Running a stop sign is a simple but costly error to make when driving in California. If you recently received a ticket for running a stop sign (California Vehicle Code 22450), you may be concerned about the cost and how it may affect your insurance, among other things, right?
Sometimes running a speed sign is not on purpose, as not only are there several distractions as a result of busy roadways but the signpost may have been obscured under a tree or something else. As a result, many California drivers each year receive a ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign. Want to know more about the speed sign laws in CA? Keep reading as we explain the basics of traffic tickets for running a speed sign.
What Does the California Vehicle Code 22450 Say?
According to Vehicle Code (VC) 22450, “any automobile approaching a stop sign at the entry to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if designated, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.” If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the car must come to a complete stop at the intersection.” As a result, if a driver fails to stop before the marked or unmarked limit line, they risk receiving a traffic penalty.
What Is the Cost of Running a Stop Sign?
In California, the average fine for failing to stop at a stop sign is $272, which is the bare minimum. Depending on the county, it may be higher. In any case, a few hundred dollars in fines is not something anyone is willing to pay for something as innocuous as a drive to the grocery store.
Running a stop sign can result in a point on your driving record that may cause your vehicle insurance costs to rise. Said points can be added to your record for three years, and if you already have points on your record, the DMV may suspend your license.
Why Are Speed Tickets So Expensive in California?
Even when only the fines are considered, the cost of a California speeding ticket is definitely not inexpensive. When the expense of increased insurance premiums is factored in, the cost of a speeding ticket in California is astronomical. The expenditures have risen dramatically over the last ten years, although not owing to base fines. Over the last 20 years, base fines have been very stable.
However, extra penalty assessments such as emergency medical services and court construction assessments are just two of the culprits contributing to California drivers’ rising traffic ticket costs. The addition of all these fees has approximately quadrupled the cost of speeding tickets in California since 1993, causing widespread resentment among the general population.
Despite popular outrage, these assessments are most likely here to stay, as the revenue earned by California traffic tickets is projected to exceed $500 million each year.
Okay, Then, How Do I Fight a Running Stop Sign Traffic Ticket?
Fortunately, California is one of the few jurisdictions that permit drivers to contest traffic penalties through a written declaration trial. A trial by written declaration is when you defend your traffic ticket in writing rather than in court. The court has a lot to deal with, with millions of driving violations committed and filed each year. As a result, filing a claim through a trial by written declaration is less stressful for both you and the court. So you have a higher chance of getting the traffic ticket dropped if you fight it through the mail, as well as saving money and time. Furthermore, a police officer is not paid to complete written paperwork on your case. Your ticket will be dropped if an officer fails to complete the paperwork required for written declaration situations.
Call our Team at Ticket Snipers
We are here for everyone at Ticket Snipers because we understand the impact of a traffic ticket on our clients’ lives. We know they can’t take time off from work to go to court or traffic school, and they can’t afford hefty penalties or higher insurance rates.
If you’re looking for the best and most capable team, please call us at Ticket Snipers, and we’ll handle your ticket!