You’ve just driven through a busy California intersection when you see a sudden camera flash out of the corner of your eye. You panic immediately, thinking you might get a fine. Now you’re asking yourself, “Are red light cameras even legal in California?” You’re worried about what a ticket could mean for your record, your insurance, and your wallet. You vaguely remember that the law on cameras changed, but you don’t understand your rights under the new rules.
Red light cameras are legal in California under Senate Bill 720, signed into law on October 13, 2025. SB 720 did not ban cameras; it only overhauled how violations are classified and enforced. In this blog, we explain what SB 720 changed in California, how tickets work under the new system, how to challenge a red light camera ticket, and how camera evidence can affect accident claims. Understanding how these systems work is important for all California drivers who may be affected by the changes..
What Is SB 720 (The Safer Streets Act)?
Senate Bill (SB) 729, called The Safer Streets Act, allows cities to opt into a civil red light camera enforcement program. Despite some confusion online, SB 720 did not eliminate automated traffic cameras. Instead, the red light camera system is being changed to benefit citizens, protect their privacy, and reduce excessive fines. Under the Safer Streets Program, red light camera tickets are treated as civil fines rather than moving violations, which significantly changes how the system operates.
The program went into effect in January 2026 and revised the red light camera system with civil fines, zero DMV points, and lower fees. Under the old system, red light camera tickets were treated like traditional moving violations, often carrying DMV points and higher insurance costs. The act mandates that all revenue collected from the program must be used to fund the program itself. Any additional profit must go to road safety programs, such as pedestrian safety improvements. Cities that have chosen not to participate still operate under the old red light violation system of moving violations and DMV points.
Are Red Light Cameras Legal in California?
As mentioned, red light cameras are legal in California, but the state is currently operating under a dual system. Cities that have opted into the program now issue civil violations, while cities that have not opted in still issue criminal moving violations. Not all cities in California use red light cameras because each city decides independently when to deploy cameras and maintain them. Citizens should check their local rules to see which system governs which intersections.
What Are the Penalties for Running a Red Light in California?
The consequences of running a red light depend on the location of the violation. Penalties in California are highly localized under SB 720, with some municipalities prioritizing road safety programs and others pushing back against the changes. The financial and driving repercussions depend entirely on whether the city you were in opted into the new system or continued using the traditional system.
The Traditional System
Cities that have stayed with the old framework classify running a red light as a criminal moving violation under CVC § 21453(a). The fine can be $480–$500+ after court surcharges and fees. One DMV point is added to the driver’s license and stays on their record for three years. Consequently, their auto insurance premiums increase automatically.
The SB 720 Safer Streets Program
Cities that are now using the new program will only issue a civil penalty. The first offense fine is $100, increasing by $100 for each repeat violation, up to a maximum of $500. There are no points added to your driver’s license or DMV record, and insurers are not allowed to raise your premiums based on this ticket alone.
A civil penalty is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle photographed running the red light, not necessarily to the person who was actually driving. This owner-based system is part of what makes these violations civil instead of traditional moving violations..
How Do Red Light Camera Tickets Work Under SB 720?
Automated sensors trigger the system if a vehicle crosses the limit line after the light turns red. Still photos and video of the vehicle and license plate are captured. Under the new system, a photo of the driver’s face is no longer required. The registered owner of the car receives the citation regardless of who was driving at the time. The court will then mail a civil notice of traffic violation to the owner’s address within a few weeks of the incident.
The official notice document includes the date, time, and location of the violation; photo evidence; and instructions to pay the fine, contest it, or request a hearing. Under SB 720, the enforcement system is different. If you fail to pay your fine under the traditional system, you will be charged with failure to appear, and your license may be suspended. Under the new system, there are no criminal consequences, but your fine can be sent to a collection agency.
Does a Red Light Camera Ticket Affect Your Insurance or Driving Record?
The impact of a red light violation ticket caught on camera depends on which system is used in the city where the violation occurred. Under SB 720, the civil citations do not affect insurance rates or DMV points. Under the old system, a red light camera ticket adds one DMV point to your license and may trigger a premium increase. However, even under SB 720, a red light violation that caused an accident can still affect insurance rates and create civil liability.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Red Light Camera Ticket?
When you receive a citation in the mail, you need to take action immediately to protect your driving record and your license. It can cause anxiety, but if you approach it correctly, you can minimize the long-term impact of the citation.
Step 1: Review the Notice Carefully
Open the letter immediately when you receive it. Read through it carefully and take note of the details listed regarding the alleged violation. Determine whether the citation is a traditional moving violation or a civil penalty.
Step 2: View the Photo and Video Evidence
There should be login credentials included in the documents that you can use to access the online portal. Review the photos and videos on the portal to verify if the vehicle and license plates match yours. If not, find the appropriate way to lodge a dispute.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Options for Paying the Fine
You must determine whether you can pay the fine in a single payment or in installments. Check whether the jurisdiction allows installments or requires payment in full upfront. If you receive a moving violation, look into your options regarding traffic school to avoid getting a point on your license.
Step 4: Note the Response Deadline
Locate the deadline for responding that is listed on the notice document. Make sure you either pay, file a dispute, or request a hearing before the deadline expires. If you respond late, you could face additional penalties.
Step 5: Submit a Written Defense or Request a Hearing
You can either pay the fine or contest the citation by submitting a written declaration or by appearing in court. Complete the required dispute forms and send them via certified mail so they arrive before the deadline passes. Depending on the situation, your citation may be dismissed.
Can You Challenge a Red Light Camera Ticket?
Yes, red light camera tickets in California can be challenged and dismissed, particularly when cities fail to follow strict procedural requirements under California Vehicle Code Section 21455.5. Drivers don’t have to accept automated citations without exploring their options. There are recognized legal defenses that can help you resolve your citation.
Registered Owner vs. Driver
Traditional citations require identification of the person driving the vehicle. If someone else borrowed your car, you can show that you were not behind the wheel. Keep in mind that this defense only applies for non-SB 720 citations.
Unclear or Insufficient Photo Evidence
Poor weather conditions can obscure license plates and vehicle details. If the photos were captured at night, they may be low quality, making it more difficult to identify the vehicle and license plate numbers. Blurred images do not meet the evidentiary standards of California law. Judges often dismiss citations when the photos or videos captured are not clear.
Improper Yellow Light Timing
California law mandates specific yellow light durations based on the speed limit at that intersection. Shortened yellow phases can trap drivers in the middle of the intersection and lead to unfair red light citations. If you suspect the yellow was too short, your lawyer can request the city’s traffic signal timing records through a public records request or directly from the local traffic engineering department, and then compare them against the required standards.
Camera Maintenance and Calibration Records
Automated red light camera systems require regular testing and calibration from certified technicians. You can request the official maintenance logs if you believe your citation is an error caused by a lack of maintenance. Many municipalities do not review their camera footage to ensure that all citations are issued correctly.
Entered on Yellow, Light Turned Red Mid-Intersection
Crossing the limit line while the light is yellow is legal in California. However, a red light camera may be triggered incorrectly if you are forced to slow down in the intersection. Video evidence can confirm that you lawfully entered before the light turned red.
Procedural Non-Compliance by the City
Cities must follow strict guidelines under CVC Section 21455.5 to operate an automated system legally. Cities must make sure that they provide public notice and display clear signs at designated intersections. Failure to adhere to the requirements justifies an immediate citation dispute.
How Does Red Light Camera Evidence Affect Car Accident Claims?
Red light camera footage is an incredibly powerful form of evidence that can be used during car accident claims. Videos provide objective proof of which driver had the right of way at the moment of impact. When a driver causes a collision in an intersection, attorneys can use red light camera evidence to prove negligence. Such strong proof strengthens personal injury claims and increases victims’ leverage for higher settlements.
On the other hand, if you are blamed for a crash you did not cause, red light camera footage can prove that you entered the intersection lawfully. Drivers should act quickly before the videos captured by these cameras are often deleted or overwritten within days or weeks. Working with experienced San Diego car accident lawyers allows you to issue formal evidence preservation letters to secure important evidence immediately.
Keep in mind that a civil citation is separate from civil court determinations. Receiving a ticket does not automatically make you liable. You are still entitled to pursue compensation and prove that you are either not at fault or that you and the other driver share that fault. Your attorney will guide you through the liability determination process.
When Should You Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer?
Injured car accident victims should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. If you sustain injuries or extensive property damage, working with an expert improves your chances of a successful outcome. If you know that there should be camera footage of the crash but you don’t know how to access it, an attorney can investigate and obtain the video evidence on your behalf. If an insurer is using the ticket as “proof” of liability, your attorney can fight back.
California law enforces a strict statute of limitations that requires you to file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the injury under CCP Section 335.1. A red light camera ticket does not automatically establish civil liability in a personal injury claim. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, our dedicated San Diego personal injury lawyers independently evaluate negligence so fault is assigned accurately.
How HHJ Trial Attorneys Helps With Red Light Camera Cases in California
The legal team at HHJ Trial Attorneys protects clients by promptly initiating comprehensive investigations. Your attorney will issue spoliation letters (also called preservation letters) to preserve vital evidence before it can be destroyed or deleted. Our attorneys handle complex communications with insurance adjusters while identifying every potentially liable party and building airtight negligence arguments.
Intersection accidents are highly likely to cause severe injuries and property damage, which insurance companies often seek to minimize. We have been awarded several honors for our work, in part because of the tens of millions of dollars we have recovered for our clients. We have been recognized as Super Lawyers, and we have been ranked among the Top 50 California Jury Verdicts. To see our work for yourself, read more about our personal injury case results.
Work With HHJ Trial Attorneys
Dealing with severe intersection crash injuries or complex traffic citation disputes can be overwhelming for citizens without advanced legal knowledge. Fortunately, with HHJ Trial Attorneys, you don’t need to handle these high-stakes challenges alone. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we win your case. Contact us to schedule a free case review with one of our legal experts to discuss your options and what you should do next.
