It is important for all drivers to remain as careful as possible every time that they turn on their vehicle. A risky collisions or accident can happen in the blink of an eye and result in serious injuries, death, and damage to property. Even those that are extremely careful about their own driving habits may find themselves confronting any number of traffic tickets in their lifetime, however, including red light tickets. For all those that are presently facing one of these charges, here is a look at the basics of red light tickets inside the state of California, how the traffic code defines these violations, and the proper steps that must be taken in order to avoid the serious penalties that will come about as a result of a conviction.
California traffic code classifies all violations into three primary groups: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Traffic infractions are the least serious of all charges and these generally involve any issues with the mechanics of the vehicle. This typically means any violation that would not literally harm another human being such as noise pollution or registration that is no longer good. Felonies are on the opposite end of the spectrum, and these are the most severe violations that can be obtained while behind the wheel. Every felony will need an immediate hearing before a judge and could possibly result in serious time in jail, a permanently revoked license, or a number of other penalties.
Traffic misdemeanors are the most common of all charges, and these are moving violation that could possibly cause injury or damage to property but are not done with a malicious intent. Red light tickets are most often classified as a traffic misdemeanor and they can be distributed out any time that a vehicle does not come to a total and safe stop behind the designated line at any light. This includes drivers that come to a "rolling stop" at any of the various intersections throughout California.
The initial fine for a red light ticket is determined on a county level, but the final DMV and court fees will usually range between $350 and $600. Many drivers will attempt to pay these fines in order to move on with their life as quickly as possible, but the final costs of a red light ticket may not become obvious until months down the road. Each red light ticket will put a point on the driver's record, immediately putting them in jeopardy of having their license revoked as well as raising their insurance premiums for as long as 5 years.
A traffic ticket is something that almost every driver will be required to experience at some point in their life, but these violations should never be accepted without the assistance of a traffic ticket attorney by one's side.
Mr. Ticket, Los Angeles traffic ticket lawyer can help you with contesting various traffic charges. This red light ticket attorney can help you with contesting red light ticket charges as well.