Getting a red light camera ticket can be an annoying and frustrating experience. If you recently received one of these tickets in Beverly Hills, you’re probably wondering what to do next.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about fighting or paying a Beverly Hills red light camera citation.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: You have a few options when dealing with a Beverly Hills red light camera ticket. You can pay it, contest it based on various defenses, request traffic school, or ignore it (not recommended).
Read on for more details on the process and your best course of action.
Understanding Beverly Hills Red Light Camera Tickets
How Beverly Hills Red Light Cameras Work
Beverly Hills utilizes automated red light enforcement cameras at over 20 intersections to photograph vehicles that run red lights. Sensors detect when a vehicle enters the intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
Cameras then take photos of the vehicle’s rear license plate and capture a video clip of the violation.
Footage is reviewed by the Beverly Hills Police Department before a citation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Ticket recipients are responsible for the violation fine even if they were not driving the vehicle at the time.
Photo Enforcement Ticket Costs in Beverly Hills
Running a red light in Beverly Hills carries a base fine of $500. With additional fees, the total cost of a red light camera ticket is around $550.
If you do not pay the ticket or contest it in court by the due date, late fees will be added raising the cost to over $700. Unpaid tickets can also result in a hold being placed on your car registration renewal.
30-Day Deadline to Act
You only have 30 days from the date the ticket was issued to pay your Beverly Hills red light camera ticket or contest it in court. Your options are:
- Pay the ticket and accept responsibility – Costs around $550 total
- Request an extension to view evidence – Gives you more time to examine photos/video
- Contest the ticket by written declaration – Argue your case in writing
- Contest the ticket in court – Appear before a traffic judge
To have the best chance of getting your red light camera ticket dismissed, consult with an experienced traffic ticket attorney. An attorney can review the evidence and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Running red lights can lead to dangerous broadside collisions. While the monetary fines may seem high, the goal of Beverly Hills’ photo enforcement program is improving public safety by reducing red light violations.
4 Options When You Get a Ticket
Pay the Ticket
One of the options you have when you receive a red light camera ticket in Beverly Hills is to simply pay the fine. This is the easiest and quickest way to resolve the issue.
You can usually find the payment information and instructions on the ticket itself or on the official website of the Beverly Hills Traffic Court.
Keep in mind that paying the ticket means admitting guilt, and it will result in points on your driving record and a potential increase in your insurance premiums.
Contest the Ticket
If you believe that you were wrongly issued the red light camera ticket, you have the option to contest it. This involves challenging the ticket in court and presenting evidence to support your case.
It’s important to gather any relevant information such as photos, videos, or witness statements that can help prove your innocence.
Consult with a traffic attorney or do thorough research on how to contest a red light camera ticket in Beverly Hills. Remember that contesting a ticket can be time-consuming and may require you to appear in court.
Request Traffic School
If you are eligible, another option to handle a red light camera ticket is to request traffic school. Attending traffic school allows you to have the ticket dismissed or keep it off your driving record.
This option is particularly beneficial if you want to avoid points on your record and potential insurance premium hikes.
Check with the Beverly Hills Traffic Court to find out if you meet the requirements for traffic school and how to proceed with the request.
Ignore the Ticket (Not Advised)
While it may be tempting to ignore a red light camera ticket, it is not advised. Ignoring the ticket can lead to more serious consequences such as late fees, additional fines, and even a suspended license.
The authorities have a system in place to track unpaid tickets, and eventually, they will catch up with you. It’s best to address the ticket promptly and explore one of the other options mentioned above.
Contesting a Beverly Hills Red Light Camera Ticket
Common Defenses Against Red Light Camera Citations
If you have received a red light camera ticket in Beverly Hills, you may be wondering if there are any defenses available to contest it. While each case is unique, there are some common defenses that can be used to challenge the citation.
One defense is to argue that the camera malfunctioned and produced an inaccurate photo or video of the alleged violation.
Another defense is to claim that you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Additionally, you can challenge the legality of the camera itself, questioning whether it was installed and maintained properly according to state regulations.
It is important to gather evidence and consult with an attorney familiar with red light camera cases to determine the best defense strategy for your specific situation.
Filing a Written Declaration With the Court
If you decide to contest your Beverly Hills red light camera ticket, you have the option to file a written declaration with the court.
This involves submitting a written statement explaining your defense and providing any supporting evidence.
It is crucial to carefully craft your declaration and ensure that it addresses the specific elements of your defense. The court will review your declaration and make a decision based on the evidence provided.
Keep in mind that if the court does not find in your favor, you may still have the opportunity to request an in-person trial.
Requesting an In-Person Trial
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your written declaration, you can request an in-person trial to further contest your Beverly Hills red light camera ticket.
This gives you the opportunity to present your case before a judge and potentially cross-examine any witnesses or evidence presented by the prosecution.
It is important to prepare thoroughly for the trial by gathering all relevant evidence, such as witness statements or expert testimony, and consulting with an attorney who specializes in traffic violations.
Keep in mind that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and if they fail to provide sufficient evidence of your violation, the court may dismiss the ticket.
Next Steps After Choosing Your Option
If You Pay the Ticket
If you have decided to pay the Beverly Hills red light camera ticket, there are a few important steps you need to take.
First, make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the fine.
You can usually find the amount due and the payment options on the ticket itself or by contacting the municipal court.
Once you have the payment ready, you can choose to pay online, by mail, or in person at the designated court location.
Keep in mind that paying the ticket means admitting guilt, and the citation may appear on your driving record.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the payment deadline to avoid any additional fees or penalties.
If You Contest the Ticket
If you believe you were unjustly issued a red light camera ticket in Beverly Hills and want to contest it, there are several steps you can take. First, gather any evidence that supports your case, such as photos, videos, or witness statements.
It’s crucial to review the specific guidelines provided by the municipal court, as there may be certain requirements for submitting evidence.
Once you have your evidence ready, you can submit it along with your written explanation of why you believe the ticket should be dismissed.
It’s important to follow the designated procedure and submit your contestation before the deadline. If your contestation is successful, the ticket will be dismissed, and you won’t have to pay the fine.
If You Request Traffic School
If you are eligible for traffic school and would like to attend to avoid getting points on your driving record, you can request this option.
Beverly Hills offers traffic school as a way to educate drivers and promote safe driving habits.
To request traffic school, you will need to follow the instructions provided on the ticket or contact the municipal court.
Keep in mind that there may be additional fees associated with attending traffic school, and you will need to complete the course within a specified timeframe.
Attending traffic school can be a great opportunity to improve your driving skills and prevent any negative consequences on your record.
If You Ignore the Ticket
Ignoring a red light camera ticket in Beverly Hills is not recommended, as it can lead to more serious consequences.
If you choose to ignore the ticket, it may result in additional fines, a suspended driver’s license, or even a warrant for your arrest.
The municipal court takes these violations seriously, and it’s better to address the ticket promptly, even if you believe it was unjustly issued.
Ignoring the ticket will only exacerbate the situation and could potentially have long-term effects on your driving privileges.
Take the necessary steps to address the ticket and avoid any unnecessary complications.
Conclusion
Getting a red light camera ticket in Beverly Hills can be annoying, but you do have options. Take some time to review the ticket and evidence.
If you decide to contest it, make sure you have a valid defense before submitting a written declaration or requesting trial.
Otherwise, you may want to pay the fine or see if you’re eligible for traffic school. Follow the proper next steps depending on how you decide to proceed.
With this guide, you should now understand the process and your best course of action when dealing with a Beverly Hills red light camera citation.
