RED LIGHT CAMERAS OPERATIONAL

Red light cameras are operational in the cities of Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar. When new installations are completed, there will be a 30-day warning period with warning tickets being issued to violators. After that, drivers will be subject to fines and costs up to $341.00 for running a red light. The cameras have proven reliable and accurate. In courts, they've been ruled Constitutional. Your citation will come through the mail and you have the right to view the film evidence yourself at the Encinitas Sheriff's Station. If it's not you at the wheel - pictures of drivers are surprisingly clear - you are required to give information as to who is responsible for the violation.

Following are typical questions regarding red light enforcement with the appropriate answers.

What activates the camera?
When the traffic light turns red, the camera is activated.

What if the light is yellow and as I go through it turns red, will I get a ticket?
No. The light must be red when you enter the intersection before you will be cited.

How will I be notified if my vehicle runs a red light?
A citation will be sent via mail to the registered owner of the vehicle by the license plate number on the vehicle. You will receive your notice within 15 days after the violation occurs.

What if I'm the registered owner and I was not the driver at the time of the violation?
There will be an affidavit sent with the citation for the registered owner to sign. You must provide the court appropriate information to relieve you of the responsibility of the citation.

Will this go on my driving record? How much is the fine?
You may have the option of going to Traffic School if you have not gone within the last 18 months to prevent the violation from going on your record. You must check with the North County Traffic Court (760-806-2444) to see if you are eligible for traffic school. Fine and costs can be as high as $341.00.

Who, how and when can I view the photographic evidence? What information will I need to bring with me?
The person who receives the citation may view the video at the Encinitas Sheriff's Station, 175 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas. You can make an appointment (phone 760-966-3500 during regular weekday business hours) for a Tuesday appointment. A Community Service Officer will be available to assist with questions that you may have. You will need to bring the ticket number and/or the plate number of the vehicle.

Are all the signs posted for the red light cameras located at that intersection?
No. The city can post signs at the main entrance streets of the city to let drivers be made aware that this is a red light camera enforced city and/or there may be signs located at the intersections where cameras are located.

Residents of Encinitas, Solana Beach and the surrounding unincorporated areas are invited to have their children's fingerprints taken and receive ID cards free of charge at the Encinitas Sheriff's station.

The program is being offered for children from toddler to age 15. To participate, a parent or legal guardian should bring their child, or children, to the station, 175 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Tuesdays and legal holidays. No advanced appointment is necessary and the fingerprints will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Scout, school and church groups can also participate in this free service by arranging for a group fingerprinting session at their site. This service will be provided by the station's Senior Volunteer Patrol. To arrange an appointment, call the Volunteer Patrol office at 760-966-3579. Parental permission must be given for any child to have his or her fingerprints taken.

Fingerprints will be made on a special form which will be given to the individual family which can then enter personal data and even a photo. In respect to the right of privacy, the Sheriff's Department will neither keep a copy of the fingerprints nor maintain a record of the names of those who participate in the Child ID program.