San Diego’s Red Light Cameras: A Quick Overview For Drivers

Red light cameras are used throughout the State of California, and a major city like San Diego is no exception. These cameras record instances of drivers running red lights and are used to help prevent car accidents. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What Are Red Light Cameras, and How Do They Work?

Red light cameras are positioned throughout San Diego, usually near large or very busy intersections, and they are linked up to the lights at the intersection themselves. They use sensors to detect when vehicles enter the intersection when the light turns red. 

When triggered, most of these camera systems in San Diego will snap two photos of the offending vehicle. The first is meant to identify the driver, and the second is intended to capture the car’s license plate number. The camera system’s software will also record the date, time, and location of the red light violation. 

Why Does San Diego Use Red Light Cameras?

Unfortunately, California has historically reported some of the most red-light-related traffic accidents in the country. In 2019 alone, it saw more red-light running fatalities than any other state. 

The goal of California’s (and, by extension, San Diego’s) red light cameras and associated systems is to reduce the number of intersection crashes that occur. These collisions are some of the most dangerous types of accidents that can happen, in large part due to the angle and speeds involved. 

Red light cameras also make things easier for law enforcement officers, who don’t have the time to monitor all of the city’s busiest intersections for red light runners. Cameras can handle the task for them. 

Common Issues With Red Light Cameras

Modern red light cameras are pretty reliable, but they aren’t perfect. You could receive a false ticket if the sensors trigger at the wrong time. For instance, the camera may take a photo of your vehicle despite the fact that it had already entered the intersection in its entirety before the light turned red. If that’s the case, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.

The most common problem, though, involves tickets being assigned to the right vehicle but sent to the wrong person. Suppose your friend borrows your car and runs a red light with a camera system. If the camera captures your license plate, you’ll receive the ticket. The good news is that you can have the ticket reassigned to the right person. 

What Are My Options If I Received a Red-Light Ticket?

In the event that you receive a red-light ticket, the first thing you should do is start by reviewing the notice. Red light ticket notices should include the date and location of the violation, as well as the fine amount and due date. You can view the photographs of your alleged violation online. 

If you weren’t the person driving, you can contact the agency that issued the ticket and ask them to reassign it to the person who was operating your vehicle. If you were driving, you would have to pay the citation online to avoid any late fees. Don’t ignore the ticket, as doing so can lead to additional costs and may even impact your license. 

Be Attentive and Stay Safe While Driving in San Diego

Anytime you hit the road in San Diego, it’s vital that you are attentive and avoid distracted driving. Paying attention to what’s going on around you can help you avoid red-light tickets and stay safe. 

Contact the Car Accidents Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000