Even if Los Angeles shuts down red light cameras, don’t forget about the ticket you already have. Are Traffic Cameras Legal In Los Angeles, California? The Los Angeles City Council has announced plans to stop using cameras to enforce red-light violators at numerous intersections throughout the city. While many are rejoicing that the cameras may be shut down, don’t forget about the red light camera ticket you currently have! The program’s end would prevent future red light camera tickets from being issued. However, don’t assume that any current red light camera tickets you already have from the City of Los Angeles will just automatically vanish. If the current system ends, these tickets may still be prosecuted. To avoid potential problems, follow up on any outstanding tickets. You can always check the court website to confirm if your ticket is still active or closed. Remember: if the ticket is filed and active with the court before the program ends, it likely won’t be dropped. If you don’t follow up, it could go to collections or, in some cases, be referred to the DMV.
1. Status of Red Light Cameras in Los Angeles
The city officially ended its traditional red light camera enforcement program, but surrounding areas such as Beverly Hills, Culver City, and West Hollywood continue to operate cameras. This means that while LA proper has shut down its system, drivers in nearby jurisdictions can still receive tickets. Some cameras remain active on transit or rail corridors under different jurisdictions, which can still lead to citations even if the citywide program is gone.
2. What Happens to Old Tickets?
Ending the program does not erase existing violations. Courts treat red light camera tickets as legal proceedings. If a citation was already filed in court, it remains active until it is resolved. That means ignoring the ticket could still result in referral to collections agencies, potential negative impact on your credit, or referral to the DMV depending on court discretion. In other words, while new tickets may not be issued by LA, the old ones don’t simply disappear.
3. Should LA Have Shut Down the Cameras?
We would like your opinion: do you think LA should shut down the cameras? Critics point out that Los Angeles was losing money on red light cameras, with operating costs sometimes outweighing the fines collected. Non-profits and community advocates have argued that photo enforcement is not the best use of city resources. They highlight that signal timing enhancements alone have been shown by the LAPD and LADOT to improve intersection safety — often without the controversy that cameras generate.
4. California’s Current Legal Landscape
Red light cameras remain legal in California as of 2025, though the rules are strict. For a citation to hold up in court the photo must clearly show the driver’s face and the license plate, proper warning signage must be in place, and evidence must meet California Vehicle Code standards. At the state level, Senate Bill 720 is under consideration, which could dramatically change the rules. The bill proposes capping fines, eliminating DMV points, and reducing insurance impacts for automated enforcement tickets.
5. Should You Pay or Ignore the Ticket?
The practical reality in Los Angeles County is that some drivers have ignored camera tickets with little consequence. In many cases, the courts haven’t referred these cases to the DMV. But there’s no guarantee this will remain true — especially if new legislation or local enforcement priorities shift. If you do nothing, you might avoid immediate costs but could face long-term issues with collections, credit checks, or DMV records. If you act, you can choose to pay the fine to close the case, contest the ticket citing possible errors in the camera system or improper service, or seek dismissal or mitigation if you qualify under court discretion.
6. Neighboring Cities Still Enforce Cameras
Even though LA shut down its program, nearby municipalities such as Culver City still use photo enforcement actively. These programs operate under their own rules, and their tickets are prosecuted with more consistency. If you commute between jurisdictions, you need to remain cautious at intersections where cameras remain live.
7. Final Thoughts
If you already have an LA red light camera ticket, don’t count on it disappearing. While the program shutdown may bring relief to future drivers, outstanding tickets can still affect you. Always verify your case status, weigh your options, and follow up before the issue escalates. The debate over whether LA should continue or eliminate red light cameras isn’t just about money — it’s about safety, fairness, and effective use of resources. With technology, enforcement, and legislation changing, drivers need to stay aware of their rights and responsibilities.
