Facing a red-light camera ticket in Bakersfield, CA, can be overwhelming. Whether the citation came from a camera or a police officer, consulting a traffic attorney is your best option.
In Bakersfield, several intersections are equipped with red light cameras to catch violators.
These intersections include:
Oswell Street and Bernard Street
Oak Street and California Avenue
Coffee Road and Truxton Avenue
Stockdale Highway, New Stine Road, and California Avenue
Wible Road and White Lane
Real Road and Ming Avenue
Old River Road and Ming Avenue
Valley Plaza and Ming Avenue
Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road
Chester Avenue and Brundage Lane
If you’ve received a red-light camera ticket at one of these intersections, the legal process may seem complicated. Many drivers are unaware that the advice given by court clerks isn’t always accurate, potentially affecting your rights.
According to the County of Kern Superior Court's article on photo-enforced red-light tickets:
“If you receive a photo-enforced red-light citation and you were not the driver, you must complete the form provided with the citation to identify the driver responsible for the violation.”
You are not required to contact the police before speaking to an attorney. The state has the burden of proof to show that you were driving at the time of the violation. If the image is blurred, it could lead to a dismissal.
Challenging a Red-Light Camera Ticket
Every red-light camera ticket presents unique circumstances. Various infractions can result in a red-light violation, including:
Failing to stop completely before turning right on red.
Going through a red light, even a flashing one.
Failing to stop at a broken traffic light.
Not yielding to pedestrians while turning on red.
These are just a few examples. You should always consult a traffic attorney before paying any fines or accepting guilt.
Camera-Enforced Red-Light Tickets in CA
The consequences of a camera-enforced red-light ticket in California can be steep.
Fines can reach almost $500, and you could also face increased insurance premiums or fees for traffic violator school (TVS).
If you’re not eligible for TVS to mask your ticket, your auto insurance will increase an average of 32% for the next 36 to 39 months, depending on your renewal date.
There are specific circumstances that make you ineligible for TVS, such as:
Driving without a valid CA driver’s license.
Using TVS to mask a ticket within the last 18 months.
Violations requiring a mandatory court appearance.
Speeding over 100 mph
Driving a commercial motor vehicle and others.
Consulting a traffic attorney before deciding to attend TVS could save you from unnecessary costs. Non-completion could result in you paying the fine and fees, but you’d still have the conviction as public record.
Photo-Enforced Red Light Ticket Evidence
Red light cameras record both video and still images of vehicles running the red light.
A traffic officer reviews the footage before sending out a citation to ensure the violation occurred. Sometimes, the evidence captured by the camera may not clearly show the driver’s identity.
If the camera footage is unclear, there may be grounds to challenge the red-light camera ticket in court. However, success isn’t guaranteed, and the process can be complex without legal guidance.
Additionally, intersections with red light cameras must display clear warning signs to drivers. The timing between yellow and red lights also needs to meet specific standards set by Caltrans.
To better understand your rights regarding a photo-enforced red-light ticket, consult a traffic attorney in Bakersfield, CA.
Contact Bigger & Harman, the Bakersfield Traffic Defense Attorneys, About a Red-Light Camera Ticket
If you need a red-light camera ticket resolved in Bakersfield Courthouse, contact Bigger & Harman, APC. Give us a call on (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our handy online contact form to schedule a consultation or send an email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com today.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.