Red light cameras are designed to take photographs of vehicles that fail to properly stop at busy intersections. Cameras snap pictures of your license plate, and a ticket can be automatically mailed to the address of the vehicle’s owner.
Many drivers in Long Beach are surprised and confused to receive a red light camera ticket in the mail. You might wonder if you even have to pay a red light ticket. The truth is, the California Supreme Court ruled that red light tickets are constitutional and that they must be paid in full.
You may also be aware that many cities in California removed their red light cameras, or simply decided to stop operating them while leaving the cameras in place. Currently, it appears that the red light cameras in the Long Beach area are not functioning.
This situation could change at any time. If you discover that you have received a red light ticket from the Long Beach area or surrounding cities, the Simmrin Law Group can help. Contact our red light camera lawyers in Long Beach to get professional help with your legal defense.
Legal Uses of Red Light Cameras
Red light cameras were intended to reduce dangers at busy or dangerous intersections. These cameras used sensors to monitor drivers. Unfortunately, these sensors sometimes malfunctioned or simply reacted at the wrong times. Other issues associated with red light cameras included:
- Penalizing Drivers for Making Legal Rights on Red
- Penalizing Drivers for Obeying Green Lights
- Penalizing Drivers for Crossing an Intersection on a Yellow Light
Despite these flaws, red light cameras are considered legal. This means that you may be charged with a traffic violation if you receive a ticket from one of the still-operational red light cameras in California.
For a free legal consultation with a red light camera lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Facts about Red Light Cameras
As previously stated, Long Beach does not utilize red light cameras at the current time. However, the city could decide to begin the red light camera program again. If the city puts red light cameras back in use, you should see signs marking intersections with cameras. You may also notice these signs in cities around Long Beach that still use red light cameras.
Note that you should always try to pay attention to the location of red light cameras. You should also make sure anyone else who operates your motor vehicle understands how red light cameras operate.
The car’s registered owner will receive any tickets issued by a red light camera. That does not mean that the registered owner will be responsible for the ticket. In fact, California holds the person operating the vehicle at the time of the ticket responsible for the fine.
You will generally need to appear before a judge in court if you were not operating your vehicle when the red light camera took a picture of your vehicle. The judge will expect you to identify the person who was driving the vehicle, so they may be issued a ticket.
Long Beach Red Light Camera Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Red Light Camera Tickets
Generally, you will be subject to a fine if you receive a ticket from a red light camera in California. The exact amount of the fine can vary depending on your exact situation.
Drivers that ignore red light tickets will face an additional fine of $300. Some drivers worry that they may be issued a notice for “failure to appear” if they do not respond to a red light camera ticket. You generally do not have to worry about this issue with a red light camera ticket.
However, ignoring a red light camera ticket can still work against you. Make sure you’re ready to handle a red light camera ticket the right way by reaching out a criminal defense lawyer in Long Beach right away.
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A Long Beach Red Light Camera Lawyer Can Help You
The legal regulations surrounding the use of red light cameras can be difficult to understand. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can help you understand your best options if you receive a ticket from a red light camera. You can contact our red light camera lawyers in Long Beach to get information with a FREE consultation.
Call us at (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form to learn more.
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