Challenging Red Light Camera Tickets in Los Angeles: Strategies and Evidence

If you have ever received a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles, CA, you know the frustration and inconvenience that come with it. However, there are strategies and evidence you can use to challenge such tickets effectively. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to fight these tickets and what evidence is necessary to back up your claims.

Why You Don’t Have to Pay

If you have received a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles, CA, you might wonder why you don't have to pay it. Many drivers have successfully avoided paying such fines for years. There’s a good chance that the violation won’t show up on your registration, or at worst, you might receive a bill that you can dispute. According to , 99% of the time, you can contest and may not be required to pay the fine.

One effective strategy is to contact a legal professional for advice. A lawyer can guide you through the process and help you understand your options. For example, I have received four tickets in the last two years and have never had to pay one. These tickets didn’t show up on my registration or court records.

Evidence Required: Red Light Photo Enforcement Signs

The California Vehicle Code strictly requires a “Red Light Photo Enforcement” sign to be posted 200 feet before the intersection and on the traffic signal itself. This sign indicates that photo enforcement is active and serves as proof that the camera is correctly installed and operational. If a sign is missing or not within the required distance, a ticket can be dismissed based on lack of legal procedure.

To prove your case, take photos from 250 feet and 200 feet before the intersection. Present these photos to the Traffic Court Judge or Commissioner and request a dismissal. This evidence can be crucial in challenging a ticket, as the absence or incorrect placement of the required sign may invalidate the ticket.

Additionally, if the mugshot is clearly visible, the judge may issue a fine. However, if there is any doubt about the driver, it's essential to dispute the ticket. For instance, in San Diego, a ticket was dismissed because the picture only showed the driver’s chin, and the defendant had the sun visor down. When the judge asked if it was the defendant’s car, the response was that the keys were left unlocked at the workstation. Despite the judge knowing it was the defendant, she could only dismiss the case due to procedural reasons.

Preparation for Contesting Your Citation

If the traffic cameras are legal in the state, county, and city where you received the citation, your ticket will provide you with the day and location to contest it. Be prepared to bring video evidence that shows your innocence, as the other side will have video proving your guilt.

One of the most effective pieces of evidence is dashcam footage with a date and time stamp. This video can clearly show who was driving the vehicle. If the camera enforcement does not clearly show the driver, who was driving is in question. Since tickets are typically issued to the plate owner, there’s a good chance they got the right person, but it’s not always the case. If you own the vehicle, you are responsible for any driver until you prove that it was not you. Therefore, it's crucial to present evidence that proves the driver was not the ticket recipient.

After proving your innocence, the ticket will be sent to the rightful owner, which is you. This is especially important as the ticket might increase your auto insurance premium. California has a bill pending in its legislature that could authorize the use of cameras on highways as early as January.

Conclusion

Fighting a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles can be challenging, but with the right evidence and strategy, it can be done successfully. Understanding the legal requirements and the available evidence can be the difference between paying an unnecessary fine and keeping your hard-earned money. Remember, when in doubt, consult a legal professional for guidance.

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