How to Contest a Speed Camera Ticket in California

Understanding Your CVC 22350 Speed Camera Notice

When you receive a speed camera notice under California’s AB 645 program, the first step is to carefully review all of the information included. Speed camera citations in California are typically issued under CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law) or CVC 22348 (Speed Limit). The notice should contain the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, the recorded speed compared to the posted speed limit, photographs of your vehicle, and the fine amount.

Take note of the deadline for responding. Unlike traditional traffic tickets that may give you several weeks, speed camera notices have their own response timelines. Missing the deadline could limit your options for contesting the citation.

Review the photographs carefully. The images should clearly show your vehicle, its license plate, and ideally the location where the alleged violation occurred. If the images are unclear or you do not recognize the vehicle, this may be relevant to your contest.

Steps to Contest a Speed Camera Ticket

Contesting a speed camera ticket under AB 645 follows an administrative review process rather than the traditional traffic court system. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on which city issued the notice, but the general process is similar across participating jurisdictions.

1. Review the notice carefully, noting the deadline, fine amount, and violation details.
2. Gather any evidence that supports your contest, such as photographs, vehicle records, or witness statements.
3. Submit a written request for administrative review to the issuing agency before the deadline.
4. Include a clear written statement explaining why you believe the citation was issued in error or why it should be dismissed.
5. Wait for the reviewing authority to issue a decision, which is typically mailed to you.

Common Defenses for Speed Camera Tickets

There are several defenses that drivers may consider when contesting a speed camera ticket. The strength of each defense depends on the specific facts of your situation. Consider consulting with a licensed attorney to evaluate which defenses may apply to your case.

• The images do not clearly identify your vehicle or its license plate.
• The speed camera was not properly calibrated or maintained.
• Signage warning of the speed camera was missing, obscured, or inadequate.
• You were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation.
• There were emergency circumstances that required you to exceed the speed limit.
• The posted speed limit signage was missing or unclear at the location.

Keep in mind that not all defenses are equally effective. Factual defenses, such as proving you were not the driver or that the camera misidentified your vehicle, tend to be stronger than general objections to the speed camera program itself.

Affidavit of Nonliability

If you were not driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation, you may be able to submit an affidavit of nonliability. This is a sworn statement declaring that you were not the person operating the vehicle when the speed camera captured the violation.

Under AB 645, the registered owner of the vehicle is not required to identify who was driving. You simply need to state that you were not the driver. The specifics of the affidavit process may vary by city, so review the instructions included with your notice carefully.

Learn more about the affidavit of nonliability process. Affidavit of Nonliability in California →

Timeline and Deadlines

Paying attention to deadlines is critical when contesting a speed camera ticket. Your notice will include a response deadline, and failing to act before that date could result in additional penalties or a loss of your right to contest.

After you submit your request for administrative review, the reviewing authority typically has a set period to issue a decision. This can take several weeks. During this time, the fine is generally paused while your contest is under review.

If the administrative review does not result in a favorable outcome, you may have additional options available to you. Consider consulting with a licensed attorney to understand what further steps may be available in your specific situation.

Understand the full AB 645 administrative review process. AB 645 Administrative Review Process →