How much can running a red light cost you in Sacramento — and where are the cameras?
Picture this: You’re about to proceed down the street but quickly slam on the break when a car blows through an intersection and runs a red light.
Roughly 50% of the more than 4,000 annual collisions on Sacramento streets happen at traffic signals, according to the city of Sacramento. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, violators could be hit with a negative point on their license and a hefty fine — if they’re caught.
The cost of red light citations depends on individual circumstances.
The base violation carries a fine of $100, said Sgt. Amar Gandhi with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
But once the Sacramento Superior Court is finished tacking on additional fees, the ticket is nearly $500.
Where are red light cameras in Sacramento?
There are 11 intersections in Sacramento with red light cameras, according to the city.
Red light cameras are connected to both the traffic signal system and the sensors beneath the pavement.
The cameras, which are continuously monitoring the road, are triggered when a car drives over the sensors faster than the speed limit within a specified time after the light turned red. The camera records the date, times and speed of the vehicle.
The flash helps get a clear photo of it all.
A second picture is taken to show the driver in violation of the law. Police review the incident and issue a citation to the registered owner of the car through the mail within 15 days of the violation, according to Sacramento Superior Court.
How to pay a red light ticket in Sacramento
Instructions to resolve the red light violation are located on the back of your notice, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
You’ll either be asked to appear in court or resolve your red light citation by the due date:
Pay the fine
Request driving school (if eligible)
Contest the citation
Failure to pay or resolve the case by the deadline will result in additional penalties, according to the Sacramento County Superior Court.
Cases can be searched by a diver’s license as well as a citation, case or XREF (cross reference) number. Payments should be mailed to the Carol Miller Justice Center at 301 Bicentennial Circle. You can also pay at the kiosks inside the building.
There’s also an online option (information can be found on your notice).
Photos and videos of the citation are available to view within 90 days from the date they were taken.
What if someone else was driving my car?
Fill out the affidavit of non-liability form that came with the citation. If police accept the information, the original ticket will be dropped and reissued to the person listed on the citation.
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