Red Light Camera Violation in Los Angeles, Not Driver, Live in Bay Area

[rayc]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California in downtown Los Angeles

Hey all, I've gained a lot of insight from the previous posts pertaining to red light camera tickets in Los Angeles.

I received a true citation as the car is registered under my name, but I was not the driver, and the driver is not registered at my home address. I do not wish to identify the actual driver. I am posting this, despite the numerous similar posts, because I live in San Francisco, and it would be really inconvenient for me to go in and personally take care of the ticket in LA.

I am assuming that I can't simply sign the affidavit of non-liability since the only two options are either "New Owner" or "Identified Driver (Driver - other than Registered Owner)"? In the directions it does say "PLEASE complete this form with the information of the actual driver", not you must. If I'm wrong, please let me know.

Two questions:

If I were to do a TBD, and I were convicted, would my only follow up be to pay the fine if I don't have the time to make it down to LA?

Would I be able to request traffic school without appearing in court?

I will attempt to call the police and have the ticket dropped, but judging from posts I've read in this and other forums, they won't drop the ticket unless I name the person driving.

Thanks for all the advice!

[Mr. Knowitall]

Why not identify the driver and let the driver do traffic school?

Have you asked the clerk's office if they will accept the TBD form without the identification of the driver? If so, try it and see what happens.

[That Guy]

If I were to do a TBD, and I were convicted, would my only follow up be to pay the fine if I don't have the time to make it down to LA?

Yes, if you were to lose the TBD and opt not to appear in court for a Trial De Novo then your only option would be to pay the fine. In fact, the court will require you to post bail (in an amount equal to the fine amount) at the time you request/submit the TBD... If you lose, they keep the money; if you win they will refund it.

Would I be able to request traffic school without appearing in court?

There is nothing that prevents you from asking for traffic school in your TBD... However, I cannot make a guess as to whether it will be granted or not.