Many states are implementing high-tech deterrents, called red light cameras, to keep people from shooting through yellow lights. Red light cameras are popular because of the rising number of traffic accidents at major intersections. These complex systems are able to note a number of things about how incidents occur and are used in accident reports in an increasing number across the country. They also are able to take a still picture of a vehicle as it passes through an intersection when the color of the traffic light is red. T
Getting a Traffic Ticket Based on Red Light Cameras
In order for you to get a traffic ticket as a result of being caught on a red light camera, the picture taken must contain:
- Picture evidence of the vehicle running the red light
- The license plate of the vehicle in question
- The date and time of the incident
- The direction the vehicle is travelling and the intersection’s location
- The speed of the vehicle as it runs through the red light
- The length of time the light had been red before the vehicle ran the intersection
Red light cameras basically record every piece of information that a law enforcement officer would if her or she were to pull your car over for the same infraction. This is done so that the information is admissible in court, should the offender decide to argue the validity of the ticket. Most will argue that the license plate is not clearly displayed in the picture, however the cameras are placed in a manner that allows the license plate to be displayed prominently, and the cameras used are typically extremely high resolution.
If you Are Ticketed
Even if someone has borrowed your car, legally you are still liable for anything that happens while that vehicle is on the road. If your car is photographed while travelling through a controlled intersection during a red light you will be ticketed for the violation. Your citation usually arrives in the mail unless the violation can be considered a gross misdemeanor, as in cases of high-speeds or accident causing traffic violations. In these cases either a sheriff or a sheriff’s deputy will arrive with a ticket, and if the charge is criminal, a pair of handcuffs. Citations that are sent to you via certified mail will usually arrive anywhere from 30 to 60 days of the violation.
Getting Help
If you have been caught by a red light camera and you want to dispute the traffic violation, you should consult with a qualified attorney. Your lawyer can explain to you what, if any, options you have for fighting a ticket based on red light cameras.
