Rolling Right Turn on Red in CA

[t0t0chan]

Hi all,

Recently, I was driving back home about 8pm in the night. Approaching the traffic signal, it turned red just as I got there. I took a quick look around, realized there were NO peds and NO cars, so I did not STOP. As I made the right turn without stopping, cameras went off flash in a zillion directions. 3 weeks later I get a ticket in the mail with pictures and a speed gun reading which showed that my turn speed was 15mph. My ticket cost is $500. WTF..its more expensive than a speeding tix! Now my questions are:
1. Can one appear in court and appeal saying that since there were no vehicles and peds around, I did not endanger anyone. Is that considered a valid appeal for fine reduction?
2. Has anybody made a similar appeal in the Fremont Hall of Justice and won the appeal?
3. Is the rolling right turn on red a violation that is fine reducible or not?

Any input greatly appreciated! Did this have to happen after my tax returns :--((( Booo!!

[tommyt654]

$500 is ludicrous, I,d appeal or at least show up in court and argue that point your making as to the speed and time of evening ,traffic flow, etc. You have nothing to lose IMO.They are banning those types of devices in other parts of the country. I,d google it and find out where and why and use it as an argument for your defense

[jackellis]

If I remember correctly, the law requires you to stop before proceeding unless there is a lead-in lane. The fine does seem excessive and is likely a sign of the times.

Check the DMV site and make a phone call or two without revealing your name to see whether the fine is justified.

[cabinetman]

I agree with Jack. You broke the law, and got caught. Florida has the same law...right on red after stop unless otherwise posted. You might play on the sympathy of the judge.
.

[atgcpaul]

Agree with Jack and C-Man. You didn't stop before you proceeded to turn.
However, maybe you can appeal to the judge's good graces to have the fine
reduced.

[LarryG]

Hmm ... brand-new member, first-ever post, and the subject matter is how to beat or reduce a traffic fine?

I may be being unreasonably cynical, but I expect the link to a web site explaining how to solve this problem will be along any time now.

[phi1l]

I think you would be better off claiming that your Toyota wouldn't stop & accelerated in to the intersection against your will.

[LCHIEN]

Hmm ... brand-new member, first-ever post, and the subject matter is how to beat or reduce a traffic fine?

I may be being unreasonably cynical, but I expect the link to a web site explaining how to solve this problem will be along any time now.

i wondered about that too, strange topic for a first post to a woodworkign site.

Still give me a chance to rant - the law says you must come to a full stop before making a right turn on red. If you don't then there's the temptation to pull out and cut it close. I cuss every time some right-on-red yo-yo pulls out in front of me and causes me to jam on the brakes, he supposed to come to a complete stop and yield right of way. Not stopping just encourages pulling out in front of someone trying to beat them.

if there was no one coming any direction then it sure wouldn't have hurt you to stop.

I like that, "Nobody was there so it was OK to break the law" excuse, I'm sure the judge will find it amusing.
Good luck.

[cwithboat]

After all, California is broke.

[jussi]

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...fornia+traffic

http://www.saccourt.ca.gov/traffic/fine-breakdown.aspx

If you think that fine is bad, check out parking in a disable spot 2nd offense

[gjat]

I'll be the annoying fly at the picnic. We build traffic signals and spend alot of time at intersections.

Sorry about your luck, but you drove through a red-light. No different than rolling through a stop sign when there is nobody else around. Accidents at intersections are second only to excessive speed to cause fatalities or major injury. I've personally seem many dozens of red-light-runners as well as the aftermath. The rules of the law are pretty plain and cut and dry. Stop on RED!. Personally, I don't think $500 is enough for running a red-light, it should be a minimum of $1,000.

The only way to get out of the ticket is to be able to prove the camera and sensor is set up wrong and it will still go off even if you stopped. Good luck with that one.

[poolhound]

Is this ticketing you for going through a red signal or a rolling stop?

How does a camera know you did not stop isnt it just registering the fact that you went over the line when the light was red?

[cgallery]

I think $500 is excessive. I hope the judge cuts you some slack.

California, balancing its budget one traffic ticket at a time.

[BigguyZ]

$500 is excessive, but welcome to higher taxes in every form- fees included.

You did break the law, so I think your only hope is to reduce the fine amount. Arguing that the law wasn't valid when no one was looking is a loosing argument.

[Rand]

No way out but to go to court and beg the judge for mercy. 500 bucks. OUCH!!!