Running a red light can happen in a moment of distraction. Many of our Victorville clients call us after facing this charge. We explain the legal process, the costs, and the long-term impact.
There are two types of traffic tickets for running a red light in CA. One is when a police officer pulls you over, known as a “bumper stop,” and the other is a camera-enforced red light ticket.
Bumper stops are the slang term for a law enforcement officer’s (LEO) vehicle stop or pull over.
Since Victorville has no red light cameras due to the City Council's decision to end the program in March 2015, we will focus on the red light and subsequent bumper stops.
In this blog post, we will discuss some legal questions surrounding running a red light and how to dispute it.
How Much Is the Fine for Running a Red Light?
The fine for a red light ticket in California is about $238. Most drivers, however, should worry less about the fine and more about rising insurance costs. For those not eligible for traffic violator school (TVS), that’s where the real financial burden begins.
Insurance Costs After a Conviction
Drivers in Victorville often think that paying the fine ends the matter. It doesn’t. Paying the fine means pleading guilty, and regardless of your previous driving record, you insurance provider will likely raise your premium a significant amount.
The average Victorville driver pays $3,174 annually for full coverage, according to Bankrate. A conviction for running a red light removes the 20% good driver discount. For the average Victorville driver, that’s $634.80gone every year.
However, for families with a teenager on their policy, they will pay much more.
“Parents adding a teen driver to their policy can expect to pay 130 percent more than the California average cost of full coverage.”—Bankrate.com.
Insurance companies also add a risk penalty of 10–12%. That adds another $317.40 to $380.88 annually to the loss of your good driver’s discount. Over three years, a conviction could raise insurance costs by $2,856 or more.
Prevention Tips for Drivers
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Staying alert at intersections is the best defense.
• Slow down when lights turn yellow. Speeding up to get through the yellow light before it turns red is illegal.
• Always stop completely before the pedestrian crosswalk or the limit line before turning right on red. It might be beneficial to make a complete stop again at the intersection.
• Be patient and confirm the light is green before moving forward.
Even cautious drivers make mistakes. That’s when having a lawyer to challenge the ticket makes the difference.
Defenses That We Have Seen Work in Court
We’ve handled many of these tickets at Victorville Courthouse.
Every situation is unique, and we will not fabricate evidence to secure a dismissal. However, some defenses we use include:
• The officer’s view was blocked, or they didn’t clearly see whether you stopped. Often, drivers stops at the pedestrian crosswalk or limit line and then rolls forward to check for traffic. The LEO might have only seen you roll through the red light, which is illegal, even in California. The “California stop” is a misnomer.
• The State failed to prove you didn’t stop.
• Road rage or safety concerns forced you to continue without stopping.
There is no guaranteed outcome. Still, disputing the ticket often leads to dismissal or reduced penalties. Often, we can negotiate a no-point conviction with a fine only.
Running a Red Light on I-15 in Victorville
Many drivers ticketed for running a red light in Victorville were traveling near Interstate 15 between LA and Las Vegas when getting off the highway for a quick fuel stop. We often hear from out-of-town drivers caught on the way to Vegas or back home.
Whether local or passing through, a conviction here still affects your California driving record and insurance.
Why Work With a Traffic Attorney
We know how stressful these tickets feel. But disputing them is not something drivers should face alone. We know the judges and the process at Victorville Courthouse. We explain everything in plain language, without legal jargon.
Our job is to seek dismissal first. If that fails, we’ll attempt to negotiate a no-point violation to protect your record.
Contact Bigger & Harman About Challenging a Ticket for Running a Red Light in Victorville, CA
If you were ticketed for running a red light in Victorville, don’t just pay the fine. Paying the fine equals pleading guilty, and the rise in insurance premiums adds up quickly.
Contact Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español, 349-9755. Or use our website’s time-saving contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. Send a photo of your ticket with the details of your stop.
We will help you understand your options before you make a costly mistake.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How do I dispute a ticket for running a red light in Victorville, CA?
A: Consult a traffic attorney to review the case. They may challenge evidence or the officer’s observation.
Q: How much is the fine for running a red light in Victorville?
A: The fine is about $238, but the more significant expense is higher insurance premiums. The average Victorville driver will pay an additional $2,856 or more in insurance premiums after a running a red light ticket conviction. A family with a teenager on their auto insurance policy will pay 130% more than those over 25 years of age. Imagine paying 30 to 32% more after a paid fine. That would destroy most family budgets.
Q: Should I consult a lawyer for running a red light?
A: Yes. Yes. A consultation with a traffic attorney will clarify your eligibility for traffic violator school and the circumstances of your case. They could also request dismissal based on the evidence, or negotiate for a no-point violation with a fine only when the State has unimpeachable evidence. All of these alternatives could save you thousands of dollars over the three years a paid fine or conviction will appear on your driving record.
References:
CA VC Section 21453, Offenses Relating to Traffic Devices.
The CA Driver Handbook Englishy Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.