Stockton Police Department - Red Light Photo Enforcement Program

Stockton Red Light
Photo Enforcement Program

Stockton Police Department

22 East Market Street
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 937-8354

Superior Court of San Joaquin County

222 East Weber Avenue, Room #100

Stockton, CA  95202

Public Hours of Operation: 

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Monday - Friday (except holidays)

(209) 468-2920

Stockton's Red Light Photo Enforcement Program was implemented in July 2004 with the purpose of providing 24-hour automated intersection enforcement and increasing traffic safety by reducing accidents resulting from red-light-running violations. According to recent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, red light camera programs can decrease red light violations up to 60% (more info on success stories... ). Traffic accidents caused by red light running are among the most serious, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.

A Red Light Photo Enforcement System consists of a high-speed camera mounted in a bullet-resistant housing at signalized intersections. The camera is aimed at an approach to the intersection and can be used for multiple lanes. The system is connected to the traffic signal controller and is able to monitor the changing of the traffic signal light. Sensors are placed in the pavement behind the limit line and are activated at a preset time after the signal turns red for the monitored approach.

When a vehicle enters the intersection during the red cycle after the preset time has elapsed, the sensor triggers the camera, which then takes four overall photographs with 12 seconds of digital video. The first photograph shows the vehicle behind the limit line on the red light.  The second photograph shows the vehicle proceeding through the intersection on the red light. The third photograph is of the driver.  The fourth photograph is of the vehicle and license plates.  Each photograph will be imprinted with data indicating the time, date, intersection, posted speed limit, and precise number of seconds the signal light was red prior to the vehicle entering the intersection.  Other visible environmental conditions are also recorded in each photograph. The use of a flash produces clear images under a wide range of light and weather conditions.

The Stockton Red Light Photo Enforcement Program has cameras currently in use at 13 intersections. The registered owner of the vehicle caught in violation of running a red light will receive a citation in the mail, and it is considered a moving violation.

Red Light Photo Enforced Intersections

(Click on map for larger version)

INTERSECTIONS:

• March Lane/Quail Lakes Drive
• March Lane/Pershing Avenue
• March Lane/Pacific Avenue
• Pacific Avenue/Swain Road
• Pacific Avenue/Robinhood Drive
• Pacific Avenue/Benjamin Holt Drive
• Hammer Lane/Lan Ark Drive
• Hammer Lane/West Lane
• West Lane/Swain Road
• West Lane/March Lane
• West Lane/Harding Way
• Charter Way/"B" Street
• Charter Way/Airport Way

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the citation valid if it was not issued in person by a sworn peace officer?
  A photo red light citation is a valid traffic ticket, per California Vehicle Code 21455.5. 

All red light photo enforcement violations are reviewed and authorized by sworn Police Officers assigned to the Traffic Section of the Stockton Police Department.  Each reviewing Officer has been specifically trained in the operation and review process of the Red Light Photo Enforcement Program.

• What do I do if I receive a citation?
  If you receive a citation in the mail, you should follow the instructions on the back of the citation. They explain how to pay or contest the violation. If you contest the violation, you will have to appear in court.

• What if someone else was driving my car?
  You may fill out the Affidavit of Non-Liability located on the back of your citation with the correct driver's information. The affidavit will be reviewed by an Officer. If the affidavit is accepted, the citation will be dismissed and reissued to the person who was driving. Remember, California Vehicle Code Section 14604(a) states that, "No owner of a motor vehicle may knowingly allow another person to drive the vehicle upon a highway unless the owner determines that the person possesses a valid driver's license that authorizes the person to operate the vehicle."

• What happens if I moved and did not receive the citation?
  California Vehicle Code Section 14600 states that whenever any person after applying for or receiving a driver's license moves to a new residence, or acquires a new mailing address different from the address shown in the application or in the license as issued, he or she shall within 10 days thereafter notify the State Department of Motor Vehicles of both the old and new addresses.  Also, California Vehicle Code Section 4160 states, "Any registered owner of a vehicle who moves or acquires a new address different from the address shown upon the registration card issued for the vehicle shall within 10 days mark out the former address shown on the face of the card and with pen and ink write or type the new address on the face of the card immediately below the former address with the initials of the registered owner."

• How much is the citation bail amount?
  A driver caught running a red light is assessed a negative point to his or her driving record and a fine of $349.50; however, certain circumstances could increase this amount on an individual basis. For the correct bail amount please contact the Superior Court of San Joaquin County at (209) 468-2920.

• Can I go to traffic school?
  There are several factors that will determine whether you are eligible for traffic school. After receiving your San Joaquin County Court Courtesy Notice, please contact the Superior Court of San Joaquin County at (209) 468-2920.

• What address do I send my payment to?
  Please refer to the San Joaquin County Court Courtesy Notice once it is received in the mail.

Viewing Red Light Photos

If you wish to view the photograph of your vehicle, please call the Stockton Police Department's Traffic Section at (209) 937-8354, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., (except on legal holidays), to make an appointment. After making an appointment, you may view the photograph at the Traffic Section of the Stockton Police Department's Main Police Facility, at 22 East Market Street.