Blog

Red light camera looking over an intersection.

Red Light Cameras Still Churning Out Tickets Despite Court Closures

Garden Grove and Los Alamitos continue to issue red light tickets in Orange County even though courts and government offices are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. If the courts are not open, how are you supposed to fight a red light ticket? 

Don’t ignore a red light camera traffic violation in Orange County, CA, because your driver’s license will be suspended if you do.  What can you do even though you may not be able to talk to someone at the court about the ticket? Contact a cheap traffic ticket attorney to discuss your legal rights and obligations related to a red light ticket. 

Why Did I Receive a Traffic Violation in the Mail?

Many cities throughout Orange County dismantled their red light traffic ticket system. However, Los Alamitos and Garden Grove continue to use the system to penalize drivers for running red lights. Unfortunately, red light cameras are not perfect. 

Red light cameras are supposed to generate a ticket when a vehicle enters an intersection after the traffic light turns red. Vehicles in the intersection when the traffic light turns red should not trigger a violation. If a vehicle enters the intersection after a traffic signal turns red, the camera takes a picture of the driver and the vehicle’s license plate. A traffic ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. 

You have the option of paying the fine or fighting the red light ticket. Running a red light can trigger consequences other than a fine. For instance, your car insurance costs could increase in some circumstances. If you have a commercial license, running a red light could have consequences for your job if you already have several traffic infractions on your driving record. You may lose income or be forced to take vacation time or sick time if you want to fight the ticket in court.

There is a better option than ignoring the red light ticket or automatically paying a fine. 

Fighting a Red Light Ticket in Los Alamitos and Garden Grove

There may be several defenses that you can use to fight a red light ticket. Traffic cameras are not perfect. In many cases, cameras may snap a picture of the vehicle behind the vehicle that ran the right light. Instead of catching the correct driver, the red light camera catches an innocent driver. If the red light camera is not calibrated correctly, it could issue a violation even though a violation never occurred. Also, if the yellow light was not calibrated correctly (the time between the yellow light and the red light was too short), your ticket may be dismissed. 

In some cases, the picture taken by the red light camera is blurry. The photograph may not be sufficient evidence to prove that you ran the right light. If someone else was driving your vehicle at the time of the violation, you might be able to get out of the traffic ticket. You are not required to name the person in the photograph. Before doing so, you should talk to an attorney. 

Contact Cheap Traffic Ticket Attorney for More Information 

If you receive a red light ticket while courts are closed, contact our office to discuss your options. You do not need to worry about a red light ticket during this stressful time. Contact us today. Let us fight your ticket to save you money, time, and stress.

Red light camera with no turn on red sign.

Red Light Tickets in OC Since Police Writing Out Tickets Are Low in Numbers

Most of Orange County cities have stopped using red light cameras, except for Garden Grove and Los Alamitos. In those two cities, drivers continue to receive pictures of their vehicles driving through intersections with notices of a red light violation. 

However, drivers throughout the rest of Orange County may run a red light without receiving a ticket, unless a police officer witnesses the red light violation. Therefore, in some cities, the number of red light tickets is lower because police officers are not able to issue as many written tickets as red light cameras can issue.

Can You Fight A Red Light Camera Ticket?

Yes, you can fight a red light camera ticket. Running a red light is surprisingly a costly offense in California. Depending on the jurisdiction, a red light ticket can cost you between $100 and $400. In some counties in California, you could also receive points against your driver’s license for running a red light. Tickets against your driving record can also increase your car insurance premiums.

A cheap traffic ticket attorney can review your case to determine if the ticket was issued in error. The cameras are not always accurate. If they are not properly maintained, the camera could issue a ticket even though your vehicle was not actually in the intersection when the light was red. Also, if the yellow lights are not calibrated correctly, there could be too short of a pause between the caution light and the red light.

In some cases, you can fight the red light ticket if you were not driving the vehicle. The red light ticket is issued directly to the registered owner of the vehicle. However, if you were not driving, you should not be liable for the red light ticket. Likewise, if the picture taken by the red light camera was blurry, the state may not be able to prove that you were the person driving the vehicle. 

Should I Ignore a Red Light Camera Ticket?

You may have heard that if you ignore a red light ticket, the state will dismiss the ticket. That is a gamble that you may not want to take. Ignoring the ticket could result in points against your driver’s license. Even if you don’t pay the fine for running a red light, your car insurance premium could increase substantially. If you have numerous points against your driver’s license, another ticket could result in a suspended driver’s license.

Instead of ignoring the red light camera ticket, work with a cheap traffic ticket attorney to have the ticket dismissed. In some cases, if the ticket cannot be dismissed, an attorney may be able to lower the ticket to a non-point offense with a lower fine.

Contact a Cheap Traffic Ticket Attorney for Help

If you have a traffic ticket, don’t immediately pay the fine or plead guilty. First, check with a cheap traffic ticket attorney to determine if you can get out of the ticket.  Contact us today

Truck driver with a CDL

How a Traffic Ticket Can Impact Your CDL in California

In order to be a professional truck driver, it requires an individual to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). That’s why when an individual loses his or her CDL it can reap serious consequences for those in California. This is why it is so important to consult with a qualified traffic attorney, who can help you with these charges. A traffic ticket can jeopardize your CDL and therefore your means for making a living. It is imperative that you understand what is at stake and that you have someone you can turn to should such a situation arise. 

It may appear that one traffic ticket isn’t a big deal, but regardless of whether or not your drive professionally, the charge has the potential to greatly impact much of your personal life. For those who are professional drivers the stakes are that much higher. 

CDL Drivers in California

It is always important that drivers follow the rules of the road. However, for anyone in California who has a commercial driver’s license the responsibility to follow all traffic rules and guidelines is even more imperative. Traffic citations of any type can result in the suspension of your California CDL. This can often lead to a loss of money due to the payment of fines as well as a loss of income due to the suspension of your license and inability to earn a living. 

Off-Duty Traffic Violations Can Impact Your CDL

Incurring off-duty citations can have a significant impact on one’s ability to earn an income as well as their CDL depending on their employer’s individual tolerance and policies. Some employers have mandatory probation periods or may have a zero-tolerance policy and may fire the driver immediately. 

Those convicted twice of off-duty traffic violations within a three-year period may incur serious penalties. Such violations include:

• Following too closely
• Reckless driving
• Excessive speeding (more than15 mph over the limit)
• Any violation involving alcohol or drugs
• Erratic or improper lane changes

Suspended CDLs in California

Your CDL may be suspended for a variety of reasons. It is likely that you will receive a one-year suspension for any of the following:

• Refusing to take a BAC test
• Negligently operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
• Committing any felony with your CMV
• Driving under the influence
• Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration at 0.04% or higher
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving your CMV
• Driving a commercial vehicle while your CDL is suspended or revoked

You can also face suspensions for up to three years, if the offense committed occurs while operating a CMV carrying hazardous materials. If any felony was being committed involving controlled substances, you could lose your CDL for life.

Reinstating Your California CDL

You may be able to apply for a CDL reinstatement in California, though the associated fees differ depending upon your specific charges. A qualified California traffic ticket attorney can help you to navigate serious violations that have the potential to greatly impact your CDL and professional license. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those Who Have Received a Traffic Ticket

Although you may feel inclined to try to handle the situation yourself, you may not find yourself ending up with the best outcome. If you have received a traffic ticket, it can have a big impact on your rights to drive professionally and to maintain your CDL. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney who understands the law, the consequences, and how to best minimize them on your behalf – as soon as possible. 

At Cheap Traffic Attorneys, we are dedicated to defending California motorists and professional drivers against law officers and prosecutors who seek to carry out the toughest penalties. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

A road construction zone.

Speeding in a Construction Zone in CA

We’ve all found ourselves rushing to get somewhere and sometimes that includes speeding. But while speeding itself is illegal, under California Vehicle Code Section 22362 VC, speeding in a construction zone is a separate violation. A motorist is in violation of the law if he or she is found to be speeding within 400 feet of a construction zone. 

California Vehicle Code 22350, which discusses the rules of the road, explains that motorists must drive at a safe and reasonable speed, which is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each case. Therefore safe and unreasonable driving is considered a violation of the law. 

Penalties for Speeding

If a California driver ignores a basic speeding ticket, he or she will likely incur a charge of failure to appear, which can be a misdemeanor. However, when a driver is ticketed for speeding in a construction zone, they face separate penalties than those issued under the basic speeding law. Penalties include:

  • A speeding ticket
  • A fine of $367-$600+; and
  • One point on the individual’s driving record.

Drivers can receive a negligent operator license suspension if they receive:

  • 4 points in 12 months;
  • 6 points in 24 months; or
  • 8 points in 36 months

Under 22362 VC, if someone drives within 400 feet of a construction zone at a speed that is greater than the posted speed limit, it is considered a prima facie violation. This means that the act itself creates a presumption that an individual has violated the law. 

Over Coming a Presumption of a Violation

However, this does not mean that this presumption can’t be disproven; it can. The driver must be able to show that even though he was exceeding the speed limit, he was not violating the basic speeding law in California. In order to show this, he or she must be able to demonstrate that the speed that they were going at the time that they were pulled over was reasonable under the specific circumstances of their case. This may include factors such as:

  • Road conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Amount of traffic on the road

Another defense would be to demonstrate that the required construction zone signs were not posted or were posted less than 400 feet from the site, as is required by law.

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those Who Have Received a Traffic Ticket

Although you may feel inclined to try to handle the situation yourself, you may not end up with the best outcome. If you have received a traffic ticket, it can impact your finances and your record. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney who understands the law, the consequences, and how to best minimize them on your behalf – as soon as possible. 

At Cheap Traffic Attorneys, we are dedicated to defending California motorists against prosecutors who commonly wish to offer the toughest penalties. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

Man signing the back of car registration.

Driving with an Expired Registration

It is important to register your vehicle and renew it prior to expiration. It is when you drive with an expired California registration that you may run into serious problems. Although there are legitimate reasons for failing to make your registration on time, if you fail to do so for more than six months your car may be towed and impounded should you park it on a public street. 

If you never take your vehicle off of private property you never have to worry about registering your tags. However, since this is unrealistic, you will need registration to drive. If your registration has been expired for less than six months, a law enforcement officer may pull your vehicle over and give you a citation. If you are issued a citation, not only do you have to pay the fine of the ticket, but you also still have to pay for the car’s tags as well as any late fees, which could total upwards of $600.

Receiving a Ticket for Expired Tags

When you receive a ticket for expired tags, you usually have 30 days to go and register for new tags with the DMV. However, you may be required to appear in traffic court. For a convenient location, you can look up a traffic court near you.

Should you still not register your tags even after being issued a ticket for expired registration, you may be facing more serious consequences should you get pulled over once again. You may be issued a criminal traffic violation and the officer may have your car impounded. Even more serious, should you continuously receive citations for your expired registration over a specific period of time, you could face incarceration. 

That is why it is so important to ensure that you maintain your registration, keeping it up-to-date. Although it may be a nuisance to take care of, it could end up becoming a much worse situation, that could cost you not only financially, but could impact your driving privileges, therefore also taking away some of your freedom. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those Who Have Been Issued a Ticket for Expired Registration Tags

Although you may feel inclined to try to handle the situation yourself, you may not find yourself ending up with the best outcome. If you have received a ticket for an expired registration, it can have a big impact on your rights. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney who understands the law, the consequences, and how to best minimize them on your behalf. 

At Cheap Traffic Attorneys, we are dedicated to defending California motorists against law officers and prosecutors who seek to carry out the toughest penalties on you including high fines, expensive and time-consuming traffic classes, suspension and even revocation of your license. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

Police officer pulling over non-residents.

What “Non-Residents” Should Know About Driving without a California License

When you move and reside in another state, there are a lot of things to update. One of these things is a driver’s license. Even if non-residents have a driver’s license in another state, they can receive a ticket for driving without a valid California Driver’s License if they are found to actually reside in California, under California Vehicle Code section 12500a.

Under California state law, a driver must apply to obtain a California Driver’s License within 10 days of becoming a California resident. While most police officers will not issue a ticket if you have only been in the state for a couple of weeks, or even a month, you should obtain your driver’s license as soon as possible if you move to, register to vote, own a residence, register your vehicle, work in, or reside/live in California.

Do You Actually Reside in California?

So how does the officer know if you are a California resident if you show him or her a valid Driver’s License from another State or Country? He or she will ask you questions regarding: 

  • How long you have worked at the business you work at in California;
  • The address at which you are staying; and 
  • Whether the car is registered in California and belongs to the driver.

This can cause a big problem for tourists who come to visit or for those trying to make it big in Hollywood while couch surfing. While they may be there for more than a few weeks, they are not necessarily residents.

There have also been cases in which police officers have written tickets to European tourists who come for three months. For non-residents, if you receive a ticket for failure to have a California Driver’s License, you may not know how to proceed. 

How to Obtain a California Driver’s License

You can obtain a California Driver’s License by making an appointment at the local DMV for the vision and written tests. Also, you would need to fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DL-44). This is only available at the DMV or can be mailed to you if requested.

When you go to the DMV, you are required to bring the following items and documents:

  • Social Security or Military ID card;
  • Proof of your full name;
  • 1 document (original or certified) proving your date of birth and legal presence;
  • 2 documents proving your California residency; and
  • A method of payment for the fee ($35).

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Non-Residents Who Have Been Ticketed for Driving without a California License 

If you or a loved one has been charged with driving in California without a state license, it can have a negative impact. Fortunately, you are not alone and there are measures you can take to minimize the effects. One of these measures is to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys have your best interest at heart and will work hard in an effort to get your ticket either dismissed or reduced to a minor infraction with only a small fine. To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!

A stop sign in front of a city background.

What to Know About Stop Sign Tickets in California

Stop signs are extremely important so as not to drive into any oncoming traffic. They provide drivers with a necessary opportunity to be aware of any other cars within the vicinity in order to avoid an accident. Per the requirements of California Vehicle Code 22450a, the driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. 

In a situation in which there is no crosswalk, the driver will stop at the entrance to an intersecting roadway. The driver should first stop at the painted line that protrudes out from the area of the stop sign. However, if there is no painted line, he or she should stop at the first line of the crosswalk. If there is no painted line or crosswalk, the driver should stop before the area where the two roads intersect. 

One widely held misconception is that the driver must stop for three seconds at a stop sign, but this is not correct. The only thing that truly matters is that you come to a complete stop and not a “rolling stop.” In other words, a complete stop is the cessation of any vehicle movement (i.e. the wheels have stopped turning). It doesn’t matter how many seconds your vehicle remains stopped. Even police officers sometimes misunderstand and perpetuate the fake three-second rule. 

Defenses to a Stop Sign Ticket

  1. Challenge the officer’s observation
  2. Challenge the officer’s subjective conclusion
  3. Prove that your conduct was justified
  4. Claim that there has been a mistake of fact
  5. Argue that the sign was only recently installed

Under California state law, the fine for failing to stop at a stop sign is $238 plus any other costs and fees. If you fail to pay the ticket or to show up in court, you will be subjected to additional fines and a potential suspension of your license. 

Those who are given a stop sign ticket must act prior to the “Notice to Appear” date as listed on the citation. You can choose to pay for the ticket, which would admit your guilt. In such a situation, when the payment is received the case will be closed and the court will send it to the DMV so that the point on your license can be visible. 

Contact the Cheap Traffic Attorneys Today

When arguing your case it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced California traffic ticket attorney who has helped other clients who have received a ticket for allegedly failing to come to a complete stop. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys have your best interest at heart and will work hard in an effort to get your ticket dismissed. To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!

Man texting at a red light.

Is It Illegal to Text at a Red Light?

Our phones have become a big part of our daily lives. This is in large part due to the fast-paced technological landscape in which we live. Unfortunately, many people can’t put their phones down long enough to drive from one place to another. In fact, more than one in four car accidents involve at least one individual using their phone. From searching Google to sending a text message, the dangerous and illegal practice of texting while driving has become a pervasive epidemic of sorts. We know that it is illegal to text while driving, but is it illegal to text at a red light?

Texting at a Red Light in California

Since 2009, California has followed specific laws concerning texting and driving. The Wireless Communications Device Law says that it is illegal to read, write, or send text messages while behind the wheel. This law includes while at a red light – if you are the one behind the wheel. Additionally, the Handheld Wireless Telephone Laws, in effect since 2008, further clarifies that the only time that a driver may use a wireless phone while driving is if it is for emergency services. Although hands-free devices are allowed, the driver must be at least 18 years of age.

Many Traffic Judges wrongly put it this way:  If you are behind the steering wheel of a vehicle in a lane of traffic (that means not lawfully parked), then you may not have a cell telephone/mobile device in your hand.  Of course, the Vehicle Code requires the additional element that many Traffic Judges chose to ignore: the driver must be “operating the mobile device” for it to be a violation.  

It is also important to note that the use of Bluetooth or a similar earpiece while driving is legal in California, so long as you do not cover both of your ears; you are expected to be able to hear emergency vehicles or any other important sounds around you. Although push to talk features used to be considered acceptable, as of 2011 they are only considered to be legal if used in conjunction with a hands-free earpiece of another hands-free device. 

When someone fails to follow the law and is caught in the act, they will be faced with financial penalties. Although a first offense for using the phone while driving is just $20, subsequent offenses are a minimum of $50. When combined with penalty assessments, a driver can end up paying three times the base amount of the fine. 

Can I Fight My Traffic Ticket?

If you have been issued a ticket for texting while driving, the consequences can be quite severe. Not only could you face high fines and points on your license, but also you can ultimately even risk license suspension for your actions. A traffic ticket can impact your life in many different ways. If you are issued a ticket for texting while driving, it is imperative that you fight the charges in order to avoid the related consequences. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those in California Who Have Been Ticketed for Distracted Driving 

When arguing your case it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced California traffic ticket attorney who has helped other clients who have allegedly used their cell phone or texted while driving. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys have your best interest at heart and will work hard in an effort to get your ticket dismissed. To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a consultation, visit us online or contact us today!

Police officer pulling someone over for a traffic violation.

Study Finds There May Be More to Traffic Tickets Than Breaking the Law

Have you ever felt as though you were targeted for a ticket based upon how you look? If so, you may just be right. According to a study published in the March 2019 SAGE journal, it was determined that cities with a larger black population depend upon fines for revenue, fining residents more on a per capita basis. According to the study, which examined race, representation, and revenue, a one percent increase among the black population equated to a five percent increase in per capita revenue from fines, as well as a one percent increase in the share of total revenue. 

The study examined how these fines varied on the amount of crime and the level of public safety, budgetary stress, and racial composition of both the law enforcement agency and the population. Looking at a sample of 93 cities in California from 2009 to 2014, it was found that cities that appeared to rely the most on fines for revenue had among the highest number of black residents and a law enforcement presence whiter than its community. In fact, black drivers are 20 percent more likely to be ticketed when pulled over for speeding than white drivers.

Incentives

One of the reasons for these findings has to do with traffic tickets and civil asset forfeiture, as these impact law enforcement behavior. In much of the same manner, government agencies that better represent the gender and racial makeup of their communities proved a decrease in the number of undesirable outcomes. 

Unfortunately, it is of little surprise that many studies have found minority residents and communities of color more regularly receive punishment for their actions than their white counterparts. Additionally, cities with a black population of at least 10 percent that were served by a disproportionately whiter law enforcement presence rely 60 percent more on fines as a source of revenue. 

Policing for Profit

One option for decreasing these negative findings is to eliminate the incentives currently in existence for law enforcement to bring in ticketing revenue. This situation, commonly referred to as “policing for profit,” takes the money made from these tickets and puts it back into the budget of law enforcement. Additionally, other things that can be considered to help the situation include taking state money and redistributing it locally, or electing more people of color and more ethnic minorities into important positions. 

It is extremely important to clarify that this does not mean that all law enforcement is racist. This is certainly not the case. However, what it does mean is that the data proves a correlation between race and traffic ticketing. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those in California Who Have Been Issued a Traffic Ticket

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys’ skilled Traffic Ticket Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help individuals dealing with a criminal traffic violation. If you believe that you have been issued a ticket on the basis of race or another protected class, it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney. The California traffic ticket attorneys at Cheap Traffic Attorneys can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!

Cheap Traffic Attorneys discusses whether or not AI-powered cameras can be used to reduce distracted driving.

Could AI-Powered Cameras Help Reduce Distracted Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,166 people. Distracted driving includes any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the act of driving. This includes anything from eating and drinking to looking at navigation, to putting on makeup or texting. 

Think it’s harmless? Think again. Sending or reading a text message takes approximately five seconds, which at 55 mph equates to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. According to Acusensus, an Australian AI company, AI-powered cameras may just be the solution. 

Snapping a Picture with AI-powered cameras

Acusensus believes it has the answer to help reduce – if not eliminate – distracted driving. At the 2019 International Conference on Urban Traffic Safety in Edmonton, Canada, Acusensus, pitched the idea to implement their plan to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to locate distracted drivers in Canada, North America, and more countries. 

Acusensus would use AI-powered cameras, installed similar to photo radar, on the side of or above the road to take high-resolution pictures of each and every vehicle that passes by. Through AI the system is then able to look at these pictures in order to determine which drivers are on their phones in some capacity. 

Looking to Improve Safety

According to the company’s founder, Alexander Jannink, the company’s main purpose is to initiate measures that will reduce the number of traffic injuries and fatalities that are caused by distracted driving practices.  “We really encourage the community to be behind these kinds of initiatives so that you can have more confidence that you can get home safely,” he said. 

Unfortunate, this is no minor problem. In fact, according to CBC News reports, in 2016 distracted driving contributed to 21 percent of all fatal collisions across Canada. According to the same report, most of these distracted driving offenses involved a cell phone or other electronic device. 

AI-Powered Cameras and The Right to Privacy

One of the biggest concerns facing this new technology is how it will impact one’s legal right to privacy. But according to Acusensus, when the AI does not detect a distracted driver it immediately deletes the photo. Alternately, if it does identify a distracted driver, it immediately encrypts the image before sending it to the authorities, which would then ticket the driver. Yet the debate as to whether this practice should be allowed still remains. 

The CheapTrafficAttorneys Help Those in California Who Have Been Ticketed for Distracted Driving 

When arguing your case it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced California traffic ticket attorney who has helped other clients who have allegedly used their cell phone or texted while driving. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys have your best interest at heart and will work hard in an effort to get your ticket dismissed. To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a consultation, visit us online or contact us today!