Suffolk County has followed Nassau County’s lead and installed numerous red light cameras. These tickets are $50 each but do not carry points or negative insurance consequences.
Below is the list of Suffolk County red light camera locations currently known to us.
Intersection Town Direction
27N @ CR112 Johnson Ave Bohemia SB
27N @ CR112 Johnson Ave Bohemia WB
27N @ CR112 Johnson Ave Bohemia NB
27N @ CR112 Johnson Ave Bohemia EB
28 NSR @ Rt112 E Patchogue SB
27 NSR @ Rt 112 E Patchogue WB
LIE NSR @ Wheeler Road Hauppauge SB
LIE NSR @ Wheeler Road Hauppauge WB
454 @ Motor Parkway Islandia NB
454 @ Motor Parkway Islandia SB
454 @ Motor Parkway Islandia EB
454 @ Motor Parkway Islandia WB
454 @ Suffolk Ave Islandia NB
454 @ Suffolk Ave Islandia SB
LIE NSR @ Motor Parkway Lakeland SB
LIE NSR @ Motor Parkway Lakeland WB
LIE NSR @ Old Nichols Rd Lakeland SB
LIE NSR @ Old Nichols Rd Lakeland WB
LIE NSR @ Ocean Ave Lakeland SB
LIE NSR @ Ocean Ave Lakeland WB
LIE SSR @ Ocean Ave Lakeland NB
LIE SSR @ Ocean Ave Lakeland EB
LIE NSR @ Ronkonkoma Ave Ronkonkoma SB
LIE NSR @ Ronkonkoma Ave Ronkonkoma WB
Rt 25 @ Pidgeon Hill S Huntington EB
Rt 25 @ Pidgeon Hill S Huntington WB
Middle County (R25) and Boyle Road in Selden
Middle Country Road (Rt 25) and Patchogue-Mt Sinai Road (CR83) in Selden
Per RJ, the following are new locations:
Old Town Rd
Mark Tree Rd
Stony Brook Rd
Rt 25 (Middle Country Rd)
349 Comments. Leave new
Dear Traffic Lawyer,
I recently had a minor traffic accident at an intersection in Suffolk County that contains a red light camera. The driver of the other vehicle failed to stop before making a right turn on red and this contributed to the accident. I have no idea if a citation was issued. Is it possible to get a copy of the video from this camera at the time of the accident to help me prove liability?
Steve,
Try sending a Freedom Of Information Law (FOIL) request. Contact the court for the appropriate address. By law, you are entitled to receive this information.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hello, I recently was traveling to my sister’s house in Holbrook at night and stopped at 27 and Johnson avenue on the eastbound side. As I stopped, the light flashed. This was despite being about three feet behind the stop line. I even got out of the car to check. If a ticket is issued, I am determined to fight it, however I was wondering if there is any preparation I should do beforehand.
I noticed a line of tar running under my front wheels. It looks like a crack was plugged running straight across the road. I’m curious as to whether the camera might be calibrated to use that line instead of the stop line. Should I photograph the intersection?
This was on Saturday December 17th between 11:00 and 11:45 PM.
Sean,
If you did not run the light, then the photo will show that you are not culpable. I doubt you’ll get a ticket in the mail under these circumstances.
Matthew Weiss
I was waiting at the corner of Veterans Highway (rt, 454, not rt. 347) and Suffolk Avenue in Islandia. (headed northbound) tonight. I was headed to Port Jefferson. A truck was in the right turn lane when I decided that I would probably be better off turning right (I think Suffolk becomes Old Nicholls road here). As I pulled into the right-turn lane, a light flashed (the light was red for N/B traffic). I then made a “right on red” (I probably did not come to a full stop but I was going VERY slowly and had been at a complete stop for quite a while). As I proceeded to make my right-hand turn there was a second flash of light.
Is two flashes while making a “right on red” an indication of an impending ticket?
Alert,
Yes, the two flashes are an indication that a ticket is impending. If you didn’t come to a complete stop (all 4 wheels stopped moving) then it was not a legal right on red turn.
Matthew Weiss
We have not heard from those who went to court to object to their ticket. Were they successful?
What about hearsay? You have the right to question your accuser, right? Do they get away with this because it’s a “civil” case? Thanks!
PD,
At the Traffic Violations Bureau, hearsay is admissible. However, the issuing officer must appear in order for you to be found guilty.
Matthew Weiss
So if I’m reading your post correctly….I have the right and should get off with this defense? Unless cameras can talk now. lol
i will lose a day of work which is worth more than $25 which is why it’s great scam. shouldn’t the burden of proof be on them.
I only rec’d an overdue notice and never the original notice. now they want an additional $25. I called and they cannot waive the fee and was told I can go to court to fight the late fee. how can they legally charge me a late fee for something I never received and they can’t prove? if they can only charge one late fee i can now wait to pay until i need to re-register my car right? i’ve seen others with the same issue, only getting the overdue notice, it’s a great scam for a colorado company. they claim to send my notice, never send it and get half of the $25 late fee. how is this legal, i still don’t get it.
Sandra,
I would fight the ticket and explain why you don’t owe the late charge. Make them prove that they mailed you an original notice that you ignored by producing proof of mailing. You have nothing to lose.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
I was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident. I strongly believe the individual who plowed into my car and the car next to me ran a red light. The police did not issue a ticket to the driver. Any way I can get a copy of those red light pictures? The insurance companies are taking their time trying to assign fault….I figured the red light cam could be my saving grace. Thanks!
Jen,
If there was, in fact, a red light camera at this intersection then you can try and obtain a copy of the photos. You should take a Freedom of Information Action request to the administrator of the Suffolk County Red Light Program.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
These cameras have created a situation in which people who know about them cut through the gas station on the corner to avoid the intersection altogether. I nearly get killed every time I fill up with gas now that the traffic pattern has shifted from the street to the gas station. They may attempt to fix one problem, but are creating a far more dangerous problem by shifting rush hour traffic through an area full of pedestrians. Why haven’t they thought this through before putting us all at risk?
Jim,
Interesting (and scary) point.
Avoiding an intersection IS a 2-point moving violation.
Matthew Weiss
well i just got 1. service rd (lie) and commack rd, hmm i agree with matt most ppl cant drive as it is, but in my case construction on the LIE was posted closed exit 50 to 53 ,, ha ha 50 to 56 and drop dead traffic, as i came over the hill the rt lane says rt turn only, now try and get over with a truck,me first syndrome, no 1 gives way, signal on, as no 1 lets me get over, just to find the green is less than 17 sec’s and the yellow on video proves 3 sec’s , i believe the law is @ 40 MPH as stated and posted and the speed i was going on the ticket info, the minimum time for a 40 mile an hr zone is 4.5 sec’s, the proof is in the video that they sent me, just to stop 500ft ahead and have ppl cut me off to get a better position ?
The next light at which i hit, i had plenty of time to time the cycles , and again 17 sec green or less and 3 sec yellow. TRAP ?or not ?
and just for fun you would think the cops sitting at the exit ramps behind the barriors would be controlling the traffic at these lights, to just improve traffic flow, not like they arent getting paid. And fianally no sign posted that i seen, but kinda dangerous to go and take pic’s when ppl drive like nut’s if you want to risk your life standing on the service road, A little trip info,, small box truck , left new hyde park 10 pm to exit 62 12:25 nice waste of gas, time, tax payer dollars and just more unneeded stress. The fact is can’t really stomp on the brakes not wanting a pipe or something through the back of my head or expensive equipment damaged to satisfy a 3 second yellow light not designed for a 40 mile per hour speed limit.
SO fight it or not????
Facts; no camera sign posted, 3 second yellow, Green light 17 sec’s or less, my speed exactly 40 MPH on ticket, heavy traffic.
John,
It’s up to you to decide whether to fight it (or not). I can tell you that it is very tough to beat these tickets and the fine is minimal.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Matt-
I received a summons in which I plan to fight in court. The details are not necessary.
However, after reading all the messages here by people complaining about the tickets they receive, led me to two thoughts for these complainers. One- you’re not as good a driver as you say you are, otherwise you wouldn’t be getting these summonses. I
“I stopped”, “the ground was wet”, WAH, WAH, WAH !!! Bunch if babies. Two- sadly, most of the complainers here have NYS driver licenses. You know what the laws are when it comes to driving….obey them and you won’t be grasping at straws for a defense. Want to cripple the red light program? STOP AT THE LIGHT. For those who turned right on red and received a summons? Read the NYS VTL. It says you must stop and proceed when safe to do so. The problem that everyone here has is that laws are being enforced where there were very rarely enforced and now you are all crying. Grow up and drive responsibly.
Matt is right, pay the fines…. Because you are all guilty !!!
Can’t wait until the speed cameras come and the bitching gets even worse
Doug,
Thanks for submitting your comment.
One thing is for sure … the red light cameras work.. I’ve noticed at the ones that I regularly pass that motorists are extra careful to stop at them.
Matthew Weiss
On the one hand Matt may be correct in advising many to simply pay their fine. It would be more convenient for those nabbed by the traffic cameras to submit payment. And it certainly would be more convenient for the county and for the company to which the county outsourced this “safety” surveillance practice. However, I couldn’t disagree more with Matt’s implied and explicit claims. To be clear it is not useless to fight back. Of course pay the fine at the end so that you can keep your car on the road, but you can certainly muck things up a bit by opting to have a hearing—even if you know that you will most certainly lose. Also you may submit your views to your local and county newspapers for publication—and just keep submitting them. Call your local representatives to the county and the county executive and share your views—and do this frequently. Find out the name of the private company (must be public information, since our taxes and fines are paying for it) and call them with your views—and do this frequently. Get your friends and family members to do the same. At the end of the day we have the power with our vote (hopefully they don’t curb this too). I know many of you can come up with even more cleaver ways to throw a wrench into this practice.
Simply because something is the law doesn’t mean it is right or just and that it must remain law. I can think of many historical and relatively current examples on both changes to and elimination of laws—some changes for the better and some for the worse, but they changed. It is important however that we don’t confuse or conflate the unjust presence of the traffic cameras with real social and economic injustices. We don’t have a right to drive, it is a privilege. Admittedly so, for many living in the suburbs or in a rural setting the only way to get to our employment—if you’re employed—is by car. Not having a car would create a great economic heartache for many.
In addition to the fact that many of us need our cars to survive (public transportation is sorely lacking), the traffic cameras are a form of punitive surveillance that are a symptom of something much larger. We now live in a vast hyper-surveillance society. And related to the growth of “security and safety” companies, our public monies are being siphoned to these for-profit companies who spend a great deal of time convincing our elected officials that we need them.
One of the many problems to this arrangement is that there is nobody who can be held accountable by us. Another problem with this arrangement is that it always, yes always cost the tax payer much more. Again, sadly, even this situation is a symptom of something much larger.
Matt also mistakenly assumes that traffic cameras are, at least currently, the only way that Suffolk County can collect revenue. If we remove the cameras, he contends, we must then subject our public programs (education, all public works programs, fire departments, etc.) to financial cuts. We mustn’t ignore the anti-democratic (anti-people) thinking behind such an assumption and the unintended and very dangerous practices that may follow. Punitive approaches to revenue building almost certainly will lend itself to abuses in these practices. I think we can come up with a far fairer approach to raising revenues. For those making $250,000 and hire should pay a larger percentage of federal income tax. Then let’s distribute the money to the states and counties. Not, I assure you, a new idea. An idea, in fact, that worked for many decades preceding 1980.
K Spooner,
Thanks for sharing your views and thoughtful suggestions. Your idea of lobbying for repeal is well founded. In fact, in Los Angeles, they recently repealed their red camera laws.
In terms of expending efforts to fight these tickets, I never tell anyone how he or she should spend their time. I just know for me personally, it is not worth it. The adage of picking and choosing your battles works for me.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
Just paid my first traf cam red light ticket. What’s burning me is a recollection that the NYS VTL requires a Peace Officer to witness and issue a summons for a violation of law.
Is that not still part of the state law?
Roufus
Roufus,
For a red light camera ticket, a police officer does not have to witness the violation.
Matthew Weiss
I recieved a ticket in the mail because I went through a red light. The reason I went throught the light was because the car in front of me just broke down 30 feet before light and placed there hazzards on. I went to go around the car and another car changed lanes right near me, I was distracted by him. Before I realized it, the light turned red for a second or two and I went through it. I intend on fighting this in court, my only fear is that if I pay the ticket the way it stands now I do not get any points on my license since its a video ticket. If I fight and lose the case in court am I in danger of getting points on my license?
Joe,
You will not get points on your license for a red light camera ticket. However, your distraction defense will likely not be successful to beat this ticket.
Matthew Weiss
I received my first red light camera ticket and I don’t think I did anything wrong. There are two issues:
1. I made a right turn at the red light (Ocean Ave. & I495 Service Rd.) BUT there was no “NO TURN ON RED” sign anywhere! I make the same right turn every day on the red light just like everyone else. As far as I knew, you can make a right turn at a red light as long as there aren’t any signs restricting you to do so. In the video, you can clearly see that I slowed down (brake lights came on) and I yielded the right-of-way. So is the grounds to fight the ticket?
2. Also, as many others have experienced, I got this citation for the first time yesterday yet it claims that payment is overdue since the original citation was sent last month! That is not true because I check my mail everyday and I never saw anything like this.
So now I’m being fined $75 for something in which I don’t think I did anything wrong. Should I call or write them and try to fight this?
Thank you for your time and comments. Like everyone else I’m sure, I am really feeling the pinch of the economy and I don’t need things like this happening right now.
Jamilet,
You didn’t come to a complete stop so you are guilty. The law in New York is that you must stop BEFORE making a right on red. By “stop”, I mean that all 4 wheels stop moving. Slowing down and yielding are not enough.
In terms of the untimeliness, I would ask the court for proof of mailing for the first notice to confirm that it was properly sent.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
This is the second time I have gotten a red light camera ticket (my wife driving lol) that claims it is already past due, and thus, tacking on an additional $25 late fee. This is the second time that I never received the initial ticket. Both tickets were for Suffolk County. Now, missing one ticket as junk mail is plausible, but two of them ? I don’t think so. Rather, I think I smell the workings of a rat. Can others please comment on whether this has happened to you ? Did the first mailing you receive claim that the fine was late and add the late fee ? Thank you for your comments.
To Rob S. this happened to me too and i check all mail including juck mail and know that i never rec’d this original notice. it appears the profits are split between suffolk and colorado co and they keep half the profits. don’t send the first notice and make an extra $12.50, what a scam. i’m researching if i have any options.
I just got a seatbelt ticket and phone ticket on southern state parkway is this a moving violation in october of 2011? trooper said it wasnt, my daughter said it is. any way to fight these?
The cell phone ticket IS a moving violation. It carries 2 points. We recommend therefore that you plead not guilty (to both) and fight it.
Matthew Weiss
Hi I was wondering if I got a tiket, I saw the light go off, but I stopped my car before the light. Does this mean I have a ticket or no?
Elena,
Not sure. It depends how far into the intersection you went.
Hope you don’t get one, however.
Fingers crossed.
Matthew Weiss
The following is typical of drivers who don’t have a clue and quite freighting that he has a valid license to drive using this logic. Bottom line – it’s your responsibility by LAW to drive UNDER CONTROL for all situations- period.
I recently received a red light ticket but was curious if weather could be a reason for the infraction. It had been raining out and I found it safer to continue through the intersection rather than stop quickly at 55mph. The red light time was 4 seconds… Your thoughts?
MPB,
Thanks for sharing this info. You are right, drivers must be in control and should not travel faster than conditions permit. We see this often with tailgating. Motorists should leave enough room when trailing another vehicle in order to stop safely (i.e., 1 car length for every 10 mph).
Matthew Weiss
I did not receive any red light tickets yet but I’m sure I will. I started boycotting stores where red light cameras are or in route and letting the stores know this. I’m not going to pay $60 for an item that only cost $10. If more people started doing this the stores would start putting pressure on the county. Loss revenue = loss taxes. So if a new camera pops up near or in route to a mall, tweet the message and find a different mall. Stores and malls follow twitter and will get the message. For example, a famous rock star was not let on a airline plane because he was asked to pull his pants all the way up and he replied ” don’t you have anything better to do?”. He tweeted it and the airline customer service got him on a flight ASAP. The news Media also follows twitter. If more people started doing this, maybe things might change, if not get ready for speed cameras.
Nick,
Interesting idea.
Nice suggestion! I think I’ll follow it. And I couldn’t agree more, we need to reverse this trend.
At the LIE service road (east bound) and Commack Road, there is no sign on Commack Road or at the intersection warning of a camera or light. I came up from Commack Road and made a rt on red after making sure the intersection was clear. Should I fight this or pay the money. Thank you
Steven,
If you did not come to a complete stop (all 4 wheels stopped moving), then pay the ticket. You can watch a video of your offense by going to the website listed on the ticket.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
I received a Red Light Camera violation at the corner of Jericho Tpke & Townline Rd West bound. I rarely travel this way & remember the night & I am certain that I stopped at the light then made the right turn. I remember seeing the flashes from the camera & thought why is it flashing. I also know someone else who swears they also made a complete stop but the video does not show this for either of us. I know with the internet/technology sometimes there are delays and jumps in video. Is there a possibility that there was a malfunction? I am certain that I stopped how can I prove it? I did not see any notice/posting of the cameras as mentioned by a previous poster.
Laura,
A mal-function is possible (although not likely). If you are confident that you stopped fully for this light, then plead not guilty and take it to trial. The People will have to prove its case against you at that time.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
how long do you have to stop for a right on red: just got a ticket in Nassau County and in viewing the video I did stop: called and the rep said that the two pictures were three seconds apart and I was turned by the second so that I didn’t stop sufficiently
again: I highly doubt that a human would have given me that ticket
TG,
The law requires that you make a complete stop at a red light PRIOR to making a right on red. This means that all 4 wheels come to a stopped position.
I hope this helps. Good luck fighting this ticket.
Matthew Weiss
I can’t go into details but i do remember reading that they recently had to remove cameras in California after some injustice was found. You say that they are here to stay in New York but there has to be a way for the people of New York to get someone to fight this and win here.
Ed,
Yes, in Los Angeles (and Houston), the red light programs were discontinued. The reason in LA was due to economics. The City wasn’t getting a larger enough share of the revenue, many motorists were refusing to pay the fine, and the courts were reluctant to enforce the tickets.
However, in New York, they are big money makers and, therefore, I am not optimistic that they will be removed. The state and cities need the money and there doesn’t appear to be a politician (at least right now) willing to stand up and fight red light cameras.
Matthew Weiss
I actually don’t believe these cameras increase safety. When it is known a red light camera exists, when a light turns yellow, people basically have 2 options that present themselves often: 1) stop short to be sure not to go into the intersection, and hope the person behind you is paying attention and doesn’t rear end you trying to make it through the light; or 2) gun it, to try and get completely through the intersection before it turns red, because of the variability of yellow light lengths.
An earlier post mentioned the idea of a countdown clock visible to motorists, and if the county was TRULY concerned with motorist safety, and not just making revenue, then they would seriously consider this idea.
JC,
I’m glad you like me “countdown clock” idea. I know it helps for those times when I approach the one near my house.
I am planning on writing a post about whether red light cameras reduce accidents. Standby.
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
I received a notice of liability for making a right on red. this was at the intersection of commack rd/townline rd and jericho turnpike. there is no “no turn on red” sign so i called up the number to ask why i was receiving the ticket. he told me it was because i did not come to full 3 second stop before turning. to be honest, i never even knew of this law and i’m at that intersection about once a day so im worried im going to get even more tickets!
my question is: is it NY State law that a sign warning the presence of the camera be posted at the intersection? i have read online that there HAS to be a sign and if there is not a sign you can fight the ticket….so i called back and the guy told me that no, it is not required in NY State to post a sign. this goes against everything else i have read. if you can shed some light on this issue, i’d appreciate it. then i will know how to proceed. if it matters, this took place in suffolk county on 7/30/11. thanks in advance!
Christine,
It is not the law in New York that a warning sign be present. The Suffolk County red light program rules state, however, that there should be a sign advising motorists of the presence of the cameras. You can plead not guilty and make this argument. Bring multiple photos of the intersection showing that no signs are present at or to the approach to the intersection.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
thanks matt i appreciate the info, i will for sure contest it…
I just saw on Channel 7 Eyewitness news that the this pathetic thief is not generating enough revenue, for the county, because the revenue split with the camera company is 50/50. I got a ticket at 495 and rt111. I watched the video and I did a rolling stop, so I’m going to pay the fine, funny getting a ticket when I had my signal on.
Oh and the politicians will be voting to either scrap the program (YEA RIGHT THAT IS WHAT THEY WILL VOTE), or try to get a bigger share of the revenue from the camera company. So call your representative (they might listen). I can’t wait for mine to come knocking on my door for my vote. If he voted for the camera nonsense I will slam my door in his face.
Paul,
In Los Angeles County, they recently discontinued their red light camera ticket. They too weren’t making enough money.
Fingers crossed and Suffolk (and Nassau) will follow suit.
Matthew Weiss
Hey Matt,
I never expected that the rev split was 50-50.. That is insane, but you know NY pols… No matter what the public wants, the PUBLIC doesn’t get.. Hopefully I’m wrong but nothing politicans do surprise me anymore…
I went through a yellow making a left off the service road of the lie. I haven’t received anything yet, it’s been almost 2 months. Could the car behind me stop past the line and trigger the camera?
John K,
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Yes, a car behind you can trigger the camera. However, unless the photos show you running a red light, the motorist behind you will not result in you be issued a ticket.
Matthew Weiss
If I live out of state – do I need to pay a camera ticket? What are the repercussions for not paying?
P Queen,
Out-of-state residents are required to pay their red light camera tickets. If you don’t, a judgment can be entered against you which can impair your credit rating.
Matthew Weiss
I made a right on red but there was no “no turn on red” sign present. I read in a previous comment that you have to come to a full stop before making a right on red, is that true? I haven’t heard of that before. I slowed down to like 5mph and made sure there wasn’t any cars coming. Anyway, I want to get out of it, these damn cameras are a nuisance.
Bryan, if there is no sign prohibiting a right on red, you may turn right at a red light after making a complete stop in all areas of New York State except New York City (where rights on red are prohibited).
Slowing down to 5 mph is not helpful. Only those making a full stop (all 4 wheels stop moving) may legally make a right on red.
Matthew Weiss
I was riding a motorcycle with a group of 2 other riders. I was on the LIE service Rd, west bound. My tire was literally inches from the white line when the light turned red. 0.3 seconds after the light changed. The video shows another car behind me, not far behind. Of course I got the ticket. Is there no grey area here? No safety issues to consider?
Is there a standard as to how long the yellow light should be lit? I see an inconsistancy in times between intersections.
Would it be worth it for me to fight this ticket?
I understand a few states have deemed these cameras unconstitutional.
Bob,
Unfortunately, I don’t think you will beat this ticket if you fight it. Traffic lights should remain in the yellow phase for, at least, 2 to 3 seconds.
NY has not declared red light camera tickets un-constitutional (although you are free to advance this argument if you fight it).
Either way, good luck with it.
Matthew Weiss
Can you get a ticket if your front tires are passed the white line waiting to make a right turn even though you did not go through a red light?
Tony,
Great question. This is the type of ticket which I would fight. If the video shows you stopped (albeit slightly passed the cross walk), you should argue that you did not disobey the red light.
Good luck with this one.
Matthew Weiss
I just received a Suffok Red light violation – location: Route 110 @ Conklin Street, Farmingdale . it appears I made a right on red without stopping. This particular day I had my injured cat in his kennel in the car. if you look at the video I am at a consistent slow speed approaching the intersection and my car turns right as the light turns red. I feel this is so unfair, I know they dont know that I didnt stop and was going slow because of my injured pet, but they can clearly see I wasnt trying to speed to make the light, just cautiously turning. there are no signs, so I will take your advice as previously stated in your posts, to take pictures of the intersection. What do you think?
thanks!
Joannn,
Tough defense. Good luck (but don’t get your hope up).
Matthew Weiss
Hey There..So i got my first Red light camera snap at the Intersection of Rt 110 & Great Neck Road..BUT question being after watching the video repeadtedly the light changed Red ..as I crossed the intersection …literally with 0.4 of a second red time..here are the stats form the video:
Yellow Time: 4.2 sec Red Time: 0.4 sec
Are they kidding me? How could I have come to a safe stop without being hit from behind? Worth fighting or just pay the 50 and get on with life?
Matt,
Pay the $50. Believe it or not, four seconds for a yellow light is not unreasonable.
Fortunately, this ticket carries no points and will not affect your auto insurance rates.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
I just got a ticket for red light turning, the funny thing is that the photo shows half the car is already after the white line so the question is how soon they start taking the photo to get you?
Santo,
There should be a photo of your car before the crosswalk with the light red and a second photo of your car in the intersection with the light still red. If the first photo shows you half in already, you have a good defense (i.e., that I entered on a yellow), in my opinion.
Matthew Weiss
Just got one of these in the mail. My daughter made a right on red. So, some company in Colorado is trying to extort $50 from me.
I wrote and told them that I would NEVER pay the fine as it is total bullshit. I’ll let ya know how it turns out. I reccomend everyone fight rather than roll over.
There are constitutional issues here too. Like the right to face your accuser. You get tickets from cops, not machines.
Safety my ass. It’s revenue there’re after and the red light company gets part of the fine. That means it’s a scam foisted on us under the color of law. A scam is a scam no matter the color.
George,
Good luck and please let us know if you are successful. You are not the only one looking to try and beat a red light camera ticket.
Thanks
Matthew Weiss
I received red light ticket where after a full stop, which you can see on the captured photo, I made a right turn at the intersection (which is also shown at their photos), there was no sign “Right turn not allowed on the red light”. I am planning to fight it and bring photos of the intersection to proove it. Do I need to proove that the right turn on red light is allowed in Suffold County, and where I can find this information? Thank you very much.
Margot,
You do not have to prove that rights on red are permitted in Suffolk County (unless prohibited by sign) as the judge will know this already.
Make sure you came to a FULL STOP before fighting this ticket. All four wheels must cease moving before you can make the right turn.
Good luck fighting this one.
Matthew Weiss
I made a right on red at an intersection where there are NO signs- I make a right at that intersection everyday. The video shows my car and 2 others making a right on red. I am trying to fight the ticket. I mailed it in weeks ago and I got an overdue notice in the mail. Should I now mail that?
Alyssa,
If you made a right on red without completely stopping, then I wouldn’t bother fighting it. If you stopped fully, then give it a shot and include the lack of signage defense.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
ok but how much time do you have when the light turns yellow to red if you turn when it’s yellow and it changes to red?
Is there a camera light by 454 east left turning lane onto lakeland ave in Ronkonkoma and if so how much time do I have? I turned left on friday whne the light was yellow abd turning red will I get a ticket?
JH,
I do not know if there is a camera at this location but it is easy to figure out. Just look to see if they are any polls set about about 25 feet from the intersection (or at night, look for the flashes as the light changes).
Matthew Weiss
There are Red Light Cameras on the NSR and SSR of the LIE by Commack Road at both intersections. I exited off the LIE westbound going to my office and the person in front of me rolled thru the right hand turn to go northbound and the light flashed….that is a tricky corner, and you really do have to stop completely..so hes getting a ‘love letter’ i guess….also eastbound is very sensitive to the slightest over the line.
I am aware that a red light camera violation IS NOT a moving violation. However if you fight the violation does it then become attached to your driving record.
JD,
No. A conviction (either by plea or after trial) to a red light camera violation does not appear on your driving record.
Matthew Weiss
I use a Garmin GPS. I purchased a red light camera program to help warn me when I approach one. Its not perfect but it is a help when traveling out of state. Here in Suffolk County NY it has to be updated every week.
Have the cameras worked to reduce the amount of accidents at certain intersections – YES. The intersection of RT112 and Horseblock Road seems to have less major accidents. Not sure about minor rear end accidents due to people SLAMMING on their brakes.
When you update your list of red light intersections can you also list the GPS coordinates. They can then be entered into the GPS which uses an excel program.
It is a sad fact that this program has little to do with making us safer and lot to do with making us poorer and somebody else richer. Rear collisions are increased and people are trying to avoid these intersections not to feel like a horse in a photo finish as somebody else posted here. Contractors like Lockheed Martin are laughing all the way to the bank. Doesn’t a red light go on in your head when the plea you are sending goes to Denver, Colorado for Suffolk Country Red Light Safety Program ?
Matt,
Any luck fighting this in the Appellate courts based on the Fairfax Virginia brief. Does the California rulings of hearsay & admissibility of evidence hold any weight as precedence?
Can a direct challenge to the constitutional issues at hand be made to the attorney general?
Ralph,
Virginia and California law does not have any binding effect in New York. The arguments raised in these states could be used as persuasive authority, however.
When the constitutionality of a law is at issue, the Attorney General should be notified. However, I doubt that they will get involved in support of overturning red light camera tickets. If you try, please let me know what happens.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
I drive a handy cap bus with wheel chairs I go in places that have these red light camers I hope mdv understands that a bus cant not stop on a dime for these lights. With out making these wheel chairs fly across the bus and I also have to worrie about getting hit in the rear by another car/truck. Even if you go 30mph-45mph the back of the bus becomes a roll a coast . They really should be told about this. I think they have no conciderations for a handycap bus. All they want is the money. fred
Fred,
If the wheel chairs are flying across when you abruptly stop, I highly recommend that you get someone to secure them. This presents an even more dangerous condition.
Matthew Weiss
Rocky Point had a red light camera system installed in March 2011 at the junction of Rte. 25A and Hallock Landing (N) and Rocky Point Rd (S). This spot has east-west facing cameras that bag only violators traveling east-west along Rte 25A. It does not nab north-south violators. One day I decided to spend some time watching to see how it worked, which is when I discovered it ignored N-S offenders. I was impressed with its accuracy as even if a car went late through an orange and the light turned red before the vehicle was fully through the intersection, it ignored that vehicle. The flash tripped only if the car passed fully over the white line on a red. It nabbed a west facing offender turning right onto Hallock Landing after the light had turned red (it’s posted no right turn on red).
C Sanford,
Thanks for the info. With help like yours, we are building a comprehensive list.
After mapping out the locations of the Red Light cameras, they are basically concentrated HERE:
1- Along the LIE service roads…
2- Along Route 347 from the courts to Route 112….
3 – Along Route 112…
4- Along Route 25 from Nesconset to Coram
**IT FEELS LIKE IM DRIVING AROUND LONG ISLAND THROUGH BOOBY TRAPS!!! I DONT KNOW ABOUT THE REST OF YOU, BUT I AM GOING TO AVOID TRAVELING THESE SECTIONS OF ROADS FROM NOW ON! I THINK IM GETTING AN ULCER WORRYING ABOUT THESE TICKETS!! – STEVE
Red light camera is at interesection of Rt 112 and Woodside Ave (CR99) in Patchogue; Make sure you make a complete stop before turning right on red from Northbound 112 onto Woodside Ave (CR99)!
WTF,
Thanks for sharing this new location.
Another camera is up along Rt. 347 at Old Willets Path…. ..We will look back on this one day in the future and realize these cameras are the beginning of the end……….remember Colossus???
Steve, thanks for sharing this new location. You are right … it is hard to keep up with all the new red light camera locations.