Traveling in California: 5 Facts To Know About Traffic Tickets

Are you visiting California’s gorgeous backdrops for the first time? There’s one thing you need to remember above all else: You really, really don’t want to get pulled over. Here’s why.

1. The Base Fine Is Just the Beginning

Getting pulled over for exceeding the speed limit by a few mph might seem like no big deal. It’s only $35, right? Wrong. California law allows judges to tack on all sorts of additional fees, penalties and surcharges which are among the highest in the nation. That’s before you even consider how much your insurance premium will spike. That’s why an experienced speeding ticket lawyer is worth his or her weight in gold.

2. California Uses Red Light Cameras

Even when no police – or even other motorists – are around, you can still get captured on film by California’s huge brigade of red light cameras. They also detect if you turn right on a red light without coming to a full stop. If you fail to pay the hefty ticket – sometimes over $1,000 – judges can suspend your license.

3. Red Light Cameras Are Operated by Third-Party Companies

It’s not really about justice, but more about a bottom line. These independent companies sometimes falsely charge drivers just to meet a monthly minimum.

4. You Can Get a Ticket Even If Traffic Lights Aren’t Working

Don’t think that an inactive light means you can do whatever you want. Actually, you have to treat the intersection like a four-way stop. That means coming to a complete stop and yielding to whoever has the right-of-way.

5. Talking on Your Phone Is Against the Law

If officers spot you with your cell phone in hand, they can – and will – pull you over. For drivers under 18, it’s against the law to even use hands-free devices when driving, except in emergencies.





Since any delay in paying a ticket can add major fines to the bill, it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer immediately if you’re pulled over. With a specialized law firm like The Ticket Clinic, you have a traffic ticket attorney that knows exactly what steps to take to fight your ticket successfully.