Red Light Camera Program Frequently Asked Questions 1. The citation or notice says that I ran a red light; but I know I stopped. Answer: The OPD Assessor and the Traffic Commissioner (if contested) review videos in order to determine that a violation has occurred. A citation is issued when a vehicle passes the crosswalk limit lines and enters the intersection on a red light (regardless of turning direction) without making a complete stop. 2. The light was yellow when I went through, why was I cited? Answer: The still cameras not only take a picture of you but also a picture of the traffic signal light at the same time. The video shows your vehicle continuously 6 seconds before the violation and 6 seconds after the violation. 3. How can I view the video? Answer: You can view your video online at www.photonotice.com Use city code OKLDCA. You will also be required to enter your citation number and the vehicle license plate number involved in the violation. Citations over 60 days are not available at Photonotice; however, the video is still available for viewing at the Traffic Division. Call 510-777-8580 to make an appointment. 4. The site doesn’t work, what’s the next step? Answer: The issue may be the citation number entry. Make sure that the first character is an “O” (for Oakland) followed by 6 numbers and ending in a letter. You may also make an appointment to view the video by calling the OPD Red Light Camera Program message center at 510-777-8580. Also, the Oakland Public Library has computers available for public use, with wireless connection available for laptops. 5. How does the camera know when to take a still picture and when to start the video recording? Answer: The still camera becomes active (turn on) when the signal light turns to red. A vehicle going over the buried wire loops in the roadway faster than a preset speed activates the capture of photo information. The video camera is on continuous loop and as the violation occurs, captures and retains 12 seconds of video, 6 seconds before and 6 seconds after the violation. You will not be cited for any speed data as it is only part of the video activation process. 6. How can you take my picture without my permission? Answer: You gave permission, along with fingerprinting, when you obtained your California Driver License. 1 7. I was in a right turn lane, so why do I have to stop at the red light? Answer: Unless the turn lane is identified with a yield sign, you must come to a complete stop and it must be before a limit line or the first line at a crosswalk. No part of the vehicle is to be past the limit or crosswalk line. Slowing down to merge into oncoming traffic is not a stop. 8. What is a complete stop? Answer: A complete stop is when the vehicle wheels stop rotation, or in technical terms, the vehicle's forward velocity is zero. 9. I don't have a front license plate, or the rear plate has an anti-photo cover over it, so how can a picture still be obtained? Answer: The photo enforcement system works in pairs, that is, cameras are located at opposite sides of the intersection in order to photograph both license plates and the driver. The vehicle code requires both front and rear license plates and it is unlawful to cover them with anything including paints, sprays, decals, shields, etc. As your citation shows, they do not work very well. 10. If I have a passenger(s), will his/her/their picture(s) also be taken? Answer: No, all passengers' faces are electronically obscured to protect their privacy. 11. The driver in the picture is not me, or I sold that vehicle, what do I do? Answer: First, you should make sure to read all of the instructions and information you have received with your violation notice. The Nomination/Affidavit portion on the back of your citation or notice has the blocks to check and places to fill in the required information. Be sure to sign it and mail it back to: Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. Traffic Enforcement Office P.O. Box 42034 Phoenix, AZ 85080 If the driver is a friend or family member, enclose a photocopy of their driver license whenever possible or provide the driver’s license number. Please include a phone number where we can contact you if needed. Providing accurate and complete nomination information can facilitate the process of removing your responsibility for the citation. 12. What happens if I just ignore the citation? Answer: You may have your license suspended, not be able to renew your driver license or re-register your vehicle, and possibly face additional collection fees and fines. 2 13. Who else sees the pictures and video? Answer: The pictures and video are electronically retrieved by Oakland’s designated contractor, Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc., who previews the data for violation verification and accuracy. They then associate the license plate number to a registered owner and the driver license database, and electronically forward the data to the OPD Traffic Division. Trained Red Light Camera Program Assessors within the Traffic Division verify the data, research any missing or incorrect data, and then issue either a Traffic Violation Notice or a Traffic Citation. 14. What is the difference between a Traffic Violation Notice, a Notice of Traffic Violation, or a Warning Letter Only? Answer: If the data received from Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. has incorrect or mismatched data (e.g., the photograph does not match your driver license picture, or the vehicle is not the same as the registered owner), then a Traffic Violation Notice will be issued to you. The notice will include black and white pictures of the driver and vehicle. If the data received from Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. is correct, then a Traffic Citation is issued and the photographs will be in color. The citation is a summons resulting from a traffic infraction and you must either post bail or appear in court. In court you may have the option to go to traffic school (if you have not done so within the last eighteen months) to remove the moving violation as a point on your driver’s license. A Warning Letter Only (WLO) is generated in the first 30 days of a newly activated intersection and is meant to provide preliminary notice of the Red Light Camera Program in that intersection. If you have received a WLO, no further action is necessary. 15. How long does it take to receive a notice or citation in the mail from the time that I ran a red light? Answer: About one week 16. What or who is Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc.? Answer: Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. installs and maintains photo-enforcement installations for numerous cities and communities throughout the U.S. and other countries. Their Arizona and California facilities process data from those installations as well as Oakland’s photo enforcement program. Visit www.redflex.com for further information. 17. I didn't know Oakland was using photo-enforcement. Answer: Enforcement Advisory Signs are posted at all approaches of each activated intersection, stating that it is photo-enforced. All activated intersections have a 30-day Warning Only period. Various news articles have been, and will continue to be published in the local newspaper (the Oakland Tribune) covering the implementation of Oakland’s Red Light Camera Program and the activation of intersections. 3 18. Who calibrates Oakland’s traffic signals? Answer: The City of Oakland Public Works Agency and City Maintenance are responsible for adjusting and maintaining the City of Oakland’s traffic signals. The OPD Red Light Camera Program Assessor does a monthly review of the traffic signal timing of all activated intersections. 19. $381 is expensive for a red light citation. Answer: The amount is set by the State of California, not the City of Oakland or OPD. 20. What is a Trial by Written Declaration? Answer: You can appear at your arraignment in court and request a trial by written declaration or you can telephone the court ahead of time and request a trial by written declaration form. Fill out the form with a check for the bail amount and mail it back to the court before the due date. The form is also available on line and can be filled out at: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/fillable/tr205.pdf. 21. Can I go to traffic school to remove the point from my driving record? Answer: Yes, but only if you have not been cited within the last 18 months (ticket to ticket). The ability to attend traffic school may be denied by the Traffic Commissioner if you contest the citation and are found guilty in court. Note: The traffic school option is not available to drivers possessing a commercial driver’s license. For additional information or assistance: • Call the OPD Red Light Camera Program Message Center at 510-777-8580 • Use these links to learn more: o www.acgov.org o www.stopredlightrunning.com o www.iihs.org/research/topics/rlr.html 4.