If Red Light Cameras Are Shut Down, Do You Still Have to Pay Tickets?

Many cities across the U.S. are rethinking the use of red light and speed cameras, leading some to shut down their automated traffic enforcement systems. If you receive a ticket from a camera system that is later turned off, you may wonder if you’re still responsible for paying the fine. This guide explains what happens to tickets when cameras are shut down and how the rules may vary depending on your location.

Why Are Some Cities Shutting Down Traffic Cameras?

Red light and speed cameras have been a controversial enforcement tool. While some argue they improve safety and reduce accidents, others criticize them for prioritizing revenue over safety and being prone to technical errors. Common reasons for shutting down traffic cameras include:

• Legal Challenges: Lawsuits and legal challenges have questioned the legality of some camera programs.
• Public Pressure: Public opposition has led some cities to discontinue their programs, especially if residents believe the cameras are unfair or ineffective.
• Cost of Maintenance: Some cities find that maintaining the cameras is too costly relative to the revenue generated, especially if they are required to make regular updates to stay compliant.

Do You Still Have to Pay for a Ticket If Cameras Are Turned Off?

If the cameras are shut down after your ticket was issued, whether or not you have to pay depends on a few factors:

1. Date of Ticket Issuance: Most cities require drivers to pay fines for tickets that were issued while the cameras were still active, regardless of whether they are later turned off. This is because the ticket was legally valid at the time it was issued.

2. Local and State Laws: Some states have laws specifying that all tickets issued prior to a program’s shutdown remain enforceable, while other areas may offer amnesty or dismiss tickets following camera shutdowns, especially if there were legal issues involved.

3. Ticket Dismissal Policies: In certain cases, cities or courts may choose to dismiss outstanding tickets if they determine that the cameras were improperly managed or did not meet legal standards.

What Happens if You Ignore a Ticket from a Shut-Down Camera?

Ignoring a ticket, even if the cameras have been turned off, can lead to further consequences. Possible outcomes of ignoring the ticket include:

• Increased Fines and Late Fees: Unpaid tickets often accrue late fees or additional penalties, which increase the total amount due.
• License Suspension or Points: In some states, unpaid traffic tickets can lead to license suspension or points on your driving record.
• Credit Score Impact: Some jurisdictions turn unpaid traffic tickets over to collections, which can impact your credit score.

It’s essential to confirm whether you are still responsible for payment before assuming a ticket is void, as consequences may vary by jurisdiction.

Steps to Take If You Receive a Ticket and the Camera Is Later Shut Down

1. Check Local Laws and Policies: Each state and city has different rules regarding ticket enforcement after camera shutdowns. Look up your local DMV or traffic court’s policies, or contact them directly for clarification.

2. Consult Legal Help: If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or if you think there is a legal basis for dismissal, consulting a traffic attorney may be beneficial, especially if there were known issues with the camera program.

3. Look for Potential Refunds or Amnesty Programs: In rare cases, cities have offered refunds or amnesty for tickets issued by systems that were later shut down. Keep an eye on news updates or city announcements.

Examples of Cities That Shut Down Traffic Cameras and the Impact on Tickets

Some cities have discontinued their traffic camera programs and handled ticket enforcement differently. For example:

• Houston, Texas: After Houston voters rejected the city’s red light camera program, the city ultimately turned off the cameras. However, drivers were still responsible for paying tickets issued while the cameras were operational.
• Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles ceased its red light camera program in 2011, but all unpaid tickets before the shutdown were treated as non-enforceable, and drivers with unpaid tickets faced no penalties.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a ticket from a camera that’s later turned off can be confusing, but ignoring it isn’t necessarily the best course of action. Generally, tickets issued before a program’s shutdown remain legally valid. Be sure to review local laws, check for any changes to enforcement policies, and consider consulting a traffic attorney if you have questions. By staying informed, you can navigate the process and avoid unnecessary penalties or fees.

Should I Do Trial By Written Declaration For My Ticket?

A trial by written declaration is a procedure where, instead of appearing in court for a trial on your citation, you mail or bring in a written statement explaining the facts of your case and why the court should rule in your favor.

What Is A Courtesy Notice?

Traffic tickets can be frustrating for drivers, but ignoring them can lead to significant consequences. Even if the notice seems trivial, it's crucial to address it properly. Whether it's a simple violation like using a cell phone while driving or a more serious offense like speeding, it's essential to have a plan of action as soon as possible.

What Is A Red Light Camera?

Red light cameras are designed to take images of vehicles approaching a particular intersection after the traffic light turns red. You are definitely safe if you reach the intersection before the light turns red. Entering the intersection means that when the light is red and turning red the front tires are completely across the white line. If you are crossing the white line when the light is red it will be a ticket. 

By automatically photographing cars running red lights, the photograph is proof that helps police enforce traffic laws. Generally, when a car approaches the intersection (passes the stop bar), the camera is activated after the traffic signal has turned red.

Typically, a law enforcement official will review the photographic evidence and determine whether a violation occurred. A citation is then usually mailed to the owner of the vehicle found to be in violation of the law. These cameras are used worldwide, in China, in European countries, and in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the United States. More than 75 countries worldwide use red-light cameras.

If a correct identification can not be made, some police departments may give the vehicle's owner a notice of violation instead of a citation, demanding the identifying details so that a citation can be given later.

Red light cameras are usually mounted at intersections in secure metal boxes fixed to poles (different from the radar weapons carried by police officers) and are most explicitly selected due to high levels of collisions and/or red-light violations. Red light camera systems usually use two inductive loops that are closely spaced and embedded in the pavement just before the limit line to determine vehicle speed. Using the calculated speed, the machine determines whether a single vehicle can not stop before approaching the intersection, and takes two photographs of the occurrence. The first photo shows the vehicle just before it enters the intersection, with the light showing red, and the second photo, taken a second or two later, shows the vehicle when it is at the intersection.

Details that could be captured by the camera system (and subsequently shown to the vehicle owner) include the date and time, the position, the speed of the vehicle, and the amount of time that has elapsed since the light turned red and the vehicle crossed into the intersection. The incident is recorded as a series of photos or a video clip, or both, depending on the equipment used, which shows the vehicle before approaching the intersection on a red light signal and its progress through the intersection. Data and videos, whether digital or film-developed, are submitted to the appropriate law enforcement authority.

Studies have shown that 38% of violations occur within 0.25 seconds of turning red light and 79% within a second. A few red light camera systems allow a "grace period" of up to half a second for drivers driving through the intersection just as the light turns red. 

Ohio and Georgia adopted a law requiring one second to be applied to the regular yellow time of every intersection that has a red light camera, leading to a reduction in tickets of 80 percent since its launch.  New Jersey has the most stringent yellow timing rules in the world due to fears that cameras will be used to raise revenue; they have a law requiring that the yellow time for an intersection with a red light camera must be focused on the speed at which 85 percent of road traffic travels, rather than on the actual speed limit of road traffic.

Notice of Violation 

In certain police departments in California, where a definitive identification can not be made, the vehicle's registered owner will be issued a traffic violation warning instead of a real ticket. Often known as "snitch tickets" these documents are used during the suspected infringement to request identity information about the vehicle's driver.  Since these notices were not filed in court, they hold no legal weight and there is no duty on the registered owner to answer. A genuine ticket in California will bear the name and address of the Superior Court's local branch, which will direct the purchaser to contact that court. In contrast, a notice of traffic violation generated by the police will omit court information, using statements like "This is not a notice to appear" and "Do not forward this information to the Court."] Running a red light on a hospital drive can cost up to $2,000.

How To Tell If You Ran a Red Light Camera?

How Do Cameras Work?



How Long Does It Take to Receive a Ticket? 

If the camera takes a picture of your license plate and driver, a qualified officer checks the photo and ensures that you were actually running the red light. A ticket (ranging from $50 $500) will be sent to the address indicated on the vehicle's registration within around 5-7 business days.

Is This a Red Light Camera?

Many drivers mistook red light cameras for traffic cameras.  Read our blog post and see our red light cameras map for the type of camera at an intersection.

What do red light cameras look like?

Photo Enforced Sign Meaning

Red Light Camera vs Traffic Camera

Courtesy Notice: This is not a Ticket

I received one by mail, it was related to a Failure to Stop on a Turn Right at Red Light. I was not driving the car although is my car and I am the registered owner. The ticket says it's a Courtesy Notice: This is not a Ticket. 

What is a courtesy notice?

You will get a courtesy notice 45 - 60 days after you get your citation (ticket). This notice tells you about your options. If you do not get a courtesy notice by the date written at the bottom of your ticket, you must contact the court by phone, in person, or by mail. See the Traffic Courthouse locations page.

Before contacting the court, please check traffic records on the Case Info website. (You can not take care of your citation until it is in the Court's computer system.)

A courtesy notice is a computer-generated document sent to recipients of a traffic violation. Generally speaking, they are sent out for other minor violations and misdemeanors. However, in this case, they will be discussed in the context of traffic violations.

Courtesy notices are sent as a way to inform the recipient about what is expected of them as a consequence of the violation. It could be detailed on the fine or bail payable, court dates if any, and other out-of-court settlement arrangements are available. In a nutshell, they are basically a how-to letter to help you get past this legal glitch in your record.

1. Court appearance details

Here the notice will let you know whether a court appearance is mandatory or not. If it is, you also get details on the date, time, and location of your court session.

2. Information on fines and bail

In this case, the notice contains information on how much is owed as well as procedures to be followed in the payout process.

3. Whether Trial by Declaration is a viable option

Trial by declaration is an option that allows you to challenge traffic citations without having to go to court. Courtesy Notices will let you know whether or not you qualify for this option. And if you do qualify for trial by declaration, there should be information on how to start filing and what you need to do.

4. Consequences of failure to comply

A Courtesy Notice also serves as a warning letter to those who plan on ignoring citations and court dates. In this case, the notice lets you know how much you risk should you decide to not comply with the court’s requirements.

5. Additional options including traffic school

If traffic school is a correctional option for your type of traffic violation, details will also be included on the notice.

When do I have to respond to the Courtesy Notice?

Your courtesy notice will have a due date. You must exercise your options on that date. If you do not get a courtesy notice by the date at the bottom of your ticket, you must contact the court by phone or in person. See the Traffic Courthouse locations page.

Before contacting the court, please check the Case Info website to be sure your citation is in the Court's computer system.

When will you receive your courtesy notice?

The next important thing is to understand when to look out for it. The notices are generally sent out within 30 days after the traffic ticket is issued. This gives the departments involved time to review your case and compile relevant content for your individualized notice. They use your physical address details surrendered during the roadside citation. So once you get your ticket give it 30 days and you will have all the information you need and what to do about it.

Bottom line

It goes without saying that Courtesy Notices are not to be ignored. They could be what saves you a lot of money and help keep your legal record spotless. So in the unfortunate event that you end up cited for some traffic violation or other, keep an eye out for these notices for information on the way forward.

What Is A Trial By Written Declaration?

When people are told they can fight a ticket with a written declaration, the most common question is often how to fight it. But most people have never heard of it, so how does it work and how can it help you?  

Choosing to have your trial by written declaration means that instead of going to court to contest your case, you file statements and any evidence in writing. Evidence may a sworn declaration of the citing officer and a written statement or letter signed by the defendant. 

What happens if you contest your ticket by trial by written declaration?
Choosing to have your trial by written declaration means that instead of going to court to contest your ticket, you and the officer file statements and any evidence in writing. Evidence may include:

• The "Notice to Appear" ticket;
• A business record or receipt;
• A sworn declaration of the citing officer;
• A written statement or letter signed by the defendant; and/or
• Any written statements or letters signed by witnesses.
• Photos & video 

By filing a declaration in a trial by written declaration, you are waiving and giving up the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself, and the right to a public and speedy trial. You are also waiving the right to appear in person before a judicial officer, except that you will have a right to a new trial in court if you disagree with the court’s decision in your trial by written declaration.

The advantage of a trial by written declaration is that the judge can review the arguments in the case privately and without the court's influence or having to go to court. All evidence and statements can be submitted in writing, which in itself dramatically increases your chances of success. However, this form of trial has several crucial disadvantages, as it has the potential to bring each person to a second trial if found guilty.     

Most states have a simple way of dealing with traffic matters, using easy-to-fill-out forms in which you state — and please be brief — why you are not guilty of the traffic offense. Experience shows that in most situations, the driver is going to lose the case. But where it is a question of identity — who was driving the car — or a change in ownership, the chances are very good that your ticket will be dismissed.

How do you ask for a trial by written declaration?

You can ask for your trial by a written declaration in person at the clerk’s office or by mail sent to the courthouse address listed on your ticket.

If you mail your request and enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope, the court will mail you instructions and a form entitled Request for Trial by Written Declaration (court form). The top portion of the form you receive should be filled out by the court clerk with important information; read it carefully. Once you get the form and instructions, you can fill out the paperwork.

Are you eligible to request a trial by written declaration?

If you have received a traffic violation, you can request a trial by written declaration unless you were issued a ticket for an offense involving alcohol or drugs or the violation requires a mandatory appearance in court.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• You were issued a ticket for infraction violations only;
• The due date to take care of your ticket has not passed; and
• Your ticket or courtesy notice does not say that you must appear in court.

Snitch Tickets

Don't tattle on a friend or a family member for driving your 

What if you receive a red light camera ticket, and the driver wasn't you?

Red light camera tickets cost about $500 per ticket in California and a point on your license. Since the tickets add a point to your license, the police must obtain the name of the actual driver before they can file the ticket at court. Since the photo of the license plate will only lead to the registered owner ("RO"), and often he/she is not the person driving the car. The police will go to great lengths to get registered owners to identify who was driving the car that was ticketed. Technicians reviewing the photos will check to see if the pictured driver is obviously not the registered owner (male/female mismatch, age difference, or a rental car). Sometimes the photo is too blurry to identify who it is and will send the registered owner an official-looking notice telling him that he must identify the driver. About 40 California police departments will mail out Snitch Tickets to fool the registered owner into identifying the actual driver of the car.

 Are Traffic Cameras Legal In Los Angeles, California?

Snitch Tickets have not been filed with the court, so are recognizable because they don't say "Notice to Appear," don't have the court's address, and say (on the back, in small letters), "Do not contact the court." Since they have NOT been filed with the court, they have no legal weight. You can ignore a Snitch Ticket. Snitch Tickets are designed to look like a real ticket but are legally very different. Real tickets and Snitch Tickets both ask the registered owner to turn in or identify the person who was driving the car. Despite all that, there are some differences that you can rely on. One of the best ways to identify a Snitch Ticket is the small print on the back of the page, "Do not contact the court about this notice." Snitch Tickets will also lack any wording directing you to contact or "Respond to" the court. In fact, on a typical Snitch Ticket, there is no phone number for the court, and the court's address is usually missing or incomplete. (Please note, however, that in some towns the real tickets carry an incomplete address.

A real ticket will ask you to contact ("Respond to") the court and you should. If your ticket says this it's likely a real one and you should look it up on the court's website. If it's not on their site, it still could be real. Make sure you are looking on the court's website, not the website of the camera operator Redflex (PhotoNotice) or ATS's. Your ticket is real if you have received a Courtesy Notice and it asks you to contact the court. Please note that your ticket could be real even if the court's phone number is missing and its address is incomplete. This is often the case because some cities are leaving this information off their real tickets to make it harder for defendants to fight their tickets in court.

Read more about how to do a trial by written declaration.