Photo Traffic Light Citations

12/2/2004 | self

[kellynla]

I was interested in any FReepers who have had personal experience with photo traffic citations. Especially in CA and for supposedly running a red light. I received a citation in the mail. They claim I ran the red light while making a "right-on-red."

Anyone who actually has information on the photographic equipment and/or has worked for one of these companies and could shed some light on their accuracy would be appreciated. Any info on the people who make the decisions about such tickets would also be appreciated. I understand these companies who install the equipment receive a commission on the citations.

I am considering fighting the ticket.

[kellynla]

Should I bite the bullet and just pay the ticket? The pictures clearly show me stopped at the light behind the crosswalk before I made the right turn. And there is "No Right On Red" sign at the intersection. Any input would be appreciated.

[Auntie Mame]

And there is "No Right On Red" sign at the intersection.

Do you mean there is NO "No Right on Red" sign...?

I hope you fight your ticket. If everyone did so, the courts would be so clogged they wouldn't be able to work so hard at taking away our freedoms. Good luck.

[kellynla]

And so I am clearer.
There is NO sign at the intersection stipulating that you could not make a right turn on a red signal.

In other words a right turn on a red signal is okay. LOL

[kellynla]

"Do you mean there is NO "No Right on Red" sign...?"

exactly! LOL

[kellynla]

and ya know to add insult to injury,
if you take it to court and lose and you are eligible for traffic school in Orange County, CA you CANNOT go to traffic school.
how's that grab ya!

And if you do decide to go to not contest the ticket and go to traffic school you have to pay the full amount of the citation PLUS the cost of the traffic school!

Talk about getting screwed!!! LOL

[DouglasKC]

If there is NOT a "No turn on red sign" at the interesection and you got a ticket for turning right on red then go down to the interesection and take pictures from all angles to show that there is no sign. Then fight it.

[kellynla]

I received a ticket for "running the light"

[cajungirl]

Bite the bullet and pay up. Life is short, photo tickets are long.

[kellynla]

"If there is NOT a "No turn on red sign" at the intersection and you got a ticket for turning right on red then go down to the intersection and take pictures from all angles to show that there is no sign. Then fight it."


That's what I am leaning towards.

I did find out from a lawyer who specializes in traffic citations is whatever you do if you go down to examine the pictures at the police station DO NOT SIGN OFF TO EXAMINE THE PICTURES(that is an admittance of guilt!!!)

[Auntie Mame]

I've fought several traffic tickets, one I won and one I should have won but was too stupid to know what to say when I had a chance to get it dismissed.

I might be tempted to take the documents you received to the local PD and ask them exactly what you were doing wrong as the picture doesn't show you did anything wrong. Listen to their explanation, if you can get anyone to talk to you, and AFTER THAT, make your decision.

I hope you fight it but it's understandable if you don't. Usually, when dealing with government I find all they want is money, and I give it to them, it makes them leave me alone. However, this situation is a little different and grayer. If you've got the time to go to court, it's really good experience and I recommend it. It will serve you well throughout your life.

To Liberty!

[kellynla]

Thanks for the input.

I'm going to wait and see if I can get any info from any FReepers who have either worked for these companies that install this photo equipment or have had experience fighting this type of ticket before I make a final decision.

[RushCrush]

If there is a photo showing you stopped at the light (i.e. brake lights are on)... how do they know the length of time you were stopped? It's a still-photo, right?

I would fight it for sure.

[kellynla]

"If there is a photo showing you stopped at the light (i.e. brake lights are on)..."
YES!

" It's a still-photo, right?"
RIGHT!

I just got off the phone with the PD and the lady said that I could come down and watch the video with an officer.
She said that if it showed that I was in the "right" then the officer would dismiss the ticket.

So I'll try to get there either today or tomorrow.

[Publius6961]

And there is "No Right On Red" sign at the intersection.

If there is a "No right turn on Red" and you decided to do it anyway, you're toast. Pay the ticket.

[RushCrush]

Ok so there's a video AND a still photo. Wow think of the money these Commmies spend on this stuff. :(

[Travis McGee]

Rush's #1 fill-in, Roger Hedgecock of KOGO 600 here in San Diego, has been an anti red light "scamera" crusader. Search around RogerHedgecock.com and look for old links to court cases, friendly law firms, etc.

[kellynla]

EXCELLENT! I didn't know Hedgecock was a crusader against the traffic photos. I did hear that SD went to court and won against the photo tickets.
Thanks, that's a great idea.
I'll check it out.

[Travis McGee]

You bet! He was hot on the subject 2 years ago, and as a result the cameras were turned off until recently, and the "short yellows" were abolished.

You may have to dig for the links, it's an old story here.

[gubamyster]

You need to get some of this:

Phantom Plate

[kellynla]

okay, thanks
I went to Hedgecock's website but haven't found anything yet. But I'll keep looking.

I will go to the PD first and see if I can get the ticket dismissed.

thanks again for your help.