I have been checking with the SF Superior Court Traffic Division for the last week and will continue to do so for the next week or two. I don’t have any citations under my drivers license yet, but the message says that the issuing agency has up to 90 days to forward the citation to the court. I’m kind of confused about the 15 day thing that you and others have mentioned here. Will you please clarify this for me? Thanks again. Your information is a big help.

Rob

@Rob — they do pick and choose. Wait a few weeks, see if you get one.

@Annie — if you didn’t see flashes, you might be ok. wait a few weeks and see if one comes in the mail.

@Donna — .9 means the camera thinks the light was red for almost a second before you crossed the ’stop’ line. To prove that you didn’t stop first, they will present the speed at which you were traveling (it’s on the ticket, prefixed with V=). The only way to get a lower fine is to go to court — they used to give discounts but I’m hearing they don’t offer them anymore.

I know in the court system in San mateo one can appear on or before their due date and go before the judge, not a trial, and probably get a reduced fine even pleading guilty. When I called SF court the person said there isn’t the same method in SF. Is that true or can I go to the court and expect a similar thing? Is the only way to even hope to get a lower fine and/or dismissed to request and appear in trial? I think I stopped before turning but not sure…should I plead not guilty? Or…my court date is quite soon…Sept. 15.
Any specific information would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Donna

A couple of days ago, while driving my mom’s car, I think i ran a red light at park presidio and fulton. The light was yellow, and i was only going about 20-30mph towards golden gate park. The light changed to red just as i crossed the first crosswalk, so i didnt have anytime to stop. I didn’t see any flashes in front of me, but im not sure about behind me. Do you think i will get a ticket? And what is the best way to handle this situation? Thanks!

Rob

@MSX: I don’t think you’ll be getting a ticket. They rarely issue tickets when you didn’t go through the intersection.

@Dave: I’m aware of that appeal and I think it’s long overdue. However, depending on where you live, that case does not set a precedent since it was in Superior Court. Definitely try the same argument in your town, though, and it doesn’t hurt to bring up that judge’s ruling even though it is not binding.

@Akshya: you should be able to go to the clerk at any time to change your plea.

@John: Does the picture look like him? If not, your brother should go to court and testify that he was not driving. He does not have to give up who was driving, despite what the police will say.

@Aric: Something is missing. They have to send you photos of the infraction. It might have just been lost in the mail — call the issuing police department and ask to come in to see the evidence since you never got it in the mail.

Great blog. Anyone that has gotten one of these instantly feels like they’re being stabbed in the heart by the gov’t. I received a “courtesy warning” notice” and it says I owe the $466. I checked online and it comes up. My citation date was 7/21 and my due date is 8/25. I was reading the rules on:
http://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/index.aspx?page=186
and it says “The citation will state when and where the violation occurred. It will include a photo of the vehicle in the intersection, a close-up of the driver and the vehicle’s license plate.”

My citation does not say where it happened or have any pictures. I would think this is a huge point of contention, or is there another citation sent out that usually includes photos and the specifics?

Thanks.