Defending a Red Light Traffic Violation In California

Traffic signals show the yellow light for just 3 seconds and if you pass through the signal during this light it is not a violation; however, as this is a very short duration, your vehicle might be moving when the red light shows in the signal – this becomes a red light traffic violation. The camera may also capture a picture of your car and license number. Red light camera photographs are then verified by police officers, and red light tickets are mailed to the drivers of the photographed cars when they are found to cross the red signal. Such tickets can be fought as otherwise you may face a grim situation of getting your driving privilege cancelled or suspended.

Check its Authenticity

Recently, it has been found that there are many fake tickets in distribution throughout the country. Hence, it becomes more important to check the authenticity of the ticket received before taking any legal action on it. You can easily find fake ones by looking for instructions like “Do not contact court …” because generally authentic tickets would instruct you to contact court for resolving it by paying the penalty amount. You can also check your ticket in the website of your county.

Another Driver

Red light camera generally produces two photographs for every violation. It takes a shot of the license plate and another close-up shot of the driver. If you have a received a ticket for your car driven by somebody else, then you can always defend for your charges to be dismissed.

Clarity of the Photograph

When the ticket has been issued for a photograph which does not show you driving clearly without any ambiguity, then also you can defend your violation and get it discharged.

Statute of Limitations

You have to get your red light camera ticket within 15 days of the traffic violation. So, if you receive one after 15 days, then also you have chances of defending it with the court.

State of the Camera

If you can prove that the camera at the intersection point is not working properly or vandalized, then also your charges can get dismissed.

Get Legal Advice

Traffic violations can be defended successfully only when you have sound knowledge of the traffic rules and enforcement laws. So, you have to consult a traffic ticket attorney who can help you in defending such violations. Find an experienced attorney and discuss your situation with him/her to get advice on your course of action.

Got a Traffic Ticket?