How can I contest a traffic ticket with a short yellow traffic light?

Many states and cities throughout the country have found that traffic light camera tickets are a high revenue, low-maintenance way of enforcing the law. However, in some cities, officials have found another way to increase revenue even more, by shortening the yellow caution light.

Some states have minimum requirements for the length of a yellow light, often at three seconds for a car traveling at twenty-five miles per hour or less. The time should increase where the speed limit is higher, although many statutes do not require it.

If you have received a traffic light camera ticket for running a red light and you believe the yellow light was too short, you can fight the ticket by following these steps:

• Research your state and local laws to determine if there is a statute governing yellow light length

• Review the video tape of your infraction and determine if the yellow light was long enough. If the length of the yellow light cannot be determined, go to the intersection and video tape the yellow light yourself

• Present that evidence in court

While you can prepare and present your case without an attorney, if it is crucial to beat this ticket because of prior points on your record, you could benefit from the skills of a traffic ticket lawyer who can present this defense effectively and may be able to negotiate for a dismissal or reduced charges.