Intersections can be dangerous places for accidents. A red light camera in California may be the single most valuable witness when fault is disputed. These automated systems record what really happened in the seconds before a crash, and the footage can play a key role in proving liability, settling insurance claims, or even winning your case in court.
Fast Facts – Red Light Camera in California
- Red light cameras automatically capture photos and short video clips when a vehicle enters an intersection after the light turns red.
- Most cities only keep the footage for 15 to 60 days before it is erased.
- The footage can prove who entered the intersection first and who had the right of way.
- Attorneys can send preservation letters or subpoenas to secure the video before it disappears.
- Quick action helps strengthen your insurance claim and improve your chances of full compensation.
- Deldar Legal offers free case reviews 24/7 to everyone in California.
How Red Light Cameras Work in California
A red light camera in California falls under Vehicle Code Section 21455.5 (CVC), which authorizes local agencies to install automated enforcement systems at busy intersections. These cameras are linked to sensors embedded in the road. When a car crosses the line after the light turns red, the sensors trigger the camera to take several photos and record a short video.
Each image captures details like the vehicle’s license plate, position in the intersection, and the precise time of the infraction. Some cities contract private companies to maintain and store the footage, while others manage it internally through the police or transportation department. Most systems also include a wide-angle view that can reveal surrounding traffic and pedestrians.
It is important to distinguish between red light cameras used for enforcement and traffic management cameras used by Caltrans or city agencies to monitor flow. Only the enforcement cameras capture high-resolution evidence of vehicles running red lights.
When Red Light Camera Footage Helps After a Crash
A red light camera in California can show exactly how a collision occurred. The footage may reveal that a driver entered on red, turned without yielding, or sped through the intersection while another vehicle lawfully crossed.
Examples of when footage can help include:
- Showing one driver clearly entering after the light changed.
- Confirming that a pedestrian had the right-of-way.
- Proving a vehicle turned right without a complete stop.
- Disproving false claims about speed or timing.
Because these cameras provide time-stamped images, they give an objective view that can outweigh conflicting witness statements. Insurance adjusters and courts value this kind of evidence because it removes guesswork from the equation.
Law and Deadlines in California
CVC 21455.5 says cities may install automated enforcement cameras as long as clear signs warn drivers. The footage, however, does not belong to the public. It is typically managed by the local police department or a contracted vendor.
Footage is kept only for a limited period, usually between 15 and 60 days, before automatic deletion. Once deleted, the data cannot be recovered. Acting quickly is essential. Victims or their attorneys must request the footage immediately after a crash to preserve it as evidence.
Checklist for Accessing Red Light Camera Footage
1.) Identify the Intersection – Record the exact location of the crash, including nearby cross streets, traffic lights, and landmarks.
2.) Contact Local Law Enforcement or Traffic Division – Call the agency responsible for traffic enforcement in that city. Ask if a red light camera covers the intersection and how to request footage. You can file a California Public Records Act (CPRA) request in writing.
3.) Act Quickly – Footage is eventually deleted. Request access within two weeks of the collision if possible.
4.) Work with an Attorney – A lawyer can send a formal preservation letter to prevent the footage from being erased. If the agency refuses to release it, an attorney can issue a subpoena as part of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
5.) Save all Correspondence – Keep copies of every request, email, and acknowledgment. These records can prove you tried to obtain the evidence in good faith.
Other Evidence That Supports Your Claim
While red light camera footage is powerful, it should be paired with other documentation to create a full picture of what happened. Helpful sources include:
- Dashcams from your vehicle or witnesses nearby.
- Business surveillance footage aimed toward the street.
- Caltrans traffic cameras that monitor major routes.
- Eyewitness statements from pedestrians or other drivers.
- Event Data Recorders (EDRs), also known as black box data, track speed, acceleration, and braking.
Combining these pieces strengthens your case, especially if camera footage is incomplete or no longer available.
Damages and Compensation
A car crash at an intersection can cause both physical injuries and financial hardship. Victims may recover:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Long-term care for serious injuries
- Punitive damages in cases of reckless driving
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims against public entities must be filed within six months of the incident.
Local Context for California Drivers
Red light cameras are active in major cities such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco, where traffic congestion and intersection crashes are frequent. According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, intersection collisions make up nearly one-third of all urban crashes statewide.
Footage from these intersections has already been used successfully in California courts to prove fault and resolve disputes. Local law enforcement agencies such as the Los Angeles Police Department and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency maintain automated enforcement programs at dozens of intersections.
FAQs
You can ask the local police or city traffic division. They maintain a list of intersections equipped with cameras.
No. Only certain high-risk intersections have automated enforcement. Your attorney can verify coverage through local maps.
Most cities store footage for 15 to 60 days before automatic deletion, so quick action is crucial.
Red light camera footage is generally considered a restricted public record in California. That means it is owned and controlled by the city or county agency that operates the system, but it is not freely available to the public. Access is limited to law enforcement, courts, and parties involved in related legal matters.
You are still entitled to review it with your attorney. In some cases, footage can clarify shared responsibility or disprove false claims.
Call Deldar Legal
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated car accident lawyer in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Key Takeaways
- A red light camera in California captures critical evidence at intersections to establish fault in accidents.
- Footage from these cameras helps prove liability, but it’s only stored for 15 to 60 days, so quick action is crucial.
- Victims can request footage through local law enforcement and should work with an attorney to preserve it.
- Red light camera in California evidence is valuable but should be supported by additional sources like dashcam footage or eyewitness statements.
- Compensation from accidents may cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages, with specific deadlines for filing claims.