Red Light Camera Citation
A citation issued based on an automated traffic enforcement system (red light camera) photographing a vehicle entering an intersection on a red signal.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Red Light Camera Citation ticket?
This violation means you were photographed by an automated red light camera running a red light at an intersection. These camera systems capture images or video of vehicles entering an intersection after the light turns red, and citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Red light camera tickets are among the most expensive traffic violations in California, typically costing $490 to $600 after fees. You'll also receive 1 point on your DMV record, which can increase your insurance rates by 20-30% for several years.
One point on your record from a red light camera violation typically increases insurance premiums by 20-30% for 3-5 years. Attending traffic school can prevent the point from appearing on your public record, potentially avoiding the insurance increase.
What the Law Says
A local jurisdiction may use an automated traffic enforcement system at intersections subject to specific notice, equipment, and calibration requirements.
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1An automated enforcement system was properly installed and legally authorized at the intersection
- 2The system was calibrated and certified according to regulations at the time of the alleged violation
- 3A warning sign was posted at or near the intersection as required by CVC 21455.5
- 4Your vehicle entered the intersection after the traffic signal displayed a steady red light
- 5The photographic or video evidence clearly identifies your vehicle and license plate
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver enters the intersection a fraction of a second after the light turns red while trying to beat the yellow light, and the camera captures images of the vehicle.
Violation occurs because the vehicle crossed the limit line after the signal was red, regardless of how briefly.
A driver loans their car to a friend who runs a red light, but the camera ticket is mailed to the registered owner.
The registered owner may contest the ticket by demonstrating they were not the driver, though California law does not require self-identification of the actual driver.
A driver receives a camera ticket but notices no warning sign was posted at or before the intersection.
The citation may be dismissed if the jurisdiction failed to meet the CVC 21455.5 notice requirements.
Common Defenses for Red Light Camera Citation
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Missing or inadequate warning signs
CVC 21455.5 requires jurisdictions to post clearly visible warning signs at or near intersections with red light cameras. If the required signage was missing, obscured, or not compliant, this requirement was not met.
Calibration and certification records unavailable
The automated system must be properly calibrated and certified. You can request these records, and if the jurisdiction cannot produce valid documentation, the evidence may be insufficient.
You were not the driver
Red light camera citations are issued to the registered owner, not necessarily the driver. If you were not driving, you can submit a declaration stating this fact, and California law does not require you to identify the actual driver.
Photo evidence is unclear or inconclusive
If the photographs do not clearly show your vehicle, license plate, or the signal being red when you entered the intersection, the evidence may not meet the burden of proof.
Signal timing issues
Yellow light timing must meet minimum federal standards. If the yellow phase was too short or the signal was malfunctioning, this may serve as a defense.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos of the intersection showing missing or obscured warning signs
- ✓Documentation showing you were not driving the vehicle at the time
- ✓Records showing camera system calibration issues or past malfunctions
- ✓Evidence of signal timing problems or yellow light duration below minimum standards
- ✓Photographs showing the intersection layout, including limit line visibility
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Ignoring the ticket because you think camera tickets aren't enforceable — they are valid citations in California
- ✗Assuming you must identify the actual driver if it wasn't you
- ✗Missing the deadline to respond, which can result in additional penalties and a failure to appear
- ✗Paying the ticket without reviewing the evidence package first
- ✗Forgetting to request the calibration records and full photo/video evidence before your declaration
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Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Camera Citation
Can I ignore a red light camera ticket in California?▼
No, red light camera tickets are valid citations in California. Ignoring them can result in additional penalties, a hold on your vehicle registration, and a failure to appear charge.
What if I wasn't the one driving when the photo was taken?▼
You can submit a declaration stating you were not the driver. California does not legally require you to identify who was actually driving your vehicle.
Are warning signs required for red light cameras?▼
Yes, CVC 21455.5 requires jurisdictions to post visible warning signs at or near intersections with automated enforcement systems. Missing signs may be grounds for dismissal.
How do I get the photo evidence from my ticket?▼
Your citation should include instructions for viewing the photos or video online, or you can request the evidence from the court or issuing agency before your court date.
Can I fight a red light camera ticket with Trial by Written Declaration?▼
Yes, Trial by Written Declaration is often effective for camera tickets because you can challenge the technical requirements like calibration records, warning signs, and photo clarity without appearing in court.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers are eligible for traffic school to mask the point from their driving record if they haven't attended within the past 18 months. You must request this option before paying or after a guilty verdict, and completing traffic school does not remove the fine.
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Related Violations
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.