Not Guilty!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Not Guilty!
A few months back, I got hit with a red light camera ticket in San Mateo. I was pretty ticked, since I was blinded by a series of flashes emitted by the camera while transiting the intersection. Ordinarily, I would have just coughed up the $460 and taken the hit on my record, but being blinded like that (particularly by a system that's supposed to enhance traffic safety) ticked me off enough that I decided to fight it.
I requested a trial by written declaration and (after requesting and receiving an extension) submitted a 30+ page declaration (including exhibits). I argued that 1) in view of the lack of traffic and weather, it was safer for me to go through the intersection rather than brake hard and risk traction loss (was in my 12 year old Camry); 2) the city did not comply with the statutory notice requirements for red light camera systems; and 3) as a matter of public policy, the citation should not be enforced - the nighttime operation of the system, with its multiple flashes (not unlike stun grenades) actually decreased public safety, at odds with the stated justification for the system.
Last week, I got notice back that the court found me Not Guilty. Needless to say, I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.
I requested a trial by written declaration and (after requesting and receiving an extension) submitted a 30+ page declaration (including exhibits). I argued that 1) in view of the lack of traffic and weather, it was safer for me to go through the intersection rather than brake hard and risk traction loss (was in my 12 year old Camry); 2) the city did not comply with the statutory notice requirements for red light camera systems; and 3) as a matter of public policy, the citation should not be enforced - the nighttime operation of the system, with its multiple flashes (not unlike stun grenades) actually decreased public safety, at odds with the stated justification for the system.
Last week, I got notice back that the court found me Not Guilty. Needless to say, I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.
Nice one man. I hate those poor excuses for money generators. Can I call you next time I get popped by the POS's? I'm too lazy for all that.
If those things get any more prolific I'm gonna ask my friends to start selling these things.
http://wot.motortrend.com/6243820/te...007/index.html
If those things get any more prolific I'm gonna ask my friends to start selling these things.
http://wot.motortrend.com/6243820/te...007/index.html
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Thanks! I really dislike red light cameras. Maybe not to the point of setting them on fire, but still. 
And it's particularly galling that cities cite safety justifications for these things, and then, like Union City, shorten the yellow light intervals, which increases both revenue generation and hazards to traffic safety.
And it's particularly galling that cities cite safety justifications for these things, and then, like Union City, shorten the yellow light intervals, which increases both revenue generation and hazards to traffic safety.
