Caught running a red light in Bakersfield, CA? There are nearly a dozen photo-enforced red light intersections around Bakersfield, CA.

Before you automatically accept the consequences, understand the key differences between a photo-enforced red light ticket and a traditional traffic stop by a law enforcement officer (LEO), sometimes referred to as a “bumper stop,” your potential defenses, and how an experienced CA traffic attorney can help you navigate this situation.

The Costly Difference Between a Photo-Enforced Red Light Ticket & a Bumper Stop

A photo-enforced red light ticket in Bakersfield carries a fine, often around $500 for a paid fine. Even opting for traffic violator school after pleading guilty won't reduce the fine and other fees, though it could keep your insurance premiums steady if you are eligible.

You'll need to plead guilty, and pay the full fine amount, the Kern County administrative fees, the DMV filing fees, and course tuition, totaling nearly $600, without accounting for your valuable time spent attending the course.

Keep in mind that failing to complete the course before the court-ordered deadline jeopardizes the confidentiality of your guilty plea, triggering potential insurance hikes.

In contrast, a red light violation cited by a police officer typically carries a lower fine, around $238. While attending traffic school might still be an option, the fine is significantly lower. However, the photo-enforced red light ticket is usually easier for an experienced traffic attorney to defend. What if it wasn’t you driving?

Possible Defense Strategies

Don't despair if you receive a photo-enforced red light ticket. Several potential defenses exist:

• You weren't driving: Unlike a traffic stop where who’s driving is obvious, the burden of proof rests with the state to identify the driver captured in the photo. This means you don't need to prove who was behind the wheel; an experienced attorney can help ensure you don't get caught in the "who was driving?" trap. An experienced attorney will not allow you in the courtroom, so the judge can’t ask you that question, which you might feel obligated to answer.
• Technical issues: Was the red-light camera newly installed at the intersection without proper notification? Lacking a readily visible warning sign is a potential violation of CA traffic law. Additionally, any malfunction or obstruction affecting the camera, the time between yellow and red, the red light’s functioning, or visibility could invalidate the ticket.
• Other mitigating factors: Another vehicle or pedestrian could have prevented from getting out of the intersection before it turned red. Did an emergency vehicle require you to proceed through the red light? These factors should be discussed with an attorney who can bring them to the court's attention to justify a dismissal potentially.

Why Hire a CA Traffic Attorney

While navigating the legal technicalities of a photo-enforced red light ticket might seem intimidating, an experienced CA traffic attorney can be a valuable ally.

They understand the specific laws and procedures applicable to Bakersfield, CA, and can fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Here's how an attorney can help:

• Negotiate a reduced charge: By effectively presenting your defense, your attorney might be able to negotiate a lesser charge, potentially a no-point violation, which would keep your premium as is.
• Seek an outright dismissal: Depending on the circumstances surrounding the ticket, an attorney could argue for a complete dismissal, saving you significant time and money.
• Guide you through the process: With legal expertise, you can navigate the court system confidently and understand your rights throughout the process.

Remember, the initial cost of hiring an attorney can be outweighed by the potential savings in fines, fees, and avoided insurance premium hikes. Don't hesitate to protect your rights and explore your options with a qualified California traffic attorney experienced with red-light ticket defense.

D Street & 7th Avenue
Palmdale & Amethyst
Palmdale Road & Park Avenue
Palmdale Road & Amargosa Road
Bear Valley Road & Mariposa
Hesperia Road & Valley Road

Remember, there must be a warning sign "visible to traffic approaching from all directions” at the intersection, not necessarily on the red light pole but within 200 feet of the intersection to warn drivers, and the yellow to red time interval must comply with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (CAMUTCD), depending on the speed limit on that roadway.

Always discuss your ticket and any questions with a CA traffic attorney.

Consult with Bigger & Harman

If you need assistance with a photo-enforced red light ticket or any traffic ticket in Bakersfield Courthouse, contact the office of Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.

Alternatively, use our handy online contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. Send us a copy or picture of your citation and summary of the stop.

References:

The CA Driver Handbook Englishy Español.

California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (CAMUTCD).

CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 21455.5, Offenses Relating to Traffic Devices.