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

The deadline depends on the kind of camera ticket. For AB 645 speed camera notices and SB 720 civil red light notices, you have 30 calendar days from the notice’s mailing date to request an initial review. A traditional red light camera ticket under Vehicle Code 21455.5 is a court citation, so the court’s due date applies.

AB 645 Deadlines

1. Notice mailed to the registered owner within 15 calendar days of the violation (Vehicle Code 22426(e)).
2. Initial review requested within 30 calendar days of the mailing date; the agency mails the results within 60 days of receiving your request (Vehicle Code 22427(a)).
3. Administrative hearing requested within 21 calendar days after the review results are mailed (Vehicle Code 22427(b)(1)).
4. Appeal to the superior court within 30 days after the hearing decision is delivered or mailed (Vehicle Code 22428(a)).

SB 720 Deadlines

For SB 720 civil red light notices, request the initial review within 30 calendar days of mailing (Vehicle Code 21455.9(j)(1)). If you are dissatisfied with the review results, you can request an administrative hearing within 21 calendar days after they are mailed (Vehicle Code 21455.9(j)(2)(A)). After the hearing, an appeal to the small claims or traffic division of the superior court is due within 30 days after the final decision is delivered or mailed (Vehicle Code 21455.9(k)(1)).

Court Red Light Camera Tickets

A traditional red light camera ticket follows the court’s schedule: respond by the due date on the notice or courtesy notice, and request a Trial by Written Declaration by that date if you want to contest in writing.