Are San Jose red light camera tickets SB 720 tickets?

No. San Jose’s program runs under Vehicle Code 21455.5, the traditional court program. The tickets are court citations that cost up to $486 and add a DMV point, not civil SB 720 notices.

Can I contest a San Jose red light camera ticket by mail?

Yes. Because it is a court citation, you can ask the Santa Clara County Superior Court for a Trial by Written Declaration (Vehicle Code 40902), usually with the bail amount deposited when you file.

Where are San Jose’s red light cameras?

The city lists four camera intersections on its Red Light Camera Pilot Project page. The intersection is also printed on your notice.

What if someone else was driving?

The citation is mailed to the registered owner (Vehicle Code 40518). If you were not driving, follow the instructions on the notice and say so when you contest, including what the photo shows.

How to Contest a Red Light Camera Ticket in San Jose

California has two kinds of red light camera ticket: court citations under Vehicle Code 21455.5 and civil notices under SB 720. Here is what applies in San Jose and how to contest a red light ticket.

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San Jose's Red Light Cameras

Status as of October 7, 2026: Active, court program. San Jose’s Red Light Camera Pilot Project runs under Vehicle Code 21455.5 at four intersections. Warnings started October 13, 2025 and full citations in January 2026. The city says tickets are reviewed by the San Jose Police Department, cost up to $486, and add a point to your license.

San Jose’s red light cameras are a traditional court program, not an SB 720 civil program. The city says its camera tickets are treated the same as if a police officer issued them, and that the four cameras issued more than 1,800 citations between January 9 and February 24, 2026. The city plans to report its evaluation to the City Council in spring 2027.

Court citation or city notice? How to tell

A traditional red light camera ticket is a court citation: it names a superior court, gives a due date, cites Vehicle Code 21453, and a conviction adds 1 DMV point. You can contest it in court, including by Trial by Written Declaration. A civil red light notice under SB 720 (Vehicle Code 21455.9, in effect since January 1, 2026) comes from a city or county agency that opted in: it is a Notice of Violation with no DMV point, a penalty of $100 for a first violation, and an initial review with the agency, then an administrative hearing, then an appeal to superior court.

Fines and DMV Points

A traditional red light camera ticket is a Vehicle Code 21453 infraction. For running a red light (21453(a) or (c)) the base fine is $100 (VC 42001.15) and the total under the Judicial Council’s 2026 bail schedule is $486; a right turn on red (21453(b)) is a $35 base fine and $234 total. Some counties may charge more. A conviction adds 1 point to your DMV record (VC 12810). The exact amount is on your notice.

How to Contest

Because it is a court case, you contest it with the Santa Clara County Superior Court named on the notice, in person or by Trial by Written Declaration (Vehicle Code 40902). You usually deposit the bail amount when you file. If you lose a written declaration, most courts let you ask for a new trial within 20 calendar days after the court mails its decision; courts that offer online trial by declaration through MyCitations do not, and you can appeal instead.

How TicketClear Helps

TicketClear prepares a Trial by Written Declaration for a San Jose red light camera ticket from your answers, with the TR-205 form and mailing instructions for the Santa Clara County Superior Court. You choose the grounds that apply, review, sign and mail it yourself. TicketClear is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

Red Light Camera Ticket FAQ — San Jose

Sources

Last checked October 7, 2026. Programs can start or end; the notice you received controls.

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