline. Check my camera ticket deadline → →

The 30-Day Response Window for CVC 22350 and CVC 21453(a) Citations

Under both AB 645 and SB 720, you have 30 calendar days from the date printed on your Notice of Violation to submit an Initial Review Request. The notice date is typically 15–30 days after the alleged violation — so by the time you receive the notice, you may have as few as two to three weeks left.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

Missing the 30-day Initial Review window typically means your administrative contest options are closed. The fine is finalized, and the issuing city or county can take the following collection actions:

• DMV registration hold — your vehicle registration renewal will be blocked
• Additional administrative fees may be added to the outstanding balance
• Referral to a collection agency
• Potential negative credit reporting

The 60-Day Secondary Review Window

If your Initial Review Request is denied, you typically have a second opportunity: a Secondary (Supervisory) Review Request. The window for this second contest is usually 30 days from the date of the denial notice. Missing this window closes the administrative process and leaves only the court hearing option.

Court Hearing Option

After both levels of administrative review are exhausted (or if you never requested them and the fine was finalized), you may still have the option to request a court hearing. This option is typically available until the matter is sent to collections. A court hearing is more formal and time-consuming than the administrative process.

How to Calculate Your Deadline

1. Find the date printed on your Notice of Violation
2. Count 30 calendar days forward from that date
3. That is your Initial Review Request deadline
4. Allow 3–5 days for mail delivery if you're mailing your request
5. Use certified mail with return receipt to prove your submission date

Deadline for Traditional Traffic Tickets (for Comparison)

Traditional officer-issued traffic tickets do not have the same 30-day administrative deadline. Instead, they have a court appearance date printed on the citation, and you must respond before that date (typically 30–90 days after the ticket). The Trial by Written Declaration process for officer-issued tickets has its own deadline rules — you must request TBWD before your appearance date.

For officer-issued tickets, TicketClear prepares your Trial by Written Declaration. Contest my officer-issued ticket → →