How do traffic light cameras give red light tickets?

Many cities around the country are using high tech photos and videos to hand out red light camera tickets to enforce the law and increase their revenue. They operate once the light turns red. A camera is triggered when a car passes through the intersection in violation of that red light, sometimes even allowing a half-second grace period. Photos or videos are made of the offending car, one revealing the license plate number, the second showing a facial shot of the driver.

The company operating the red light camera then uses the license plate number to charge the owner of the car with the violation, sending a ticket to their home. The vender generally reviews the evidence and discards images that are too blurry to make a reasonable identification.

The person charged with running a red light can merely plead guilty by sending in their ticket fee, which can range from $50 to $500. On the other hand, a suspect can fight the ticket and avoid the points on their license as well as the financial penalties if they win.

If you have received a red light camera ticket, you should be aware that there are false tickets being sent out by police and con artists hoping to collect your money and/or your personal information. You should consult a traffic ticket attorney to determine if your ticket is valid and if you have grounds to fight it.