Ignoring Red Light Camera Tickets: A Guide for Legal Authorities in Los Angeles County

Are you confused about what to do when you receive a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles County? Many individuals are unsure of the proper course of action and fear the potential consequences if they do not comply. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to handle such situations legally, ensuring the best possible outcome without the risk of legal trouble or credit damage.

Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets

Red light camera tickets are a form of automated enforcement, where traffic violations are captured by cameras installed at intersections. Unlike traditional traffic tickets issued by police officers, these tickets are generated based on photographic evidence. The question then arises: Do you have to pay a red light camera ticket?

Consequences of Ignoring a Red Light Camera Ticket

When a traffic ticket from a camera is not paid, there can be severe consequences. In Los Angeles County, California, failure to comply can result in:

Arrest and Jail Time: If you ignore the ticket, the authorities can arrest you and take you to jail. This is particularly true if you have other offenses on your record. Credit Damage: If the ticket is sent to a collection agency, this can negatively impact your credit score. Licence Suspension: In some cases, not paying a ticket can lead to a suspension of your driving license.

The Best Strategy: Ignoring the Ticket

It is crucial to understand that if you receive a red light camera ticket, the best strategy is to completely ignore it. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Do Not Contact the Court

Avoid any communication with the court. Making contact, even to request an extension or enter a plea, can be perceived as volunteering into the case and will result in legal complications.

Step 2: Understand the Legal Implications

When an officer issues you an in-person ticket and you sign it, you are making a promise to appear. Failure to appear is considered a breach of this contract. However, with a red light camera ticket, there is no direct contract established, eliminating legal leverage for the court.

Step 3: Wait for the Court's Imposed Penalty

Expect to receive a letter from the court imposing a penalty for non-compliance. Ignore it. This initial communication is merely a form of intimidation to make you come forward and volunteer into the case.

Step 4: Ignore Collection Agency Letters

Subsequently, you will receive letters from collection agencies. Again, ignore them. These agencies are part of the same intimidating process as the initial court letter. By not responding, you effectively call the court's bluff.

The Outcome of Ignoring the Ticket

If you follow the above steps, the most likely outcome is:

No Criminal Charges: The court will not report your non-compliance to the DMV. No Credit Damage: Ignoring the collection agency letters ensures that the case will be dropped and will not appear on your credit report.

By taking these actions, you can legally avoid the potential repercussions of ignoring a red light camera ticket in Los Angeles County, ensuring a clear path forward without the risks of legal or financial issues.