SB 720 Red Light Camera Programs: What a Civil Penalty Means and How Camera Evidence Can Impact Injury Claims
California’s SB 720 affects how some red light camera violations are enforced. Although drivers may not face criminal consequences in affected jurisdictions, the evidence gathered by red light cameras may still affect drivers if they are the target of a car accident claim. This is typically the case when injured drivers retain a car accident attorney after being hit by a speeding driver.
When you’re seeking assistance after a car accident, choosing the right lawyer is critical. The car accident lawyers at DeWitt, Algorri & Algorri, LLP fight aggressively to protect their clients’ rights and work towards a favorable outcome for them. Our team includes experienced lawyers like attorney Ernest Algorri, who has taken many car accident claims to court and secured fair compensation for clients. Find out how our car accident law firm can help now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
What SB 720 Changes About Red Light Cameras
Under SB 720, local jurisdictions have the authority to set up automated red light camera programs that issue civil penalties. This law was introduced because legislators know that red light running is a contributing factor in many accidents that result in severe or fatal injuries. Allowing municipalities to set up red light running enforcement may deter drivers from engaging in risky driving behaviors. In their rationale, they cite the IIHS, which found that over 1,000 people were killed in crashes involving running red lights in 2023.
Note that penalties typically attach to vehicle owners, not necessarily drivers. These cameras photograph license plates, not drivers—so regardless of who is driving, the registered owner is typically held liable unless they contest the citation or identify the correct party.
Understanding Civil Penalties Under SB 720
SB 720 outlines the penalties that an offender will be charged if a red light camera catches them running through a red light. If there has been no fine assessed in the past three years, they will be charged a $100 fine. If someone has a separate previous violation in the last three years, their fine will be $200. The fine increases to $350 if the individual has two previous violations in the past three years. The fine increases to $500 if the individual has three or more violations in the prior three years. Late fees may be as high as $50 for an initial late fee and $100 for subsequent late fees.
If someone wants to appeal a red light ticket, they must pay a fee of $25. Because these are civil infractions, individuals may not get points on their license or see their insurance rates go up as a result of the citation.
Red Light Camera Evidence and Its Role in Injury Claims
While this law does affect how running a red light affects drivers in terms of criminal charges, it does not change how evidence may be used in personal injury claims. Running red lights is incredibly dangerous—it increases the likelihood of an accident. On top of that, these collisions are often T-bone collisions, some of the most dangerous for victims. Even if the red light violation itself is an administrative matter, the driver may still face serious financial consequences if they cause a collision while running a red light.
If camera footage clearly shows the at-fault driver running a red light and striking another vehicle, that is incredibly difficult for insurance companies to dispute. Car accident attorneys can use that footage to demonstrate liability and fight for compensation for their client.
Accident reconstruction experts can also use timestamped footage to analyze vehicle speed, signal timing, and the sequence of events. This is particularly useful when drivers have differing versions of events. Accident reconstruction analysis plus video footage is a strong combination.
Finally, injured drivers may find that red light cameras lead to easier settlement negotiations. Insurance companies do not want to go to court, especially when they know that their client is at fault. If they have clear video footage of their client running a red light and causing a serious accident, they may negotiate more seriously in order to protect themselves legally.
Injured in a Red Light Accident? Call Our Car Accident Lawyers in Pasadena
If you’ve been injured in a red light accident, the team at DeWitt, Algorri & Algorri, LLP is here to help. Set up your consultation with our car accident law firm now by contacting us online or calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
