Red light cameras have long been one of the most controversial traffic enforcement tools in California. Supporters argue that they improve road safety by discouraging drivers from running red lights. Opponents counter that the programs are primarily about generating revenue, not saving lives. In recent years, dozens of California cities have decided that the costs and legal challenges outweigh the benefits — and they have shut down their red light camera systems entirely.
The High Cost of a Red Light Camera Ticket in California
In California, receiving a red light camera ticket can be a painful financial burden. The base fine for a red light camera violation is $446, but when additional court fees and administrative costs are included, the total can balloon to nearly $500. For drivers who decide to contest their ticket, legal costs can push the total even higher.
Because these citations are so expensive, many drivers have turned to attorneys who specialize in fighting red light camera tickets. Lawyers often argue that the systems are unreliable, that citations violate constitutional rights, or that cities have failed to follow proper procedures. In many cases, drivers are winning — and cities are losing revenue as a result.
Why Cities Are Pulling the Plug
The red light camera business model relies on fines covering both the cost of operating the cameras and the revenue-sharing agreements with private camera vendors. When too many tickets are overturned in court, or when legal defense becomes widespread, the financial equation collapses.
Several key reasons explain why California cities have ended their programs:
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High Operating Costs: Contracts with private vendors can run into millions of dollars per year.
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Legal Challenges: Courts have increasingly scrutinized the fairness and constitutionality of automated enforcement.
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Public Backlash: Voters and community groups have pressured city councils to end what they see as “cash grab” programs.
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Limited Safety Benefits: Studies in some cities have shown mixed or negligible improvements in accident rates.
The List of California Cities That Removed Red Light Cameras
Over the past decade, 61 California cities have shut down their red light camera programs. This includes some of the state’s largest metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Long Beach, and Oakland. Smaller cities and suburbs have followed suit, often after heated debates at city council meetings.
Here is the most recent list of California cities that have removed their programs:
Belmont, Bell Gardens, Berkeley, Burlingame, Cerritos, Compton, Corona, Costa Mesa, Cupertino, El Cajon, Davis, El Monte, Escondido, Emeryville, Fairfield, Fresno, Fullerton, Gardena, Glendale, Grand Terrace, Hayward, Highland, Indian Wells, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Lancaster, Loma Linda, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Marysville, Maywood, Montclair, Moreno Valley, Oakland, Paramount, Pasadena, Poway, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Redwood City, Rocklin, Roseville, Rowland Heights, San Bernardino, San Carlos, San Diego, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Maria, Santa Rosa, South Gate, Stockton, Union City, Upland, Vista, Walnut, Whittier, Yuba City, and Yucaipa.
In addition, the cities of Laguna Niguel, Orange, Anaheim, Murrieta, and Newport Beach have voted to ban red light cameras outright.
Spotlight on Major Cities
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Los Angeles: Once home to one of the largest red light camera networks in the country, Los Angeles discontinued its program in 2011 after city officials admitted the system was not financially sustainable.
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San Diego: The city removed its cameras after lawsuits and technical issues eroded confidence in the program.
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San Jose: California’s third-largest city eliminated its cameras citing high costs and low returns.
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Pasadena: Ended its contract after residents complained that the cameras were unfair and targeted certain intersections more than others.
How Lawyers Have Changed the Landscape
California attorneys have played a major role in dismantling red light camera programs. By educating drivers on how to fight red light camera tickets, lawyers have shown that many citations are vulnerable to dismissal. Common defense strategies include:
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Challenging the accuracy of camera equipment
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Questioning the chain of custody for photographic evidence
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Arguing that the driver cannot be positively identified
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Highlighting improper signage or inadequate notice of cameras
As these defenses became more widely known, the volume of contested tickets skyrocketed, overwhelming courts and further undermining the profitability of camera programs.
Are Red Light Cameras Gone for Good?
While dozens of cities have eliminated their cameras, red light enforcement is not completely gone in California. A few municipalities continue to operate programs, and state law still allows cities to contract with private vendors. However, the trend is clearly moving toward phasing out automated enforcement. With rising legal costs and strong public opposition, many observers believe it is only a matter of time before most remaining programs shut down as well.
Impact on Drivers
For California drivers, the removal of red light cameras means:
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Fewer automated tickets arriving in the mail
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More reliance on traditional law enforcement for red light violations
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Continued debate about how best to balance safety and fairness
Drivers should not assume that the absence of cameras means freedom to run red lights. Police officers can and do continue to issue citations for violations, often with penalties similar in cost to camera-based tickets.
The Future of Traffic Enforcement in California
As cities abandon red light cameras, many are exploring other technologies and strategies to improve road safety, such as:
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Increased police patrols at high-risk intersections
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Road redesigns that shorten crossing distances and improve visibility
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Smart traffic signals that adjust timing to reduce congestion and red-light running
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Public education campaigns aimed at safer driving habits
These approaches may offer better long-term results without sparking the controversy that has plagued red light cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a red light camera ticket cost in California?
A: The base fine is $446, but with added fees the total is typically around $500.
Q: Can you fight a red light camera ticket?
A: Yes. Many drivers successfully challenge tickets with the help of attorneys, often on grounds of unclear evidence or improper procedures. How to Fight Red Light Camera Tickets
Q: Why are cities removing red light cameras?
A: High operating costs, widespread legal challenges, public backlash, and limited evidence of safety benefits have led cities to discontinue the programs.
Q: Are red light cameras banned statewide?
A: No. State law still allows them, but dozens of cities have voluntarily ended their programs or voted to ban them locally.
Q: Do police still enforce red light violations?
A: Yes. Even in cities without cameras, law enforcement officers continue to issue citations for running red lights.
Conclusion
California’s experience with red light cameras illustrates the complex balance between safety, revenue, and fairness. Once seen as a promising enforcement tool, the cameras have proven costly, unpopular, and legally vulnerable. With over 60 cities now eliminating their programs, the state has become a national leader in rejecting automated enforcement. For drivers, the takeaway is clear: while the cameras may be disappearing, the responsibility to drive safely remains more important than ever.