Catsrcoolguy
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California, Ventura, re; intersection of California Street and Thompson Blvd.
This is a newly installed camera system at an intersection that by it's traffic flow is more likely to garner these type of citations rather than for safety reasons. Also the timing involved here is 1/15th of a second over the first crosswalk line after the light turned from yellow to red, which I believe is too close to expect anyone or any vehicle to be able to stop in time for. My driving history is clean, and I have made this turn (let's say average only once per week that I've lived in the area - since 1987) 1,144 times... with no problem until now.
The citation came in the mail as a shocking surprise, as I do not recall this or any close calls where I thought I might have failed to stop when I could have. Indeed my photo (courtesy Photonotice based in Arizona) shows me as a calm, confident attentive driver, looking where I'm going, safe and same distance from car ahead of me as he is from the car ahead of him) not speeding up, not concerned that I'm doing anything illegal or unsafe... which I don't.
My speed was 15mph at the line and through the intersection. The yellow light time (I went back to film it) is the minimal 3 seconds, though the cross street is 4 seconds. The traffic flow preceding this intersection is inherently problematic (bridge, tight turns, short distance from freeway offramp to intersection, only one "photo" sign posted (angled toward offramp), unusual right of way rules that people are often confused by, frustrating local drivers who also can be made to wait on the bridge for the right to proceed to even get to said intersection for as many as 6 signal cycles... then once they do are eager to get through the intersection and get on with life. I never speed here and don't see people speeding, but this light is quick and can and does result in many people crossing the line when the light turns from yellow to red. I have never seen an accident or close call here, so I believe all these factors inclined the city to install the system where it would gain the most revenue. Indeed my citation is $496 + traffic school cost. I am not only outraged, I am not able to afford it. I am on disability and this financial punishment only teaches me that the city is willing to take 3 months worth of food out of my mouth for an infraction that was humanly impossible to avoid. The accepted response/vehicle stop calculation at my speed is about 15 ft. Had I responded and reacted when I could have, my car would have been in the intersection, a hazard to everyone in front, to the side and behind me. But again, I do not recall it as running a red light... I myself hate when people keep coming in left turn lanes and I do not and am sure I did not impede or risk anyone's progress.
After this automated ticket I am inclined to never do business in that city again, let alone leave the house. If I drive, I fear I will tend to slam on my brakes at any camera intersection when I see a yellow, risking rear end collision to my car. This was a no win situation, didn't teach me anything positive and I don't know how to fight it confidently... I suffer from PTSD and depression and am panic stricken to leave the house at all, let alone face a court proceeding. Can anyone here help with advice? Thanks.
P.S. The only action I've taken is to seek help on the internet, go film the intersection lights and file for an extension online with the court (they gave an additional month). So the "infraction" was Feb 25, I received it in the mail Mar 3, original order to appear was Mar 30, then moved to Apr27.
This is a newly installed camera system at an intersection that by it's traffic flow is more likely to garner these type of citations rather than for safety reasons. Also the timing involved here is 1/15th of a second over the first crosswalk line after the light turned from yellow to red, which I believe is too close to expect anyone or any vehicle to be able to stop in time for. My driving history is clean, and I have made this turn (let's say average only once per week that I've lived in the area - since 1987) 1,144 times... with no problem until now.
The citation came in the mail as a shocking surprise, as I do not recall this or any close calls where I thought I might have failed to stop when I could have. Indeed my photo (courtesy Photonotice based in Arizona) shows me as a calm, confident attentive driver, looking where I'm going, safe and same distance from car ahead of me as he is from the car ahead of him) not speeding up, not concerned that I'm doing anything illegal or unsafe... which I don't.
My speed was 15mph at the line and through the intersection. The yellow light time (I went back to film it) is the minimal 3 seconds, though the cross street is 4 seconds. The traffic flow preceding this intersection is inherently problematic (bridge, tight turns, short distance from freeway offramp to intersection, only one "photo" sign posted (angled toward offramp), unusual right of way rules that people are often confused by, frustrating local drivers who also can be made to wait on the bridge for the right to proceed to even get to said intersection for as many as 6 signal cycles... then once they do are eager to get through the intersection and get on with life. I never speed here and don't see people speeding, but this light is quick and can and does result in many people crossing the line when the light turns from yellow to red. I have never seen an accident or close call here, so I believe all these factors inclined the city to install the system where it would gain the most revenue. Indeed my citation is $496 + traffic school cost. I am not only outraged, I am not able to afford it. I am on disability and this financial punishment only teaches me that the city is willing to take 3 months worth of food out of my mouth for an infraction that was humanly impossible to avoid. The accepted response/vehicle stop calculation at my speed is about 15 ft. Had I responded and reacted when I could have, my car would have been in the intersection, a hazard to everyone in front, to the side and behind me. But again, I do not recall it as running a red light... I myself hate when people keep coming in left turn lanes and I do not and am sure I did not impede or risk anyone's progress.
After this automated ticket I am inclined to never do business in that city again, let alone leave the house. If I drive, I fear I will tend to slam on my brakes at any camera intersection when I see a yellow, risking rear end collision to my car. This was a no win situation, didn't teach me anything positive and I don't know how to fight it confidently... I suffer from PTSD and depression and am panic stricken to leave the house at all, let alone face a court proceeding. Can anyone here help with advice? Thanks.
P.S. The only action I've taken is to seek help on the internet, go film the intersection lights and file for an extension online with the court (they gave an additional month). So the "infraction" was Feb 25, I received it in the mail Mar 3, original order to appear was Mar 30, then moved to Apr27.
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