California’s Red Light Camera Ticket Loophole: Why Experts Say You Might Not Need to Pay

In a surprising twist that’s sending shockwaves through California’s legal and driving communities, experts are now advising residents to think twice before paying those red light camera tickets that arrive in the mail. While the instinct to immediately settle such fines is understandable, especially for law-abiding citizens, a closer look at the legal landscape reveals a potential loophole that could save Californians thousands of dollars.

According to the California Governor’s Highway Safety Association, red light running crashes claimed 1,109 lives in 2021 alone. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that the following year saw 1,149 fatalities and over 107,000 injuries resulting from this dangerous behavior. These alarming statistics have driven the implementation of automated traffic enforcement systems across the state, with California State Bill (SB) 720, the Safer Streets Act, going into effect in January 2026.

However, as more cities adopt red light cameras, a growing number of experts are questioning the legal validity of these automated tickets. Jay Beeber of the National Motorists Association has made a bold claim: California courts cannot legally enforce tickets issued by these systems. Instead, they can only pass the violation on to a collection agency, which, according to Beeber, has no lawful power over the recipient.

This revelation has led to the emergence of specialized companies like Ticket Snipers and GetDismissed, which offer services to fight these tickets in court. Ticket Snipers founder Jorian Goes reports that his company has successfully contested thousands of red light camera tickets over the years, charging $179 for their services. GetDismissed offers a similar service for $129.

The core of the argument against these tickets lies in their lack of human witness testimony. Goes emphasizes that electronically issued violations lack the crucial element of a law enforcement officer’s first-person account, which is typically required to establish a traffic violation. Moreover, the technology behind these systems is not infallible. Red light cameras require constant recalibration, and a flash from the camera doesn’t necessarily indicate a violation. Beeber points out that these systems can miss “fraction of a second violations” that would be visible to the naked eye.

Adding another layer to this complex issue, CBS News California discovered that in 2016, the three major credit reporting agencies settled with 31 states and ceased reporting on debt arising from traffic tickets. This means that even if a ticket is sent to a collection agency, it cannot legally affect your credit score.

The Los Angeles Superior Court has confirmed that when a recipient fails to appear in court or take any action by the citation’s “appear by date,” the case is simply passed on to a collection agency. This process effectively removes the legal teeth from these automated tickets, as collection agencies have limited power to enforce payment.

The Safer Streets Act, which took effect in January 2026, adds another dimension to this issue. By classifying red light violations as civil rather than criminal offenses, the Act makes it easier for courts to enforce these tickets. However, it also removes the need to prove an actual crime was committed and often eliminates the requirement to identify the driver. This shift in classification has led some experts to argue that these tickets are even less legally binding than their criminal counterparts.

For those caught running a red light under the new system, the penalties are still significant. A first-time offender faces a $100 fine but won’t receive a point on their license. However, if the violation occurs within three years of three or more separate previous violations, fines can increase to $500. It’s worth noting that some jurisdictions outside LA County may send unpaid traffic tickets to the State Franchise Tax Board, so it’s crucial to check local laws before disregarding a ticket.

This revelation about red light camera tickets has sparked a heated debate among legal experts, traffic safety advocates, and everyday Californians. While some argue that these systems are crucial for public safety and should be strictly enforced, others see them as a revenue-generating scheme that exploits legal loopholes.

As this story continues to develop, it’s clear that California drivers need to be more informed than ever about their rights and obligations when it comes to traffic enforcement. Whether you choose to pay that red light camera ticket or fight it in court, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. One thing is certain: the days of automatically paying these tickets without question may be coming to an end.

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Don’t pay that ticket
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Legal experts weigh in
Collection agencies can’t enforce
Credit score safe
Safer Streets Act 2026
Traffic enforcement controversy
California drivers unite
Legal battle against automated tickets
Jay Beeber National Motorists Association
Ticket Snipers success stories
GetDismissed legal services
Civil vs criminal traffic offenses
California traffic law changes
Red light camera technology flaws
Fraction of a second violations
Credit reporting agencies settlement
Los Angeles Superior Court ruling
State Franchise Tax Board involvement

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