So You Snagged a Ticket from a Robo-Cop in LA: Fight or Flight?
Let's face it, cruising down the sunny streets of Los Angeles with the wind in your hair (or helmet, depending on your two-wheeled adventure) is pretty darn sweet. But that sweetness can turn sour faster than a spilled latte if you blink and miss a red light patrolled by a pesky camera. Ugh. Ticket time.
Now, the question that's probably flashing brighter than a double yellow line in your mind: Can you just, you know, ignore this little piece of paper and pretend it never happened?
Hold on to your pool floats, folks, because the answer is a slippery one. Buckle up (or put on your helmet again) as we delve into the fascinating, and slightly terrifying, world of ignoring camera tickets in the City of Angels.
The "Ostrich Maneuver": Head in the Sand
Let's be honest, sometimes the primal urge to simply shove the ticket in a drawer and hope it magically disappears is strong. There's a certain charm to the "ostrich maneuver," especially if you're picturing a disgruntled ostrich with a traffic ticket wedged awkwardly in its beak.
Here's the thing: Ignoring a camera ticket in LA might seem like a ticket (pun intended) to freedom. In some cases, for red light camera tickets, the consequences might not be as dire as you think. There's a chance the court won't even pursue it if you strategically employ the ostrich technique. But here's the BIG caveat: This isn't a guaranteed get-out-of-jail-free card.
Why? There are a few reasons why ignoring a camera ticket might come back to bite you in the not-so-feathery behind:
- Failure to Appear: If you ignore the ticket, you might be slapped with a "failure to appear" on your record. This might not affect your driving points, but it's not exactly a glowing recommendation for future traffic stops.
- Collection Agencies: Don't Mess with the Debt Dobermans: Those initial fines have a nasty habit of snowballing into a much larger debt if they're ignored long enough. Picture a pack of collection agencies baying at your door, and you get the idea. Not a pleasant image.
- The Plot Twist You Didn't See Coming: This one's a bit of a gamble. While some red light camera tickets might fizzle out if ignored, others could lead to a warrant for your arrest. Not exactly the kind of Los Angeles adventure you were hoping for, right?
Face the Music: Contesting or Paying Up
So, ignoring the ticket might be a risky game. What are your other options? Well, you've got two main roads you can take:
- Contest the Ticket: Maybe you think the camera malfunctioned, or there's a legitimate reason you ran the red light. If that's the case, you can fight the ticket in court. Just be prepared to gather evidence and potentially spend some time pleading your case.
- Pay the Piper: This might not be the most thrilling option, but sometimes it's the most straightforward. Owing money can be a drag, but at least you'll avoid the potential headaches of ignoring the ticket.
The final decision is yours, my friend. Just remember, knowledge is power, and a little research can go a long way. Consider the type of ticket you got, weigh the risks and rewards, and choose the path that leads you back to cruising those sunny streets with a smile (and maybe a dash of caution) on your face.
Remember, driving safely is always the best policy. But hey, if you do end up with a camera ticket, at least you'll have a good story to tell (and hopefully, a lighter wallet after you deal with it).
