Alhambra Red Light Violation Lawyers
Also Serving San Gabriel Valley and the Greater Los Angeles Area
Pleading guilty to a red light violation can be expensive. It’s not just the costs of the citation itself. You may have to pay additional court costs. Your insurance company may decide to raise your rates. Drivers who are ticketed are well-advised to consider all the options before just accepting the citation. The lawyers in our Alhambra office are familiar with a wide range of possible defenses that can be used in court, and we’ll work diligently to get you off the hook or at least get the ticket reduced.
Call (323) 530-1688 or contact us online today to set up a free consultation.
Common Scenarios for Red Light Violation Charges
A red light violation in California occurs when a driver fails to stop their vehicle at a clearly marked limit line or before entering an intersection controlled by a red traffic signal. This law is enforced under California Vehicle Code Section 21453, which is designed to protect intersection safety and prevent collisions.
Common violations include:
- Running a red light: This usually occurs when a driver is distracted—perhaps by their phone, a conversation, or roadside activity—and fails to notice the light change. Even a split-second lapse in attention can result in crossing an intersection too late.
- Making a prohibited right turn on red: Right turns must be made after coming to a complete stop and ensuring it’s safe to proceed. Drivers might be guilty of just slowing down, not fully stopping, or turning without recognizing posted “No Turn on Red” signs.
- Misjudging yellow lights: Factors like short yellow light durations, heavy traffic blocking intersections, or panicked decisions can lead to entries into intersections after the light changes. The high-pressure driving environments in this area can increase these mistakes.
Ultimately, these scenarios often stem from a combination of distraction, misinterpretation of rules, and the urgency associated with busy roadways.
Defenses for Red Light Violation Tickets
The defense strategy employed in your case will depend on the specific circumstances. However, there are some general approaches and strategies that often apply.
Tickets produced by traffic enforcement cameras can be challenged for accuracy and clarity. Poor-quality images or unclear visuals that don’t definitively prove the driver’s identity can weaken the case against you.
Another angle is procedural errors in ticket issuance. Enforcement cameras must follow strict calibration and operational guidelines to ensure reliability. If a camera was not properly maintained or signage indicating camera enforcement was absent, this can serve as a basis for your defense.
Other sources of evidence can further strengthen your challenge. Time-stamped photos or videos can reveal whether your vehicle entered the intersection after the light changed or was already in the process of crossing. Traffic signal timing data could be another key piece of evidence. For instance, proving that a yellow light was too short to allow safe crossing can undermine the legitimacy of the citation.
Witness statements could play a role. A passenger in the car or a nearby pedestrian may corroborate that the driver acted reasonably, such as stopping fully before a right turn or entering the intersection while the light was still yellow.
We work with our clients to compile and present this evidence. Accurate documentation, careful examination of camera protocols, and leveraging available evidence are ways to build a strong defense against traffic tickets.
Protecting Your Record, Your Rights, and Your Future Every Step of the Way
Why Work with Bust My Ticket?
By partnering with Bust My Ticket, you invest in your financial well-being, career prospects, and driving freedom.
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Maintain a Clean Driving RecordWe help keep your record spotless, reducing the risk of future violations and enhancing your peace of mind.
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Save MoneyAvoid increased insurance premiums that can result from traffic violations, leading to significant long-term savings.
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Enhance Career OpportunitiesA clean driving record can open doors to various job opportunities, as many employers value or require it.
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Reduce Future TicketsDrivers with clean records are more likely to receive warnings instead of tickets during traffic stops, helping you avoid fines and penalties.
Don’t Let a Red Light Violation Stand
A red light violation may seem like a minor infraction, but it can carry significant consequences, including hefty fines, points on your license, higher insurance premiums, and potential complications for your driving record. At Bust My Ticket, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face these penalties, which is why we are committed to providing you with a thorough and strategic defense. Don’t let one mistake define your future—contact us today to discuss how we can help fight your red light violation.
Call (323) 530-1688 today. We’re available 24/7.