Entering an intersection when the light is yellow is always a roll of the dice, if the light turns red while before you are fully in the intersection, you could trigger the camera, and get a red light ticket.

However, not all red light tickets are a sure thing for the police either. When you get that ticket in the mail, look it over. Is it you behind the wheel? If not, you are not obligated to tell the police or the court clerk who was driving.

However, the court clerk might say you must tell them who was driving so that they can send them the red light ticket instead of you or you can pay the fine. In that case, you should leave and call or visit Bigger & Harman at 1701 Westwind Dr. Suite 203 or another traffic attorney.

Before accepting TVS and paying your fine, you should consult a traffic attorney. TVS is not always the best option.

Before the BPD sends you a camera-enforced red light ticket, an experienced patrol officer must view the pictures and video. Both the driver and the license plate must be clearly visible before the officer sends it to the vehicle owner.  But sometimes shortcuts happen.  You need an experienced traffic lawyer to review what process was used.

Failure to Stop for a Red Light Before Making a Right Turn

When the light is red in CA, you can turn right after a complete stop without getting a red light ticket, usually. Though, the position of the law enforcement officer (LEO) might prevent them from seeing that you came to a complete stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk as is required by the CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21453, Offenses Relating to Traffic Devices, “A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection…”  

Always consult a traffic attorney before deciding whether to accept TVS and pay the fine, which in the case of an illegal right-turn on red is about $500 or challenge the ticket. Remember, it is not up to you to point out who was driving your car if it wasn’t you. The state must prove you were guilty of the infraction. 

Bigger & Harman, APC Can Handle Your Red Light Ticket in Bakersfield, CA  

There are ten known locations in Bakersfield where you might encounter a camera-enforced red light:

1. Bernard St. and Oswell St.
2. California Ave. and Oak St.
3. California Ave./New Stine Rd./Stockdale Hwy.
4. Chester Ave. and Brundage Ln.
5. Coffee Road and Stockdale Hwy
6. Coffee Road and Truxtun Ave.
7. Ming Ave. and Valley Plaza
8. Ming Ave. and Real Rd.
9. Ming Ave. and Old River Road
10. White Ln. and Wible Rd. 

Therefore, if you see a flash at one of those intersections, be prepared to receive a red light ticket in the mail. Do not ignore the ticket; give us a call, Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.

In fact, do not ignore any traffic ticket or DMV NOTS Suspension/Probation warning. We can handle it for you, so call or email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. 

References:

The 2020 CA Driver Handbook.pdf