Red-light camera tickets can come out of nowhere. Many drivers receive them without knowing that they had driven through any red lights. Unfortunately, these traffic light tickets come with expensive fines and, in some cases, points added to your license.
You might assume that the best way to settle the matter is to pay the fine and do your best to drive more carefully in the future. However, these tickets can be costly, not only because of the fine but because of the long-term costs that are associated with points on your driving license.
A Florida red light camera ticket might seem like a minor issue, but hiring a lawyer is certainly worth it in the long term. We can work to ensure that you will not have any points added to your license and that you will not have to go to court. Call us now at (866)-985-7740 for a free consultation.
Red-light cameras have been in use in Florida since 2010. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), 63 jurisdictions in the state had implemented the devices on their traffic lights. They are typically attached to poles at intersections where crashes and traffic violations are common.
If you run through a red light, you will pass through a sensor, and the camera takes two pictures of your vehicle and records a 12-second video. This is used as evidence against you. You will then receive a notification in the mail, and this will include the time, date, and intersection location. Most of the cameras will fail to capture pictures of driver’s faces, so the driver of the car is often unknown.
Any picture or video of your vehicle will be reviewed by a police officer before it is submitted and your traffic light ticket is issued.
Under Florida Statute 316.075, it is against the law for a driver to run a red light at an intersection. But even though you may have broken the law, you should not jump to pay the fine.
As soon as you receive your ticket, you have 30 days to respond to it. You will be given the option of paying the fine and accepting the points, but you can also choose to contest it. If you choose to contest your ticket, get in touch with a lawyer straight away.
Compared to some other states, the fines for running a red light in Florida are quite high:
These fines are as high and, in some cases, higher than other traffic violations in the state. If there are grounds to have your ticket dismissed, you should not have to find the money to settle it. Get in touch with a qualified lawyer who can advise you on how to proceed.
The first notice of your ticket will not result in points, but if you do not respond to the notice, either by paying the fine or opting to contest it, you could have 3 points added to your license. If you have reached the maximum number of points (12), you could even be facing a license suspension.
Points add up quickly. Even a small number of points can lead to an increase in your insurance that will impact your finances for years to come. Therefore, the initial cost of contesting your traffic light ticket can save you money in the long term.
A lawyer can help you to reduce your fine or even have it dismissed completely.
There are many defenses available in a Florida red light camera ticket case, for example:
Furthermore, your ticket could be unlawful. Red-light cameras were installed across Florida under the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Law, 2010, following an unfortunate incident where someone was killed by a driver who was running a red light. Legislators have been questioning the fairness of the law since it came into effect and have argued that the cameras do not pick up “bad driving” and are used for financial gain rather than for safety purposes. For example, these red-light cameras are known for flashing drivers if they make a right turn without coming to a complete stop. If you do not make a complete stop at a traffic light, even if you are making a right turn, you will receive a ticket in the mail. A lawyer can question the validity of your ticket and present evidence in your favor.
If you let a friend or family member use your vehicle and they run through a red light, you will receive the ticket because you are the person registered to the vehicle. You can contest your ticket in court on this basis, but it can be hard to prove.
If your car had been recently sold, but the registration was still in your name, this matter could be settled if you are able to submit an affidavit. However, whatever the circumstances may be, recommend that you consult a lawyer who has experience in Florida traffic tickets before you contest a ticket.
Florida is a popular tourist destination, and when drivers are not familiar with the area, tickets can be picked up all too easily. Your red light ticket cannot be ignored simply because you live in another state. It is important that you deal with your citation as soon as possible. A local lawyer who knows the laws and rules of the area can help by giving you the best advice and even appearing in court on your behalf if need be.
If you have received a red-light camera ticket in the mail, it is in your best interest to contact a Florida red light ticket attorney straight away. An experienced attorney from our law firm can discuss your options during a free consultation.
At The Ticket lawyers, traffic violations are our sole focus, and the knowledge and experience that we have in this field are extensive. We may be able to have your ticket reduced or even dismissed.
Call us now at (866)-985-7740 for a free consultation. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It is easy to pick up speeding tickets in Florida, and many people dismiss them as being non-serious events that have few consequences. However, it is important to be aware that even though speeding tickets that are issued for going well above the posted limit are not usually classed as felonies, they do come with […] read more
The state of Florida has very strict driving laws that prohibit all kinds of speeding, and although the charges won’t necessarily carry a jail sentence, you will definitely find yourself with a fine and points on your license if you are caught speeding. However, while you can’t go to jail for speeding, you can receive […] read more
Every state in America has a similar point system when it comes to driving violations, but Florida’s point system is particularly strict compared to the others. If you are caught by law enforcement violating the laws and regulations of the road, then you will receive points on your license, with the number of points depending […] read more
Traffic school usually comes in the form of a 4-hour basic driver improvement course. A 4-hour Florida traffic course is a great option for many drivers who have been issued traffic tickets in Florida. However, they are not available in every case and will not always mean that your ticket will be dismissed, especially for the […] read more
Everyone knows that being caught speeding is annoying, especially if you were pulled over for going only 9 mph over the speed limit. Police often let people off with warnings when this happens, but if you were caught in a school or construction zone, the chances increase for receiving a ticket. In Florida, speeding is […] read more
