Receiving a camera ticket in the mail can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure whether you actually committed the infraction. In California, camera tickets are commonly issued for red-light and speed violations. But do you have to pay camera tickets in California? The answer is not always straightforward.
Understanding Camera Tickets in California
Camera tickets, also known as automated traffic enforcement citations, are issued using cameras and sensors to detect and record traffic violations. In California, camera tickets are typically issued for:
- Red-light violations: Running a red light or failing to come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light.
- Speed violations: Exceeding the posted speed limit in a designated speed enforcement zone.
Types of Camera Tickets in California
There are two types of camera tickets in California:
- Info-only tickets: These tickets are issued for informational purposes only and do not carry a fine or penalty points. They are often used to educate drivers about their behavior and encourage them to drive more safely.
- Citation tickets: These tickets are issued for actual traffic violations and carry a fine and penalty points.
Do You Have to Pay Camera Tickets in California?
Whether you have to pay a camera ticket in California depends on the type of ticket and the circumstances surrounding the alleged infraction.
- Info-only tickets: Since info-only tickets do not carry a fine or penalty points, you do not have to pay them.
- Citation tickets: If you receive a citation ticket, you have several options:
- Pay the fine: You can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person. Be aware that paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will result in penalty points on your driving record.
- Contest the ticket: You can contest the ticket by requesting a court hearing. If you are found not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed, and you will not have to pay the fine.
- Request a trial by written declaration: This is a process where you submit a written statement explaining why you believe you are not guilty of the alleged infraction. If the court finds in your favor, the ticket will be dismissed.
Consequences of Not Paying a Camera Ticket in California
If you fail to pay or contest a camera ticket in California, you may face additional penalties, including:
- Late fees: A late fee will be added to the original fine, increasing the amount you owe.
- Court costs: You may be required to pay court costs, which can add hundreds of dollars to the original fine.
- <strong_DMV hold: The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may place a hold on your driver’s license, preventing you from renewing it until the ticket is paid or resolved.
- Collections: The court may send your account to a collections agency, which can negatively impact your credit score.
How to Contest a Camera Ticket in California
If you believe you are not guilty of the alleged infraction, you can contest the ticket by requesting a court hearing. Here are the steps to follow:
- Read the ticket carefully: Make sure you understand the alleged infraction and the instructions for contesting the ticket.
- Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as photographs, witness statements, or documentation of a faulty camera.
- Request a court hearing: Submit a request for a court hearing to the court listed on the ticket. Be sure to include your name, address, and ticket number.
- Prepare for the hearing: Review the evidence and prepare a clear, concise statement explaining why you believe you are not guilty of the alleged infraction.
Tips for Contesting a Camera Ticket in California
- Be respectful and courteous: Treat the judge and court staff with respect and courtesy.
- Be prepared: Make sure you have all the necessary evidence and documentation.
- Stay calm and focused: Avoid getting defensive or emotional, and stay focused on presenting your case.
Camera Ticket Defenses in California
There are several defenses you can use to contest a camera ticket in California, including:
- Incorrect information: If the ticket contains incorrect information, such as the wrong license plate number or vehicle description, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
- Camera malfunction: If you can prove that the camera was malfunctioning or not calibrated correctly, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
- Emergency situation: If you were responding to an emergency situation, such as a medical emergency or a fire, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
Camera Ticket Statistics in California
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were over 1.5 million camera tickets issued in California in 2020. Of those, approximately 70% were for red-light violations, and 30% were for speed violations.
| Year | Number of Camera Tickets Issued | Red-Light Violations | Speed Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,543,119 | 1,080,583 (70%) | 462,536 (30%) |
| 2019 | 1,436,219 | 1,013,419 (70%) | 422,800 (30%) |
| 2018 | 1,334,109 | 935,619 (70%) | 398,490 (30%) |
Conclusion
Receiving a camera ticket in California can be frustrating, but it’s essential to understand your options and the potential consequences of not paying or contesting the ticket. By knowing the laws and regulations surrounding camera tickets, you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Remember to always read the ticket carefully, gather evidence, and prepare for a court hearing if you decide to contest the ticket.
What is a camera ticket in California?
A camera ticket in California is a type of traffic citation issued to drivers who are caught violating traffic laws by automated cameras. These cameras are typically installed at intersections to monitor drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs. The cameras capture images of the vehicle’s license plate and a photo of the driver, which are then used to identify the vehicle’s owner and issue a citation.
Camera tickets are usually issued by the local police department or a private company contracted by the city to manage the camera system. The citation will typically include a photo of the vehicle, the location and time of the infraction, and the amount of the fine. Drivers who receive a camera ticket will have the option to pay the fine, contest the citation, or attend traffic school.
Do I have to pay a camera ticket in California?
In California, camera tickets are considered infractions, and drivers who receive one have the option to pay the fine, contest the citation, or attend traffic school. However, if a driver fails to respond to the citation or pay the fine, they may face additional penalties, including a late fee and a hold on their driver’s license.
It’s worth noting that camera tickets are not considered “points” on a driver’s record, which means they will not directly affect a driver’s insurance rates or lead to a license suspension. However, if a driver accumulates multiple camera tickets, it could lead to increased scrutiny from law enforcement and potentially more severe penalties.
How do I contest a camera ticket in California?
To contest a camera ticket in California, drivers can follow the instructions on the citation to request a court hearing. This typically involves filling out a form and submitting it to the court by mail or online. Drivers can also contest the citation in person by appearing in court on the scheduled hearing date.
At the hearing, drivers will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue their case to a judge. This may include challenging the accuracy of the camera’s photo or arguing that the driver was not the one operating the vehicle at the time of the infraction. If the judge rules in the driver’s favor, the citation will be dismissed, and the driver will not have to pay the fine.
Can I attend traffic school for a camera ticket in California?
In California, drivers who receive a camera ticket may be eligible to attend traffic school to have the citation dismissed. To be eligible, drivers must meet certain requirements, such as not having attended traffic school in the past 18 months and not having a commercial driver’s license.
If a driver is eligible, they can request traffic school by following the instructions on the citation. This typically involves paying a fee and completing a traffic school course approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Once the course is completed, the driver will need to submit proof of completion to the court, and the citation will be dismissed.
What happens if I ignore a camera ticket in California?
If a driver ignores a camera ticket in California, they may face additional penalties, including a late fee and a hold on their driver’s license. The court may also send the citation to a collections agency, which can negatively impact the driver’s credit score.
In extreme cases, ignoring a camera ticket can lead to a warrant being issued for the driver’s arrest. This can result in the driver being pulled over and arrested by law enforcement, which can lead to additional fines and penalties. It’s generally recommended that drivers respond to camera tickets in a timely manner to avoid these consequences.
Can I appeal a camera ticket decision in California?
In California, drivers who receive an unfavorable decision on a camera ticket can appeal the decision to a higher court. This typically involves filing a written appeal with the court and paying a filing fee.
The appeal will be reviewed by a judge, who will consider the evidence presented and make a decision. If the judge rules in the driver’s favor, the citation will be dismissed, and the driver will not have to pay the fine. However, if the judge upholds the original decision, the driver will be required to pay the fine and any additional penalties.
How long do camera tickets stay on my record in California?
In California, camera tickets are considered infractions and are typically not reported to the DMV. This means that camera tickets will not appear on a driver’s record and will not directly affect their insurance rates.
However, if a driver accumulates multiple camera tickets, it could lead to increased scrutiny from law enforcement and potentially more severe penalties. Additionally, if a driver fails to respond to a camera ticket or pay the fine, it could lead to a hold on their driver’s license, which can negatively impact their ability to drive.