Drivers in San Bernardino often find themselves surprised by traffic camera tickets showing up in their mailboxes. If you’ve received one, you might wonder whether these tickets are actually valid and if the law requires you to pay. Cities use red-light and speed cameras to monitor intersections, catch drivers running red lights or speeding, and automatically generate citations.
With the recent rise in camera enforcement statewide, it’s more important than ever to understand how these tickets work and what options there are for responding.
Are Red-Light and Traffic Cameras Legal in California?
Yes, red-light and traffic cameras are legal in California. San Bernardino, along with other cities across the state, has adopted this technology, installing cameras at numerous busy intersections to deter red-light running and enhance traffic safety.
To comply with state law, these camera systems must follow certain rules:
- Every intersection equipped with automated enforcement must have the cameras and their presence clearly marked.
- Warning signs must be posted near every intersection with a red light or speed camera. These signs usually appear both before the intersection and directly at the location.
- The approval and review of each citation cannot be handled solely by a private company; police must play a central role to ensure tickets are valid and procedures are followed.
If any of these requirements aren’t met, there could be valid legal grounds to challenge a ticket in court.
How Red-Light Camera Tickets Work in San Bernardino
Red-light camera tickets in San Bernardino follow a specific process designed to ensure violations are correctly captured, and you’re notified with all necessary information. Here’s what you can expect:
How Violations Are Captured
Say a driver enters an intersection after the signal has already turned red. The automated enforcement system photographs the vehicle, its license plate, and, if possible, the driver at the exact moment of the violation. Most intersections use both still photos and video. Typically, the driver can review video evidence online by following the instructions that come with their ticket.
What’s Included in the Mailed Ticket
If you’re cited, you’ll receive an envelope in the mail with all the details, including:
- A formal violation letter outlining the alleged offense
- Photographs of your car and the supposed violation
- Information and logins for accessing video evidence online
The ticket should also include the address and details for the San Bernardino County Superior Court, where you must appear to address the ticket.
Deadlines
San Bernardino gives a firm response deadline listed on your notice. If you don’t act in time, you risk serious consequences. Failing to respond can produce a Failure to Appear (FTA) charge, extra fines, and possible DMV holds on your driver’s license or vehicle registration.
Legal Defenses to Traffic Camera Tickets in San Bernardino
Just because you’ve received a traffic camera ticket in San Bernardino doesn’t always mean you must pay it. There are several potential legal defenses depending on the circumstances of your citation.
Driver Is Not Identifiable
Video and photo evidence from red-light cameras must clearly show the driver’s face to prove who was actually operating the vehicle. If the images are too blurry or the driver’s face isn’t visible, you may be able to argue that you shouldn’t be held responsible.
Improper Camera Setup or Calibration
Red-light cameras are required to meet strict technical guidelines. If the timing devices are off, the equipment hasn’t been recently calibrated, or maintenance records show gaps or malfunctions, your lawyer can attack the reliability of the system. Violations of California’s technical requirements can result in the dismissal of the ticket.
Missing or Improper Warning Signs
California law requires specific warning signs at all intersections equipped with traffic cameras. If clear signage isn’t present within the required distance before the intersection, or is blocked, hidden, or missing altogether, the ticket may not be valid.
Yellow Light Too Short
Every intersection with a camera must set its yellow light according to state standards. Some tickets are issued after cities set shorter-than-legal yellow intervals to increase the number of citations. If the timing doesn’t meet California regulations, that alone might result in your ticket being thrown out.
You Were Making a Legal Right Turn
Red-light cameras sometimes trigger tickets even when drivers make slow, cautious right turns after stopping. If you were performing a lawful right turn on red, the video can help you prove that no violation actually occurred.
Contact Our San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyers at Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
By working with an experienced traffic attorney, drivers increase their chances of having a camera ticket dismissed or reduced in San Bernardino. Contact Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with our San Bernardino car accident lawyers.
For more information, please contact the San Bernardino personal injury attorneys at Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers
325 W Hospitality Ln Suite 204, San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 515-0646