Red Light Camera Tickets: What Drivers Should Know

Red light cameras are used in many cities to automatically ticket drivers who run red lights. If a camera catches your vehicle, the ticket is typically mailed to the registered owner. These tickets can be confusing because you were not pulled over, and in some cases, you may not have even been the person driving.

One of the first things to understand is that camera tickets are handled differently from traditional tickets in many jurisdictions. In some places, they are treated as civil violations against the vehicle owner rather than moving violations against a driver. That distinction matters because civil violations may not add points to your license, though they still carry fines.

If you were not driving the vehicle at the time, many jurisdictions allow you to submit a sworn statement identifying the actual driver or explaining that the vehicle was sold or stolen. The process for doing this varies, so check the instructions on the ticket carefully and note any deadlines.

There are also technical defenses that sometimes apply. The cameras must generally be calibrated and maintained properly, and the yellow light timing must meet certain standards. An attorney familiar with camera tickets in your area will know whether these issues have been successful in local courts.

Some drivers assume camera tickets cannot be fought because there is photographic evidence. But the photo only shows that a vehicle ran the light. It does not always prove who was driving or that the equipment was working correctly. As with any ticket, it is worth understanding your options before simply paying.

If you receive a camera ticket, read it carefully, note the response deadline, and consider whether the circumstances warrant a closer look. A traffic attorney can explain how camera tickets are treated in your jurisdiction and whether contesting makes sense.

Related reading: What Is a Fix-It Ticket?

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice.

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This article is general information, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.