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Author	Topic: California's red light camera fines are worst in the U.S.	Post a Reply Back to Topics

PD Moderator	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 3:11:59 PM Ignore PD Report Abuse California has the most expensive red-light camera tickets in the world; and the tickets are so steep, according to Kevin Fagan, reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, that one camera in Oakland generates more than $3 million annually. According to Fagan and the traffic-watch site TheNewspaper.com, anyone in California photographed violating a red light pays a fine of $480 and no other jurisdiction in the U.S. has a tab that high. The second-highest fine in the U.S. is $250, Fagan says. California's Dept. of Finance estimates that red-light cameras bring in more than $80 million annually to the state and $50 million to cities and counties. Not all $480 from each ticket goes to the cities or counties that authorize... Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 3:11:59 PM

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California has the most expensive red-light camera tickets in the world; and the tickets are so steep, according to Kevin Fagan, reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, that one camera in Oakland generates more than $3 million annually.

According to Fagan and the traffic-watch site TheNewspaper.com, anyone in California photographed violating a red light pays a fine of $480 and no other jurisdiction in the U.S. has a tab that high. The second-highest fine in the U.S. is $250, Fagan says.

California's Dept. of Finance estimates that red-light cameras bring in more than $80 million annually to the state and $50 million to cities and counties. Not all $480 from each ticket goes to the cities or counties that authorize...

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jmg144 Champion Author Maryland Posts:9,711 Points:2,903,060 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 10:16:39 AM Ignore jmg144 Report Abuse CA economics -- tax everyone as much as you can
Gas4Gore Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,426 Points:424,850 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 7:41:10 PM Ignore Gas4Gore Report Abuse Well now that can not be to bad, California really needs the money.
MiataPrincess All-Star Author Des Moines Posts:619 Points:100,825 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 1:57:07 PM Ignore MiataPrincess Report Abuse Don't speed and you won't get a ticket
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:811 Points:164,150 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 15, 2013 1:38:51 PM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse ok?
iceywarm Rookie Author Greensboro Posts:18 Points:6,580 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 2:01:57 PM Ignore iceywarm Report Abuse The GA(general assembly) legally removed them here after 45 people died at them. People was in more harm with them. NC has made it illegal.
PDN57 All-Star Author San Bernardino Posts:722 Points:136,820 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 1:01:18 PM Ignore PDN57 Report Abuse As soon as I can Im out of here Moon beam all he can do is kiss the unions a**es and raise taxes
lazydoggs3 Veteran Author Fresno Posts:258 Points:30,535 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 11:44:31 AM Ignore lazydoggs3 Report Abuse ive lived in CA and am yet to get a Red Light camera ticket
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,831 Points:503,585 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 9:11:27 AM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse All the emissions stuff the Californias have dump on us...
Gmsclecarparts All-Star Author Oklahoma City Posts:707 Points:123,195 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 11:01:54 AM Ignore Gmsclecarparts Report Abuse No reason to visit or spend any money in the Nanny-state known as California.
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,117 Points:2,174,425 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 7, 2012 6:27:29 PM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse At least they have great weather...
ggg452 Champion Author Manitoba Posts:1,575 Points:332,800 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 10:22:11 AM Ignore ggg452 Report Abuse ok
Trev71 Sophomore Author New Brunswick Posts:179 Points:30,260 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 9:25:16 AM Ignore Trev71 Report Abuse If we had them here I am sure I would get a few of them tickets
Seamus4513 Champion Author Orange County Posts:2,588 Points:387,555 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 8:53:09 AM Ignore Seamus4513 Report Abuse Its a good thing were getting rid of the red lights.
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,117 Points:2,174,425 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 6:20:42 AM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse The government has a huge appetite for $$$
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:13,727 Points:1,693,830 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jul 31, 2012 3:47:42 AM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse OUTLAWED as broken chain of evidence when pursued in court. HEARSAY EVIDENCE
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,831 Points:503,585 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jul 30, 2012 1:12:57 PM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse Fines are just taxes.... [Edited by: pilotmass at 7/30/2012 1:13:18 PM EST]
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2012 9:23:02 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse wow
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jun 25, 2012 9:32:12 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse wow
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:755,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 23, 2012 6:10:08 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse Unfortunately its true
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,357 Points:1,481,985 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2012 9:47:51 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse not nice
jwalkerh Champion Author Louisiana Posts:6,135 Points:1,369,130 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2012 6:50:29 AM Ignore jwalkerh Report Abuse They must be running a lot of red lights in California...
txrojo2005 All-Star Author Austin Posts:767 Points:480,475 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 20, 2012 10:17:11 PM Ignore txrojo2005 Report Abuse How many tickets will pay for one state pensioner at $100K per year? Answer. A lot. [Edited by: txrojo2005 at 6/20/2012 10:17:55 PM EST]
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:755,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 6:06:42 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse I agree
teebone1234 Champion Author San Francisco Posts:1,707 Points:349,050 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 5:39:58 PM Ignore teebone1234 Report Abuse red light cameras are there to generate revenues for the city and states.
heydano67 Champion Author California Posts:1,676 Points:359,485 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 5:38:05 PM Ignore heydano67 Report Abuse Don't run it and you have nothing to worry about.
Rehorsehay All-Star Author California Posts:871 Points:45,925 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 5:15:32 PM Ignore Rehorsehay Report Abuse People that pay attention to their driving, have nothing to worry about. I do have to admit the fine is high, I can see that amount for a second offense.
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,831 Points:503,585 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 3:26:46 PM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse I've seen speeding camera in Europe. Had no idea cameras were here
Road4Runner Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:170 Points:13,380 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2012 7:33:37 PM Ignore Road4Runner Report Abuse Thankful I live in Canada that $450.00 fine for red light infraction is completely outrageous. What can the American gas buddy forum do to help with getting this fine lowered?
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:755,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2012 2:29:59 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse wow
farmboyTN Champion Author Tennessee Posts:2,272 Points:450,510 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2012 6:30:35 AM Ignore farmboyTN Report Abuse Red light means stop....this is not just a suggestion to stop either.
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,906 Points:774,220 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2012 1:12:51 AM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse Still no lights in my home town
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,906 Points:774,220 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2012 1:12:27 AM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse I love it! We only have one light in town!
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:755,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2012 1:07:34 AM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse very true
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,124 Points:293,545 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2012 2:57:59 PM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse K
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,448 Points:1,326,225 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2012 12:20:07 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse Good. Maybe people will stop running them.
gasmask78 Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,283 Points:446,565 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2012 12:34:02 AM Ignore gasmask78 Report Abuse Ahh...California...the Governator State.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,124 Points:293,545 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2012 12:32:31 PM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
123cowboy Champion Author Maine Posts:1,833 Points:403,570 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2012 7:21:20 AM Ignore 123cowboy Report Abuse red light cameras or red light district?..
SavingInNC Champion Author North Carolina Posts:5,798 Points:1,095,415 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 9:41:53 AM Ignore SavingInNC Report Abuse Let the liberals pay. Pelosi is their queen.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,357 Points:1,481,985 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 8:53:35 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse old news
Reishman Veteran Author Illinois Posts:384 Points:517,365 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 12:15:48 AM Ignore Reishman Report Abuse i don't trust red lights.
Bill100 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:41,498 Points:1,163,820 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 12:05:05 AM Ignore Bill100 Report Abuse Good for CA. Not coming to visit.
SovietSunrise Champion Author San Antonio Posts:7,899 Points:1,117,010 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 31, 2012 6:50:03 PM Ignore SovietSunrise Report Abuse Goshforsaken revenue generators!
Edpap Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:4,336 Points:507,900 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2012 10:05:22 AM Ignore Edpap Report Abuse Ca also has some of the worst drivers in the USA, including NYC. The cameras may help get some of the losers off the road.
lazydoggs3 Veteran Author Fresno Posts:258 Points:30,535 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2012 9:42:20 AM Ignore lazydoggs3 Report Abuse Im glad I haven been hit with one of those fines
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,357 Points:1,481,985 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 29, 2012 8:39:32 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse just another tax grab
123cowboy Champion Author Maine Posts:1,833 Points:403,570 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 29, 2012 6:08:54 AM Ignore 123cowboy Report Abuse figures..
Viking2MD Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:120 Points:520,405 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Mar 29, 2012 4:26:26 AM Ignore Viking2MD Report Abuse Many of you have commented on how important it is to keep the cameras, & that those who receive tickets deserve them. You don't take into account the mistakes made by errors in the equipment, & simple clerical & processing mistakes that result in tickets that should not have been issued to the recipient in the first place. Then there is the issue of safety! How many drivers will SPEED UP to try to squeeze thru a light when they know there's a camera there? What about a bus full of students or other passengers that does not have seat belts, or a heavily loaded truck. Should the bus driver have to slam on the brakes to avoid a possible violation & thereby put the passengers at risk, or the truck driver that may not be able to suddenly stop his rig without endangering those around him. How about a vehicle being tailgated so that a quick stop ensures that the car behind you will slam into your rear end? Sometimes safety dictates that the best response is to carefully proceed through the intersection. I'm all for SAFETY, and therefore rather encourage safe and defensive driving practices such as watching the road & lights up ahead of you, checking for cross traffic before going thru intersections, driving at or near the speed limit, maintaining proper following distances, and being ready to take evasive action to avoid an accident, etc.
Viking2MD Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:120 Points:520,405 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Mar 28, 2012 3:18:17 PM Ignore Viking2MD Report Abuse Very steep fine. Red light and speed cameras may serve a purpose, but that is mainly for boosting revenues and not improving safety. If there must be red light cameras for safety then there should be national standards for length of yellow, at least daily calibration, checks on companies that install and monitor them, and companion lights counting down the seconds to change from green to red. There also should be consistency in policies, ie: owner or driver responsible for ticket (and ease of getting ticket reassigned to driver- my spouse went through numerous attempts with DC traffic department before giving up and paying the fine), reporting of violation to MVA/DMV, insurance companies, credit agencies, having scofflaws booted or towed. That being said most people cannot afford the time or hassle of going to a hearing or court to argue the charge, and unless you have refuting evidence such as photos or calibration tests, you're not likely to have it thrown out. There are a couple of good Message Links Posted by: greentre GB Feb 6, 2012 11:02:29 PM, one regarding not having to pay the fines in L.A., & the other about standards for the lenght of yellow lights.
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:755,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 28, 2012 12:33:28 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse Yes these fines are ridiculously high.