VC 21453
Intersection, Stop & Yield Tickets
Red Light Camera Violation
California Vehicle Code 21453 governs red light violations, including those captured by automated red light camera systems. A citation under this section carries 1 DMV point and a base fine of $100. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490 or more. Red light camera tickets are among the most contested in California because the automated systems must meet specific certification requirements and the citation must be properly served.
DMV Points
1 point
Fine
~$486 and up
California Vehicle Code § 21453 — Red signal
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
(a)
A driver facing a steady circular red signal shall stop at the marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b).
(b)
Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, a driver, after stopping as required by subdivision (a), facing a steady circular red signal, may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. A driver making that turn shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle that has approached or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard to the driver, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that vehicle until the driver can proceed with reasonable safety.
(c)
A driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, after stopping, shall remain stopped until an indication permitting the movement indicated by such arrow is shown.
(d)
Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 21456, a pedestrian facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall not enter the roadway.
Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 196. Effective January 1, 2009.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
| Violation Range | Est. Total with Assessments | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard red light violation | ~$490–$560 | Total varies by county after assessments. |
| Red light camera (automated) | ~$490–$560 | Same base fine as officer-issued citation. |
The base fine for a VC 21453 red light violation is $100. After California's mandatory penalty assessments — including state penalty, county assessment, DNA fund, court operations, and other surcharges — the total typically reaches approximately $490. Actual totals vary by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
California Vehicle Code 21453 requires a driver facing a steady circular red signal to stop at the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection entrance and remain stopped until permitted to proceed. A violation occurs when a driver enters the intersection against a red light, whether the citation is issued by an officer or an automated red light camera system.
The total fine for a standard VC 21453 red light violation in California is approximately $490, which includes the base fine plus mandatory state and county penalty assessments. The exact total varies slightly by county. A red light camera ticket carries the same fine as an officer-issued citation.
Yes. A conviction under VC 21453 adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record. The point remains on your record for 36 months from the date of the violation and can affect your auto insurance premium at renewal.
Ignoring a red light camera ticket is not recommended. If the ticket was properly served, failing to respond can result in a failure-to-appear charge, additional fines, a hold placed on your vehicle registration, or a referral to a collection agency. However, if the ticket was mailed but not personally served, there may be arguments about your obligation to respond — this is a factual and legal question specific to how the ticket was delivered.
Yes. Common defenses include challenging the proper certification of the automated enforcement system, questioning whether the images or video clearly identify you as the driver, disputing whether the citation was properly served, or arguing a right-turn-on-red exception applied. Filing a Trial by Written Declaration allows you to contest the ticket in writing without a court appearance.
Under VC 21453(b), after making a complete stop at a red light, a driver may turn right — or turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street — unless a posted sign prohibits the turn. The driver must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to vehicles approaching closely enough to be a hazard. If you were cited for a right turn on red where the turn was lawful, this subdivision may be relevant to your defense.
Want to Fight This Ticket?
See the specific defense strategies, Trial by Written Declaration steps, and eligibility guidance for this violation.
Defense Guide →Ready to fight your VC 21453 ticket?
Flat-fee defense service. Submit your citation details and we handle the written declaration process.