Evade Red Light Tickets: Traveler's Guide To Safety

Red light cameras are an increasingly common feature of roads in California and New York, with the potential to issue tickets and fines to drivers. While these systems are designed to improve road safety, they can also result in unfair citations, fines, and increased insurance premiums for drivers. Understanding how these systems work, their legal status, and potential defences can help drivers contest tickets and protect their driving records. This includes challenging the accuracy of the camera, demonstrating a valid reason for entering the intersection, and questioning the citation's legality.

Contest the ticket if you were not the driver

If you've received a red light camera ticket but you were not the driver, you can contest the ticket. Here's what you need to know and do:

Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets

Red light camera systems use sensors and high-resolution cameras to capture images of vehicles that cross the intersection after the light turns red. These sensors are installed beneath the road surface and trigger the cameras to capture evidence when a vehicle enters the intersection. The cameras typically capture the license plate, a view of the driver, and the vehicle's position relative to the traffic signal. Law enforcement officers then review the evidence and issue citations.

Knowing Your Rights

According to California law, the driver of the vehicle is responsible for the red light photo ticket, not the owner of the car. The ticket is always mailed to the address of the vehicle owner, along with photo evidence. If the photo is not of you, but of another driver, you can contest the ticket. You are not legally required to identify the person in the photograph, but a judge may ask you to do so, and you may decline. It is recommended to hire a traffic attorney to assist you with your case and provide the correct answers in court.

Contesting the Ticket

To contest a red light camera ticket in California, you have the option to do so by mail or in court. If you were not the driver, you can fill out the information on the back of the citation and mail it in with any requested documents by the due date. However, if you wish to decline to identify the driver, you will need to go to court.

Working with an Attorney

While it is possible to contest a red light camera ticket on your own, it can be challenging to get it dismissed without legal assistance. A traffic lawyer can help you build a strong case and potentially get your citation dismissed. They can also assist you in avoiding points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and high fines.

Acting Quickly

It is important to act promptly when dealing with a red light camera ticket. Ignoring the ticket can lead to high fines or even an arrest. Contesting the ticket as soon as possible can help save you time, money, and potential points on your driving record.

Hire an attorney to help you contest the ticket

If you've received a red light camera ticket, it's important to act quickly. Ignoring a ticket could lead to high fines or even an arrest. While you may be able to convince a judge that you never received the ticket, as there was no officer on the scene or signature acknowledging the violation, it's best to hire an attorney to help you contest the ticket.

A traffic attorney can assist you with giving the correct answers in court. While it's difficult to get a red light camera ticket dismissed by yourself, a lawyer can usually help you avoid points on your record, increased insurance rates, and high fines. A good lawyer will be able to prove that:

• You ran the red light to avoid an accident
• The camera was not functioning properly
• The image taken of the driver was unclear
• You were not driving the vehicle when the image was taken

A lawyer can also help you develop a solid argument to prove your innocence and avoid a penalty. They may be able to argue that:

• The photos are unclear
• The camera wasn’t working properly
• You ran the light to avoid an accident
• You weren’t the driver

Additionally, a lawyer can provide comprehensive knowledge of traffic laws, customized defense strategies, and full-spectrum legal support. They will support you throughout the entire legal process, from evidence gathering and analysis to court representation.

Understand the requirements for valid citations

To understand the requirements for valid red light camera citations, it is important to know the process of how these citations are issued. Red light camera systems use a combination of sensors and cameras to capture evidence of vehicles entering an intersection after the light has turned red. Sensors installed beneath the road surface detect vehicles crossing the intersection, triggering the cameras to capture photographic or video evidence, including the license plate, a view of the driver, and the vehicle's position relative to the traffic signal. A law enforcement officer then reviews this evidence and determines whether a violation occurred. If a violation is confirmed, a citation is issued by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle.

• Signage: In California, warning signs must be posted at or near intersections with red light camera systems. The absence of these signs can be grounds for contesting a ticket.
• Yellow Light Timing: The duration of the yellow light at an intersection must follow specific guidelines based on the speed limit of the road. An improperly timed yellow light can lead to unfair citations, as drivers may not have enough time to stop safely.
• Citation Issuance: Red light camera citations must be issued promptly. In California, the citation must be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 15 days of the alleged violation. Any delay in issuing the citation can be grounds for contesting the ticket.
• Photographic or Video Evidence: The citation should include clear photographic or video evidence of the violation, capturing the vehicle's license plate, a view of the driver, and the vehicle's position relative to the traffic signal. Unclear or insufficient images may provide grounds for disputing the citation.
• Vehicle Information: The citation should include accurate information about the vehicle involved in the incident, including the license plate number and a description of the vehicle.

It is important to carefully review the citation and all the accompanying evidence. If any of the above requirements are not met, it may serve as grounds for contesting or dismissing the citation. Seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable traffic attorney can be beneficial, as they can help identify potential flaws in the citation and develop a strong defense strategy.

Develop a defence strategy, e.g. challenging the camera's accuracy

To avoid red light camera tickets, developing a strong defence strategy is crucial. Here are some detailed steps to help you challenge the accuracy of the camera system and potentially dismiss the citation:

Understand the Red Light Camera System:

Firstly, educate yourself about the red light camera systems in use. These systems typically combine sensors installed beneath the road surface with high-resolution cameras. The sensors detect vehicles entering the intersection after the light turns red, triggering the cameras to capture photographic or video evidence. This evidence is then reviewed by law enforcement officers who decide whether to issue a citation.

Review the Citation:

Carefully scrutinize the citation, including any photos, video evidence, and additional information provided. Look for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies that could support your defence. For instance, check if the images or videos clearly show your vehicle or license plate. Unclear or inconclusive evidence may provide grounds for contesting the ticket.

Challenge the Camera's Accuracy:

Red light camera systems are automated, and as with any automated system, they are prone to errors and inaccuracies. You can challenge the accuracy of the camera system by presenting evidence of potential malfunctions or arguing that the equipment was not properly calibrated or maintained. This strategy requires a solid understanding of the technology and potential flaws in the system.

Provide Valid Reasons for Entering the Intersection:

In certain situations, entering an intersection after the light has turned red may be necessary for safety reasons. For example, you may have needed to avoid an accident or allow an emergency vehicle to pass. If you can provide evidence of such circumstances, it could be grounds for dismissing the citation.

Question the Legality of the Citation:

Ensure that your citation adheres to all legal requirements. For instance, California law mandates that warning signs must be posted near intersections with red light camera systems. Absence of these signs, improper timing of yellow lights, or delayed issuance of the citation beyond the allowed timeframe can all be grounds for contesting the ticket.

Consult a Knowledgeable Legal Professional:

Successfully contesting a red light camera ticket can be complex, so consider partnering with an experienced traffic attorney. They can provide invaluable guidance, help you develop a tailored defence strategy, and maximize your chances of having the citation dismissed.

Remember, each defence strategy relies on a thorough understanding of red light camera systems, their regulations, and potential flaws. By following these steps and seeking expert legal advice, you can effectively challenge the accuracy of red light camera systems and protect your driving record.

Know the potential consequences of a red light camera violation

Red light camera tickets can have several consequences, and it's important to be aware of these when considering how to respond to a citation. The potential consequences of a red light camera violation include:

Fines

In California, fines for red light camera tickets can range from $100 to $500, with additional court fees and penalty assessments resulting in even higher total costs. In New York City, fines are typically $50, while in California, the cost can increase to approximately $600 if the motorist chooses to attend traffic school to avoid having a demerit point added to their driving record.

Points on Your Driving Record

A red light camera ticket usually carries a single point on your driving record. Accumulating multiple points within a specific time frame can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension. In California, receiving a red light ticket will place one to two points on your record, resulting in higher insurance rates.

Increased Insurance Rates

Insurance companies may increase their rates for drivers with red light camera tickets, as these drivers are perceived as higher-risk.

License Suspension or Revocation

If you accrue four or more points on your driving record within a 12-month period, you may be considered a negligent driver, leading to a suspended or revoked license.

Jail Time

In some places, such as Hong Kong, failure to comply with traffic signals can result in jail time for a first offense.

Other Consequences

Red light camera violations can also have other specific consequences depending on the location. For example, in Germany, a red light violation results in a fine of €90 and one penalty point on the driver's license. If the light has been red for more than a second, the fine increases to €200, with two penalty points, and the offender's license is suspended for one month.

Frequently asked questions