FAQs - How it works - Red-Light Safety Camera

Pedestrian collisions and right-angle vehicle collisions often result from running red lights. Studies have shown that such collisions involve more risk of serious injury or death than other kinds of collisions. To reduce these collisions, the State of California has adopted laws that allow automated camera enforcement of red-light violations. From a review of photographs and a video recording by an automated red light enforcement camera, it has been determined that, on the date and time and at the location indicated on the front side of the citation, your vehicle was facing a steady circular red signal when it failed to stop at a clearly marked stop line or any other stopping point described by the California Vehicle Code 21453. If you were making a right-hand turn at the time of the incident, the videotape shows that you failed to come to a complete stop before making the turn, as required by CVC 21453.

Each intersection is outfitted with a high-resolution, high-speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors located at the intersection and are only activated when the sensors detect a vehicle after the light has turned red. The cameras take three digital photos that document the violation and are mailed with a citation. The program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light, and all intersections with red-light cameras are clearly marked with photo enforcement signs. The Merced Police Department reviews every violation before a citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the intersection; while it is in the intersection, the license plate and the front of the vehicle show the driver.

No. Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red. If you enter the intersection during the green or yellow light, the camera system will not photograph you.

You will receive a notice from the Superior Court of California County of Merced with the total bail amount due.

No. Drivers who receive photo red-light citations are cited for red-light violations only

MAIL and WALK-IN: Payments can be sent to the Superior Court of California County of Merced, located at 720 West 20th Street Merced, CA 95340. Payments can be made in person there as well. 

 PHONE: Please call the Superior Court of California County of Merced at 209-725-4107 to make payments over the phone. 

ONLINE: Visit https://www.merced.courts.ca.gov/divisions/traffic

The Notice to Appear for a red-light violation will apply 1 point to the liable party’s driver's license. The Superior Court of California County of Merced applies this point in its system. The Notice of Violation does not have points associated with it, as it is not filed with the Court.

Yes, Defensive Driving School is an available option for the Notice. Eligibility is determined by the judge when the citizen contacts the Superior Court of California County of Merced.

The owner should read and submit a completed Affidavit of Non-Liability found on the back of the Citation a minimum of five days before the court date indicated on the Citation. The registered owner must submit the full name, address, and driver’s license information of the person responsible for the violation. Return the completed Affidavit on Non-Liability to the Photo Enforcement Program address provided on the citation. The Merced Police Department will review the information submitted, and a citation will be re-issued to the driver identified on the affidavit. If the car is reported as stolen during the violation, the owner must submit a copy of the filed police report with a signed Affidavit of Non-Liability. If the vehicle was sold before the time of the violation, you must submit information on the subsequent owner of the motor vehicle with a signed Affidavit of Non-Liability.

Please call the Merced Police Department at 209-385-6912 or the Superior Court of California County of Merced at 209-725-4107.