Did you get caught by a speed or red light camera while driving and get a ticket in the mail? You might be tempted to ignore it and hope it goes away, but in California, that might not work.
Red light traffic cameras have been around for decades, but recent initiatives have enabled speed cameras to be installed in cities across the state that automatically fine drivers when they go over the speed limit.
Different counties, cities, and jurisdictions may have slightly different ways of implementing traffic or speed cameras, so you need to check where you live or drive to get the best information.
Trying to get around or trick the traffic cameras is not advised either, as AB 1085 makes it an infraction, with a $1,000 fine, to manufacture in California a product or device that obscures, or is intended to obscure, or interferes with the electronic reading of a license plate.
What should you know about these cameras?
How do speed cameras work?
AB 645, or the Speed Safety System Pilot Program, authorized the cities of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach, and the City and County of San Francisco, to implement speed cameras for five years or until 2032.
Much like long-established red light cameras, speed cameras capture license plate information of people going more than 11 mph over the speed limit.
Fines start at $50 for more than 11 mph, $100 for 16 to 25 mph over the limit, $200 over 26 mph over the limit, and $500 for 100 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
Drivers across California may have some time before the program is implemented in their city, as it is a pilot based on the success and reception in the six approved cities and the approved county.
What happens if you don’t pay a speed camera ticket?
As the speed cameras capture images of rear license plates, only the registered vehicle owner will receive a notice of violation within 30 days. The citation also includes the time and place where the violation occurred.
There are alternatives to paying the fine, such as community service, or having the fee waived or reduced if you are low-income.
Payment plans are also available to pay the fines.
A recent California law has also made it so that traffic violations through automated traffic enforcement programs are classified as civil payments. While you might not go to jail for failure to pay, it may impact your credit score or result in license suspension.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Caught by a speed camera? Is it legal to ignore them in California?
Reporting by Ernesto Centeno Araujo, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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