The red-light cameras have been turned back on in Modesto at nine locations.
One of the highest producers of photo-enforced, red-light traffic tickets is at the intersection of Sylvan Ave and Coffee Road, near GK Mongolian BBQ.
There are distinct differences between red-light traffic tickets and those issued by law enforcement (LE) during a “bumper stop” in Modesto, CA. A bumper stop is when the LE observes you enter the intersection after the light turned red, or one of the other various violations and pulls you over.
Modesto pays an agency nearly $3500 per month to maintain the various red-light intersections around town. Therefore, the fine is more for a photo and video-enforced, red-light traffic ticket.
Whereas a bumper stop for a red-light violation is usually around $238 and one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point, a camera-enforced, red-light traffic ticket fine is nearly $500 and one NOTS point.
When the Camera Captures You at the Red Light
Red-light cameras are triggered when your vehicle enters the intersection after the light turns red. The yellow interval is standardized across California. Speeding up to beat the light may result in a ticket, especially along busy roads like McHenry Avenue or SR 99.
But sometimes the evidence is unclear. If the photo doesn’t show the driver or the evidence wasn’t reviewed properly, the ticket may be dismissed.
Understanding Red-Light Ticket Traffic Fines and Insurance Increases
Depending on the situation, a red-light traffic ticket conviction in Modesto could cost you between $238 and $490 in fines.
However, that’s not all. You’ll also get one NOTS point on your DMV record. Insurance companies view this as high-risk behavior.
That one point can raise your insurance by 30 to 33 percent annually for up to three years. For many California drivers, that means nearly $2,500 in added premiums.
Red-Light Traffic Ticket Offenses & Defenses
There are several reasons drivers get red-light tickets:
Running a red arrow
Not yielding for pedestrians in the crosswalk or when turning
Rolling through flashing red lights
Driving through an intersection with a broken traffic signal
Red-light camera citations
A rolling stop for a "right turn on red"
You may have a strong case if the traffic camera photo doesn’t clearly show who was driving. You’re not required to tell the court who was behind the wheel. It’s up to law enforcement to prove that it was you driving when the vehicle ran a red light.
Sometimes the equipment malfunctions. Other times, drivers act to avoid road rage or prevent crashes. These factors can all support a defense.
Why Hiring a Traffic Attorney Matters
Our firm has over a decade of experience fighting red-light violations. We know what works in Stanislaus County courts.
Consult an experienced traffic attorney about a red-light ticket in Modesto, CA, to avoid costly penalties and protect your record.
Call Bigger & Harman for a free consultation today.
Consult One of Bigger & Harman’s Stanislaus County Red-Light Traffic Ticket Attorneys
If you received a red-light traffic ticket in the mail or during a bumper stop by law enforcement, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español 349-9755.
We can resolve your ticket in Modesto Courthouse in Stanislaus County, CA, without your presence in court.
Use our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The Red-Light Camera List for Modesto, CA.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.