Nothing will get you seeing red quicker than innocently walking out to the mailbox and finding another red light ticket—especially when you have one or two already, and you weren’t even driving.
Of course, if it was your teen who drove and ran the red light, your auto insurance premium will still rise if you pay the fine. What’s more, those camera-enforced red light tickets are nearly $500 each, and the increase in premiums can be costly.
The average policy in CA, according to Bankrate.com, with a 16-year-old on it could cost as much as $7,175 per year. Of course, several factors affect that price including where you live, the age of the primary policyholder, how far you drive back and forth to work and school, your motor vehicle driving record (MVR), etc. Fortunately, Bakersfield is one of the less expensive CA cities for car insurance, but that’s still almost 20% above the national average.
Where to Find Those Camera-Enforced Red Lights in Bakersfield, CA
In CA, there are two types of red light tickets. The first is a law enforcement officer issued ticket at the scene, and the other is a camera-enforced red light ticket.
On 3 June, we published, How to Dispute That Camera-Enforced Red Light Ticket in Bakersfield, CA. In that article, we discuss how to dispute a camera-enforced red light ticket and identify the eight intersections in Bakersfield, CA, where cameras are installed.
Therefore, we won’t rehash that information here. You can click on the link and read it if you haven’t already.
What You Need to Know About Red Light Tickets in CA
#1—The first and most essential thing you need to know about red light tickets is that you should always consult a Bakersfield traffic ticket defender, as there is no guaranteed method to get a dismissal a reduction to a no-point violation, or approval to attend Traffic Violator’s School (TVS).
#2— If you weren’t driving, you don’t have to divulge who was to get a dismissal. The burden of proof belongs to the State. Once again, there is no guarantee. If you represent yourself in court and the judge flat out asks you who was driving after you testified on your own behalf, you may have to give up the actual driver.
It is never advisable to represent yourself. Even lawyers from other areas of law hire a traffic attorney to resolve their tickets.
#3—You could be given a ticket by mistake. Although it doesn’t happen often, the LEO could miss the fact that you stopped before the crosswalk or limit line and then made a right turn at the red light, or because of traffic you were already in the intersection when the light turned red. These camera-enforced red light tickets must be examined by an experienced traffic cop before they get mailed, but they are only human.
#4—The fine for a camera-enforced red light is $490; whereas, the LEO-issued ticket is only $237 in Bakersfield, CA, because the city must share the revenue with the third-party camera installers and maintainers.
#5— Each paid fine or conviction is assessed one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point, so four within a year could mean you get an Order of Suspension & Probation for six and twelve months, respectively.
#6—Not all red light tickets can be dismissed or reduced, but the only way to know for sure is to consult a Bakersfield, CA, traffic attorney.
There Are Eight Camera-Enforced Intersections in Bakersfield, CA, Where You Could Get a Red Light Ticket
This could be precarious especially if you live near the intersection at Oswell Street and Bernard Street or any of the eight intersections. When you get ticketed or receive a red light ticket in the mail, call Bigger & Harman (661) 349-9300.
Not only can we help you resolve the red light ticket, but if you have already received a suspension notice, we can represent you at a DMV NOTS hearing. Give us a call to discuss your situation.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2021 CA Driver Handbook English y Español
The Bankrate.com article, The Average Cost of Auto Insurance in California.