If you’ve received a red light camera ticket, you might be asking yourself, Where can I find a red light camera ticket lawyer near me in Bakersfield, CA? What’s more, you need to understand your options before paying the fine.
Bigger & Harman, the Bakersfield traffic ticket defenders, can help you challenge your ticket and possibly avoid costly penalties.
Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets in Bakersfield, CA
Red light camera tickets in Bakersfield are part of a complex system.
Before paying a fine that could range from $485 to $520 and result in the DMV assessing a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point, consult a traffic attorney.
That one point could increase your insurance by more than $800 annually for three years if you’re not eligible for the DMV Traffic Violator School (TVS).
Attending TVS is something you should always discuss with a traffic attorney, as you won’t always be eligible, and you must plead guilty and pay the full fine before attendance.
There are technicalities that could lead to dismissal or reduced penalties.
Important Facts About Red Light Camera Tickets
Warning Signs – California law requires warning signs in all directions at intersections where red light cameras are used. However, these signs do not need to be right at the intersection, making them easy to miss in heavy traffic.
Published Locations – The City of Bakersfield lists eight photo-enforced intersections on its website although they have approved more for future use.
Sensor-Triggered Cameras – Bakersfield uses a private company’s system that snaps images and videos when a vehicle enters a red-lighted intersection.
Officer Review Requirement – A trained patrol officer must review the images and videos before issuing a ticket, but sometimes, they only match the license plate to the owner and send the ticket.
Right to Challenge – If you receive a red light camera ticket in the mail, consult an attorney before revealing who was driving. The burden of proof is on the state.
How the System Works
A sensor-triggered system records images and videos of the driver and license plate when a vehicle enters an intersection while the light is red; even if you thought it was yellow when you went through, it’s all about timing.
Legally, an officer must review this evidence before a ticket is sent to the vehicle’s owner. However, some reviews are rushed, leading to potential errors.
If the photo is unclear and the judge cannot identify the driver, the ticket may be dismissed, especially when you have an experienced attorney representing you.
If you self-represent, the judge might ask who was driving. If it was you, you could invoke your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. But if you claim it was not you, you are committing perjury. The judge or officer could also ask who was driving. Putting you in an awkward position of snitching on family or a friend.
This is crucial if your teenager was driving. A red light conviction for a young driver can significantly increase your auto insurance premiums.
“California parents adding a 16-year-old driverto their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $6,885 per year.”—Bankreate.com.
Actually, it doesn’t get much better until they’re 20 if they stay on your family policy.
The True Cost of a Red Light Camera Ticket
The cost of a red-light ticket goes beyond the fine. Paying the fine might seem the easiest solution, but it’s just the beginning.
Fine Amount – The fine is between $485 and $520.
Insurance Increases – Unless you qualify for traffic violator school (TVS), your auto insurance could rise by 30% to 35%.
Loss of Good Driver Discount – Your 20% discount disappears, and an additional 10-15% penalty is added for the red light conviction or paid fine.
Average Insurance Premiums – In Bakersfield, the average full-coverage policy, according to Bankrate, costs $2,749 annually.
Long-Term Costs – After a red light ticket conviction, your new rate could be between $3,573.70 and $3,711.15 annually for up to three years.
Total Estimated Cost – With the fine and insurance increases, you could pay over $4,000 total.
Wouldn’t you rather hire an attorney for far less than $4,000 and fight the ticket instead?
Why You Need a Red Light Traffic Ticket Attorney for Bakersfield, CA
Hiring a traffic attorney can save you money and prevent unnecessary penalties. A skilled lawyer can:
Get Charges Reduced or Dismissed – Judges may lower penalties or dismiss tickets entirely, depending on the circumstances.
Challenge Evidence – Attorneys can dispute unclear photos or improper officer review procedures.
Protect Your Insurance Rates – Keeping a clean driving record helps you avoid premium increases.
Represent You in Court – You can avoid missing work or school by having an attorney handle court appearances.
Offer a Flat-Fee Service – Bigger & Harman provide affordable representation at a set rate.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I find a red light camera ticket lawyer near me in Bakersfield, CA”—contact Bigger & Harman today. An experienced attorney can help you dispute your ticket and protect your driving record.
Ask Bigger & Harman, the Bakersfield Traffic Ticket Defenders
If you need a red light camera ticket resolved in Bakersfield Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our convenient contact form.
References:
The City of Bakersfield website.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.