With New York expanding the red light camera program, a new industry for beating the red light camera tickets has been created. Please note that covering or coating a license plate is illegal in New York. However, according to the New York Post, roughly 31% of New York red light camera tickets are un-readable, it is safe to assume that this product is being widely used by some motorists.
The good news is that a red light camera ticket does not carry points and involves only a $50 fine. Contrast this to a red light ticket issued by a police officer which carries 3 points and a $280 fine plus $80 surcharge for a first offense.
The video below is a new report discussing different ways to avoid a red light camera ticket:
167 Comments. Leave new
Congratulations Suffolk County! You just helped me decide to NOT move to Suffolk county, as I was planning to do. This traffic camera thing is insane. It is purely a money making scam. It is also dangerous. The insurance companies, brake shops and autobody shops must love it.
Sunny,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are not alone about this issue.
Matthew Weiss
I received a red light violation in the mail today.
the vehicle in the photos isn’t mine, and when I dug a little deeper,
the plate is a maine HANDICAP plate, 65468 on a late model blue subaru
I briefly had maine ANTIQUE plate 65-468 on a black 78 dodge van
they have the wrong vehicle and person completely.
I have filed a complaint, but am curious what they can do to me if I don’t pay the fine at all.
David,
It sounds like you are not guilty. They cannot do anything to do you unless you are found guilty. If so, you will be fined.
Good luck! I hope you win.
Matthew Weiss
Received a letter from my car rental company saying that I got a speeding ticket in DC. Letter went on to say that they paid the ticket and I owe them. What happened to my right to have a hearing??? They plan on charging my charge car in 14 days. DC website says that once a ticket is paid it cannot be contested. I filed an appeal with the rental company. Waiting to hear what they have to say. Any suggestions???
Mac,
Read your lease agreement with the rental car company. I’m sure that it states that you are required to reimburse it in such circumstances (but of course check).
Matthew Weiss
Hi I live in Staten Island NY , I just received a speeding ticket from a camera. And I know that I wasn’t speeding because I always put on my cruise control on those side streets because of that. Can I fight this easily?
Tish,
This ticket is near-impossible to beat. I wouldn’t waste time trying but that’s your decision.
Matthew Weiss
I got red light (did not come to a complete stop) right on red tickett – I live in NJ – If I do not pay tickett can they suspend my license?
Joe Barile,
If you don’t pay, then it is possible that you get suspended, penalties imposed and/or your credit impaired. My advice is to answer or pay the ticket in some fashion.
Matthew Weiss
I live out-of-state and was in Suffolk County last year. In November, I received 2 tickets for failing to stop at a red light before turning right. In the state where I live, you don’t have to make a full stop before turning right on red. Can I make an argument that since nothing is posted to advise drivers to make a full stop on red before turning right, I should be given a break, or do you think it would be a waste of time.
Thanks for your help.
Fred Rooney,
Unfortunately, ignorance of the NY law is not a defense.
Matthew Weiss
I consider the Red Light Summons to be unconstitutional, as it presumes that the owner of the vehicle to be guilty first, who then must prove his innocence. It is the burden of the municipality to prove that the owner actually committed the violation. In the absence of a formal summons issued by a police officer, there is no proof that the owner was in fact driving the vehicle. The rules of evidence indicate that a violation was committed, however, there is no proof as to who the perpetrator was. The case should be dropped at that point.
I received a speeding ticket from a police officer about a year ago. I just went to court for it two days ago, and was told by the judge that any more tickets or infractions on my behalf may result in my license being suspended. Unfortunately, my daughter was driving my car today, and made a u-turn in the middle of the street. There was a traffic light about her head, but she says that she can’t recall if it was red or not. My question is: if I received a ticket in the mail for running the light (IF it WAS red) or the turn, or any other traffic violation, will my license be suspended? Or does that only hold true for tickets issued by police officers?
P.S. I also received a ticket in the mail for failing to make a complete stop at a red light before making a right turn about a year ago also… even though I DID stop. But that ticket, I just went down and paid. I never saw a judge for that infraction, but the judge did make mention of it when I went to court two days ago.
Leesa,
Your license will NOT be suspended for a ticket issued to your daughter.
Matthew Weiss
Well, my daughter didn’t actually RECEIVE a ticket form a police office or in the mail yet. I’m just worried as to if I DO get a ticket in the mail, if my license will be suspended. I read somewhere that in NY state that whoever the car is registered to is responsible for the ticket. In which case I’m worried that if I AM held responsible that the courts will get wind that I got another ticket, that my license will be suspended. I guess I’m a little paranoid lol! Or do I just go down, pay the fine, and be done with it. Also, how would they know that my daughter was driving the car as opposed to me?
Leesa,
I doubt that you’ll even get a ticket in the mail. If you do, you can contest arguing, among other things, that you were not the driver. You cannot be held responsible unless the prosecutor can prove that you were the driver.
Matthew Weiss
Wouldn’t that same logic apply to a Red Light Summons? Doesn’t the municipality have to prove that the owner was the driver?
Steven,
Because a red light camera conviction does not impact a person’s driver’s license, there is no requirement of prove the driver. Like a parking ticket, the owner is responsible for such violations.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
I received a speeding ticket in which two intersections turn yellow at the same time (lights are not phased). The camera focuses on the latter intersection. A driver will either get a speeding ticket, a red-light running ticket, or will run a high risk of getting rear ended by slamming on brakes at the first intersection. I prepared to contest in court to bring awarenes to the poor engineering (not necessarily to get out of paying) when I realized the hearing date was scheduled on a city holiday. I called the number on the ticket (vendor) which referred me to the city which then referred me to another number which then referred me back to the original number I called. I sent a request to reschedule to the email address on the ticket. The vendor responded by apologizing for the error and saying they would check with the city. On the date of the originally scheduled hearing, the city holiday (Lundi Gras, by the way), I paid the ticket since the ticket stated if no payment or contest was made by Feb 11, I risked impoundment. On Feb 18, I received a response from the vendor (after my follow up) stating since I paid the ticket, no hearing or appeal could be scheduled. I feel I have been denied a hearing which the city has added to the ordinances I am entitled to. What to do now? (Again, this is not about getting out of my ticket, it’s about the lack of integrity of this “safety program”.) Thanks for your insight.
PS The ticket says my vehicle was going 45 in a 35. It is my understanding that in New Orleans, traffic cameras begin issuing tickets at 10mph over the speed limit. (This may have changed recently however.)
The first intersection is not visible in any of the frames. What is visible are the illumination of the yellow traffic lights and the application of my SUV’s brake lights. My interpretation of the frames is that the driver was caught in the dilemma zone and felt the safer choice was to temporarily speed up to make it through both intersections and then slow back to 35mph as opposed to slamming on brakes, risking a collision. Google maps shows the distance between the two intersections as being 170 feet.
Amber,
I am not licensed to practice law in New Orleans and do not know how the speed camera system works there. In fact, New York doesn’t even have speed cameras (yet). I therefore cannot be of any help but wish you the best in resolving this matter successfully.
Matthew Weiss
I received a red light citation in the mail for allegedly making a right on red without stop. I am usually very good about coming to a full stop, while I have no recollection of this particular incident I have no reason to believe that I did not come to a full stop. Upon viewing the video, I question whether it is a fair and accurate depiction of the event. In the video, the red light is not steady but pulsating. The same is true for another red light across the intersection but in the field of view and the movement of the vehicles in the video. Accordingly I question the accuracy of the video feed. Have you ever seen this before and is it worth going to a hearing?
Michael,
I’ve never seen one of these at a “pulsating light”. Perhaps, the pulsating is due how the video is shown. I would bet that it doesn’t pulsate when you view the original at your trial.
Good luck, however,
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matt, In “real life” the light is not a pulsating one. It is a regular steady red. That’s why I am questioning the accuracy of the video feed because not only is my light pulsating but others in the field of view. Would just showing that the video can not be an accurate depiction be enough to have it thrown out?
Michael,
I see. I haven’t seen the video but, from what you describe, you may have something here. If the video doesn’t fully show the offense, you should win.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I received a ticket in the mail for making a right on red without a full stop. Difference is, I have official plates and may just have been on my way to an emergency that I can’t prove. Would it be worth going to court and pleading for professional courtesy with a clerk?
Roger,
In my opinion, your “professional courtesy” plea will not do anything. The prosecutor will enforce the law and not give a break for such a thing.
Matthew Weiss
I was wondering what happens if you set up a company or LLC through which you purchase the car? The car is then registered in the name of the company instead of an individual. How does that affect the ticket process or the challenge in court? (if at all)
Brad,
Tickets are issued to the driver under this license number. The registrant is irrelevant for most tickets. Two exceptions are violations for no insurance and suspended registration.
Matthew Weiss
My red light camera ticket clearly shows that the nose of my car was in the cross walk when the light turned red. So, I continued.
Exactly where is the point where I am in violation (or not)?
If you feel that I have “entered the intersection,” can I fight this via the mail response or do I need to go to court to really get a fair response?
Robert,
It sounds like this is a close call. If you have the time, you should fight this ticket. You’ll need to appear in person, however.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
How can it be legal for NYS or any state to have an unpaid red light ticket put on your credit report especially if you weren’t the driver? Isn’t that extortion? In regard to it being illegal to coat your license plate in NYS…You know what I say to NYS about that? If they can violate every American’s Constitutional rights with their red light cameras, i wouldn’t think twice about coating my license plate. I don’t run red lights but it burns me up when I hear that somebody got a ticket when making a right on red because they didn’t stop for 3 seconds.
Mike,
The owner is liable to pay such tickets. Therefore, non-payment of such a ticket can be used to impair the owner’s credit rating.
Coating a license plate in NY is illegal.
Matthew Weiss
I found out i got a red light traffic ticket from the nyc system and currently i m living nyc, but i have never receive the ticket by mail.(btw i have missouri plate and michigan license.) so i just ignored it and now i ceck it agian,the ticket went up to $75 and it showed “in judgement”. so what happen if i dont pay it?
Wayne,
If you don’t pay, additional penalties could be imposed and your credit rating could be impaired. I therefore recommend that you pay it.
MattheW Weiss
Since I have a out state license and plate, are they going to contact missouri or michigan to suspend my license or registration if failure to pay?
Wayne,
I’m sorry but don’t know the answer to this question. It is possible.
Matthew Weiss
Here in Maryland I fought a camera ticket with the sixth Amendment argument and won!! I got the actual officer on the stand and MADE him admit that the evidence was hearsay. I received the ticket (actually my wife was in my car) for a Sunday night. I asked if the officer was working that night to veiw the allegation directly. He said ,”No.” I asked how he came to view the “alleged” infraction. He said it was forwarded to him. I asked who had forwarded it to him and he refused to answer. So I said, “Did a Technician from ACS (part of a private/ public partnership. ) forward you the e-mail?” He said “Yes.” ( He only said ‘Yes’ after I showed him the public information documents I received.) “So officer Tribbett, was your knowledge of this alledged event communicated through a second or perhaps even third party?” He screwed himself already. Are you “certifying and attesting” to information communicated to you out of court officer Tribbett? I asked around that same theme for a few minutes and watched him squirm. Bear in mind that he had already attested that he had view and certified the alledged incident. All he certified to in the end was that the machine was in working order. I also brought in “proof” that the driver could not have been going 58 in a 40 zone. In Maryland “Work Zone” speed limits are always 50MPH. Tickets are $40 with no points. Several other people in my office have used the same argument with the same public information documents and won. Perhaps Maryland courts recognize or interpret the sixth amendment a different way. Go figure. Totally worth it to watch the bastard squirm and to see the judge come to his defense. Matthew, I would love your opinion please.
RJP,
Congratulations!! I always enjoy hearing successful stories from motorists who enforce their rights. I haven’t heard any incidents where this argument hasn’t been successful in New york (yet). In fact, in New York City, hearsay evidence is admissible at the Traffic Violations Bureau. Yes, that’s right hearsay is admissible in this administrative court.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Matthew Weiss
I recently received a red light notice with three photos. The first was a close up of my License Plate, the second was a rear view photo which does show a red light, however it is not clear as to whether or not the front of my vehicle was already over the stop line or not and the third photo clearly shows that I passed through the intersection. Ironically I had just attended a safe driving course and the instructor stated that you can contest a red light photo if there is no “Front View” photo evidencing your vehicles position relative to the stop line. Is this true and should I contest the ticket by mail?
Jordan,
Feel free to contest the ticket but I doubt that you will beat it. At your hearing, the judge can pull out a video which likely will show you diosbeying the light.
With that said, you have nothing to lose (other than your time) by fighting it.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Thanks for the advise.
The notification does not have a link to view the incident. Is there a website that you know of that I can go to to view it?
Jordan,
I’m sorry but do not have such a link. Try a Google search.
Matthew Weiss
I got a summons in Queens, NY for going through a red light. When i started to make the left turn, the light was on amber. But the time i turn completely, the light turned red. What are my chances of beating this ticket? This is my first offence.
Sheryl,
It is impossible to predict your chances for success. In Queens, there is no plea bargaining in traffic court. it is “all or nothing”. With that said, you have nothing to lose by fighting it (i.e., the points and fine remain the same if you plead guilty, or fight it and lose).
BTW, a disobey red light ticket carries 3 points and, for a first offense, a $250 fine.
Matthew Weiss
I appreciate the level-headed advice. I’m a lawyer for NYS who got a $50 no-point Notice of Violation after just passing through the City on my way back to Albany from LI. My gut reaction was that the City had no authority to adopt this purported local law in the first place, and my emotions told me to fight the injustice. But after reading your responses to these posts, and “hearing” your calm voice of experience, I accept that contesting the charge would be futile and would bring me far more than $50 worth of aggravation. Thank you for saving me untold hours of grief.
Joe G,
Thanks for your kind remarks.
I’m happy my advice was helpful in saving you time and aggravation.
Matthew Weiss
I have about 6 unpaid red light tickets I believe all in Nassau & 1 in Suffolk.
I have 4 others that drive the vehicles who are all registered to me. I know since they are all registered to me, it’s my liability. Do you think I can plea bargin the amount owed do to my circumstances of multiple people driving my vehicles? (Everybody says “It wasn’t me”)… as I thought they would say…lol.
Thanks for your help in advance, Mark.
Mark,
If you (or your NY traffic ticket lawyer) appears in the Nassau County Traffic Court, you may be able to negotiate a reduction that saves you points and fine money.
There is likely nothing that you can do about reducing the Suffolk County fine. That court has a different system which makes it near impossible to do anything after you have a default judgment entered against you.
Matthew Weiss
At the white line the light turned yellow. Traffic was moving at a steady pace so rather than slam on my brakes and cause the car in back of me to hit me or have my nose stick out in the intersection…I went through it. As I was going through the intersection the light turned red. The next day I went to the intersection and noticed that the timing on the yellow light was about 2 seconds (not enough time to get through this large intersection). It has since been fixed to be on a longer delay. The cop said he had it on camera. Do I have a chance of winning?
Robin,
Although these tickets are hard to beat, you have a chance. Plead not guilty and give it your best shot.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
While driving south bound on Steinway Street recently, I came to a stop at a red light at Northern Blvd in Queens – a known red light camera location. Both the north bound and south bound side of the street have 2 lanes of traffic at this point and I was in the right lane with the option of turning right onto Northern Blvd or remaining south bound. With 1 car in front of my vehicle, the light turned green and I continued south bound. The motorist in front of me was waiting to turn right and a mini bus to my left (in the left lane) cut me off while also making a right west bound onto Northern Blvd. Both autos had to yield to pedestrians and my view of the traffic signals was obstructed by the mini bus, which didn’t matter as I was already in the intersection. When the mini bus (Acces-a-Ride btw) finished the turn, the light was red. What do I do?
Tom,
There is nothing that you can do. If you receive a red light camera ticket in the mail, then you can pay it or fight. Hopefully, you won’t get one.
Matthew Weiss
I received I red light ticket in the mail and it has 3 pictures :
1-my liscense plate
2- my car before the white line (brake lights on) and the light is red
3- my car making a right turn and the light still red
A couple of questions:
*Can i make an argument that it wasn’t enough evidence to proof that I didn’t make a complete stop before I turn right ( no right turn signal sign posted)?
*does the video really exist?
You guys are lucky paying $50 for the ticket …in Missouri we pay $100 for a red light camera ticket
Sammy,
My answers follow each questions.
*Can i make an argument that it wasn’t enough evidence to proof that I didn’t make a complete stop before I turn right ( no right turn signal sign posted)? No, that is sufficient in my experience.
*does the video really exist? Videos are made in some counties. It depends where your ticket was issued. When you get the ticket, you will get a link to view the video (if any).
You guys are lucky paying $50 for the ticket …in Missouri we pay $100 for a red light camera ticket. I’ll bet that the fines for these tickets will go up.
Matthew Weiss
I received a red light ticket in the mail approx. 3 months ago. I did not pay the $50 fine. The next notice I received was the same ticket info, but this time the fine increased to $75. I have since lost the ticket/letter. PLEASE point me in the right direction-I have looked on the Internet for the appropriate website so I can pay this fine once & for all, & before it’s $250! I have had no luck-all the sites that are suggested are “lawyers to fight red light fines”-but no sites that allow you to just fess up & pay.
Also, is there anything I can say that would waive the late fees?
Please advise. THANK YOU!! -Cindy M.
Cindy,
You won’t have to pay more than $25 in late fees. Currently, this is the only extra charge imposed for late payment. In terms of paying the ticket, it depends where your received the ticket (i.e., NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Yonkers). Just do a Google search for red light camera with the proper location and you’ll get the information you need.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
I made a right on red i did not come to a complete full stop, but the flash went off before i crossed the white lane. When the flash goes off picture is taken – right? Do i have a chance to fight this ticket?
Rick,
Yes, the flash indicates that a photograph is being taken. It doesn’t sound you have much of a defense to this ticket. Fortunately, it carries 0 points and no negative insurance consequences.
Matthew Weiss
Thanks Matthew for the advice! But why was the picture taken before I crossed the white line?
Rick,
Usually, a photo is taken before you cross the line (with the light red) and, then, a second photo is taken after you cross the line (again with the light red).
Matthew Weiss
Please tell me if you think I have any chance of fighting this…
I pulled up to a red light and was behind one other car. I came to a complete stop behind this other car. The car in front of me made a legal right on red, and then I did the same. I could obviously see the path was clear but I suppose I didn’t stop exactly at the line since I saw the path was clear and the car in front of my already turned. Thank you.
Joe,
I don’t think you have a chance to beat this red light camera ticket. You cannot make a legal “right on red” unless you car comes to a complete stop in the appropriate place. When you get the ticket, look up video of your maneuver to double check whether it was done properly.
Matthew Weiss
I received a red light “ticket” in the mail recently however from the looks of the photo you can clearly see my car stopped with brake light lit as well. 1.3 seconds show the car at a distance and through the intersection (light is red) Is this disputable ? Also, where can I see the video?
Thanks for the help Matt.
Larry
Larry,
The notice that you received should contain a link to watch the video of yourself. If it confirms that you did not run the light, the fight the ticket.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi. I received a red light camera ticket in the mail and noticed something odd when I watched the video online. According to what’s written on the back of my ticket as well as the actual website, “the red light safety camera is only active when the traffic light is red, not when the light is green or yellow.”
However, when I looked at the video they shot of my car, the light was yellow first and then it turned red. What they stated is a complete lie! The camera is on your vehicle before the light even turns red.
And yes, I did pass the red light because I was driving fast (since the light was yellow at first and I thought I could make it) and even though it turned red, I didn’t want to stop suddenly because my car wouldn’t be able to handle it well.
Can I fight this and win?
Hava,
You can, of course, fight this ticket. They are very hard to beat, however, so I am not optimistic about your chances.
Matthew Weiss
Here’s the situation: Rt 112 & LIE. Light was already red as I pulled out of the gas station and into the center lane to wait for the green to proceed eastbound. Towards the end of the red-light cycle, the front of my Dad’s car (which I don’t drive as much and has a very long front end) crept over the hold line a few inches. I saw a flash – I think it was a single flash.
My questions are:
Are tickets generally issued for a motorist who has been stopped for the entire red light but is too close to or slightly over the white line at some point (after making a complete stop)? If a photo was taken, is this type of situation subject to review or an automatic ticket?
And, is a single flash merely a warning flash? (I read that someplace.)
Thanks in advance.
Joe,
The flash does not mean that you will get a ticket. These devices routinely flash without someone disobeying the light. You’ll have to wait and see. If you get a ticket, you should review the photo to see if it depicts you running a red light (or not).
Matthew Weiss
Thank you Matthew for the quick response and for your very interesting, informative and helpful blog.
Any chance of beating a red light camera ticket at all? I made a right on red at a corner where right on red’s are legal. Although I did use my brakes, I never came to a complete stop and rolled through to make the right turn (it was early on a Saturday morning with no other cars on the road). The video shows my brake lights on but no full stop. Any chance of winning in court?
Mark,
These ticket are VERY hard to beat. The video doesn’t lie.
Here, you admittedly didn’t make a full stop, and therefore I doubt you’ll beat it.
Matthew Weiss
I made a right on red on northern blvd coming from a shopping plaza in nassau county how much will the fine be, I did not see the sign No Right on red, I thought it was ok to make a right on red.. Besides my newborn crying and toddler screaming, I saw a flash so I came back to where I made the turn and saw the sign… Can I try and tell the judge?or just pay can it be reduced? How much will it be?
Adri,
Just pay it. The fine should be $50.
Matthew Weiss
Matt,
This weekend I was driving a rental car in Queens (I am from Charlotte, NC) and got the famous camera flash at an intersection crossing. Is there a way to know (using the license plate or some other means) if I got the ticket before I actually get the mail ?
Guru,
You have to wait for the mail.
Matthew Weiss
My son is 161/2 he got 2 tickets one is for not putting signal for changing lane and the other one is he was driving on the right side of the street and he wanted to make a left turn to go to a gas station on the other side of the street (that is legal) he cut the double yellow line and half way the cop stopped him and gave him a ticket for driving on the wrong side of the street and my other son that is 171/2 was in the car with him after this my son is so scared that he does not want to drive anymore.
Please, it is so expensive How can i fight it?
Thanks
Sandra
kohanims@gmail.com
Sandra,
Your son should plead not guilty and fight these tickets because, together, they carry 5 points
How your son fights these tickets depends on in which court his case is pending. Feel free to call us to discuss.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I received a photo red light ticket in the mail. A mechanic was driving the car and I have the receipt to prove it. Am I still liable for the ticket?
Frederick,
Unfortunately, you are liable as the owner. I recommend that you have your mechanic pay it.
Matthew Weiss
What happens if I turn in my license plate and exchange it for a new one (I realize I will have to pay the fee for a new license plate). What happens to any unpaid red light traffic tickets issued to my old license plate?
John,
That won’t help you. You remain liable as the registered own of the plate when the violations were issued.
Matthew Weiss
I received a red light ticket from an officer in Nassau county ny at 2 am the officer was in the intersection in back of me .. I had gone thru right into my driveway officer turns his lights on in my driveway and writes me a summons is there anyway to fight this
Mohammad,
Yes, there are many ways to fight this ticket. Call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
I received a mail “Notice of Liability” from the NYC Dept of Finance regarding a camera red light violation in the Bronx that occurred two months ago. Since I am an out-of-state Pennsylvania resident with a Pennsylvania registered vehicle, what is the worst that can happen if I ignore this notice? I am not a frequent visitor to NY but do find it necessary to fly out of JFK on occasion. Thankfully, PA has not stooped to the level that NY has in extorting money from its citizenry in an unholy alliance with private industry.
George,
As an attorney, I cannot advise you to ignore this ticket. You are legally responsible to pay it (even though you are an out-of-state resident).
If you do not pay it, a civil judgment against you will eventually be entered which could hurt your credit rating. Also, late fees and interest will be imposed. I would also assume that NYC could tow your vehicle if they see it parked, and could report your non-payment to PA.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew Weiss
I was in NYC in June and driving a rental vehicle. This week I got a letter in the mail from the rental company stating that my credit card was charged $80 ($50 fine + $30 admin fee) for a camera red light violation that was incurred during the time the rental was in my possession. Is it legal for the rental company to pay my fine and then charge me without consulting me first? This seems like a complete violation of my rights to due process. I was never given the chance to contest the ticket and my credit card has already been charged. Should I dispute this charge?
Hal,
I would bet that contractually it has the right to pay it and seek reimbursement. You therefore need to review your rental car agreement.
Matthew Weiss
I received a ticket on September 17th for a red light violation that took place on August 3rd. The picture and video show the light was red for only .1 seconds when my car went through. Do I have any basis for fighting this ticket?
Andrew,
Red is red even if it .1 seconds. So, regretfully, I don’t think you’ll beat this one.
Matthew Weiss
I recently received a red light ticket making a right on red. I paid it without looking into it. I was recently driving in the same area and realized there is no ‘No Turn On Red’ sign at this intersection. I should not have been ticketed! Right? Any way to get my money back? I’m doubtful…
Kari,
Even if there isn’t a “No Turn On Red Sign”, you likely got this ticket for failing to come to a complete stop. Either way, I agree that you chances are getting your money back are doubtful. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Matthew Weiss
Red light camera tickets now include a $15 admin fee. Does anyone know what happens if I don’t pay that but do pay the $50 fine?
DSN,
In Nassau County, they charge the $15 “administrative fee”. It must be paid to avoid a suspension of your driver license.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew: Have paid for two of these tickets for “violations” in Nassau County, New Yorkalready.
Just received a third in the mail from Nassau County, NY in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The two paid went to Nassau County, NY in Tempe, Arizona
Have also eben told by a brother in Florida that his state foudn these lights to be unconstitutional (He is a federal employee), and that other states have found similar.
Two of mine have been at the exact same interesction and damn near the exact same photos!
Are these unconstituional and how do I contest this latest with intelligence and teeth?
Thank You,
Francis McEvoy
Long Island (Wrong Island), NY
Francis,
As of the writing of this comment, red light cameras have not been found unconstitutional in New York.
Keep in mind that there haven’t been many challenges. My guess is that an appellate court would be hard-pressed to find this practice illegal but you never know.
Matthew Weiss
I actually got a red light ticket issued to a cop in Nassau County. If I’m going to get 3 points on my license, is this something I can fight in court by myself? If so, I’m wondering what involves requesting a supporting deposition. Can someone please explain what I should probably do? Thank you
Joey,
This ticket carries 3 points and is definitely worth fighting. You can plead not guilty and check the box on the back of the ticket asking for a supporting deposition. Your prospects for success depend on a few variables including the court in which you case is pending. You can try and do yourself. But, if you want a free consultation, feel free to call us.
Matthew Weiss
Red Light Cameras are nothing more than extortion rackets played upon the public. I don’t CARE about all of your hyper emotional reactions to “CHILDREN” getting killed by cars, IRRELEVANT, what is relevant is that these cameras are breaking numerous laws,
1. They’re public / private partnerships = fascism
2. They violate the sixth amendment of the constitution
3. They’re extortion rackets
4. A private business (Red light camera companies) have no business giving out tickets to citizens ever, especially when they aren’t even in the same state as the person who they’re giving the ticket to and I repeat have no jurisdiction or authority to give YOU a ticket.
This is a scam, and the American people are being rolled over once again. Drop the ridiculous hyper emotional irrationality and start thinking about what the world is going to look like in the next ten years….more wars? More private corporations extorting you for ticket fees?
Hi Franco,
You are absolutely right! But the problem is that nobody does anything about it! Where are our Lawyers in this country when we need them??
For an example my wife and I and some friends came into New York on a Sunday afternoon two weeks ago to see a show and patronize the theater district. What should have been a special afternoon was ruined before it started. I have always taught my children that the NYC police were the best, that they are helpful and friendly to tourists. I am deeply disappointed by this experience.
I started to turn left from Broadway into 47th Street. I then saw the sign and realized that this was an illegal turn. When I tried to straighten out and continue on Broadway, I could not because there was a police car very close behind me blocking my way, so that I had no choice but to continue on to 47th St. I was a bit surprised to see over 10 police officers surrounding my car like a swat team right after I turned the corner, especially when I had been forced to make the turn by a police car which was blocking me. After I received the summons and parked my car in a nearby garage I went back to the intersection of Broadway and 47th Street and watched the officers ticketing many other drivers using the exact same tactics. Once a car started to make that left turn a police car would block that car in so the driver could not correct their course. The police were trapping motorists, and then pouncing upon them. When we returned to the garage hours later, a large group of officers were still standing about without much traffic to ticket. So much for patrolling Broadway and assisting tourists.
I think this is an awful way for a major city like New York to generate revenues.
This stuff is going on everywhere!!! When will it stop??? And where will this lead???
When you approach a light that is green in NY it changes to yellow for about two to three blinks and switches to red. Pow, you are just about leaving the intersection and there you have it – a ticket in the mail for one day’s salary. Who got hurt? Honestly, those cameras make me slow down on approaching a green line and just maybe, I’ll have to stop. That is dangerous when some one is behind you…
Sean,
Red light cameras are a huge profit source. Each intersection with cameras raises about $3 million a year. They are here to stay and don’t be surprised if they raised the $50 fine in the near future.
Matthew Weiss
If you are accused of something, albeit by electronic means, you have the right to insist on a hearing by a judge. Incidentally, these tickets will also prove less profitable and more of a thorn in the side of judegs and court officials if everyone requests all the judicial options available – insist on the hearing with a judge! It’s your right and, if every case has to be given full serious consideration, the government will cease to see these tickets as quick, no contest, no work, easy money generators. They may even have to offer some sort of proof of the calibration of these cameras, which right now they don’t. The court system tries to deter you from meeting with the judge by offering upteen “opportunities” to just pay or watch the video and pay. The only true opportunity is through a hearing with the judge and large scale demand for calibration documentation provided the accused prior to the hearing.
Ann,
Great post. Thanks for sharing these ideas.
Matthew Weiss
Here in NJ, if you lose in court, which you will, the fine is doubled. They have you coming and going.
Ron,
All I can say is “OUCH!”. Thanks for posting.
Matthew Weiss
I tell you what, we had 3 kids last month get killed in my area by people running a red light. Pay the price for running the red light and move on. The parents of these kids paid the ultimate price. So if someone gets punished for running a red light, boohoo.
Bryan,
In my opinion, disobeying a red light is one of the single most dangerous moving violations of the books. Drivers rely on a green light to signal it i safe to enter an intersection. If someone ignore a red light, it places safe drivers in peril.
Matthew Weiss
To all you people who think running a red light is dangerous. It’s unawareness that makes running a red light dangerous. Unawareness can make running a green light dangerous, for instance, if you do not see the one running the red light. A green light does not guarantee safety and it’s the general unawareness of the population that causes red lights to be put on every single corner creating traffic problems. How do I know this? From my own experience, and to disarm your argument, NY State says I am a good driver. How do I know this? I get my car insurance through the state. So take your argument and knock yourself over the head with it.
William, thanks for your unique perspective.
yes that is true.. but still that’s why we have cops.. pay cops less and higher more of them then.. power to the people.. Get rid of
of traffic cameras!
BEATING RED LIGHT CAMERAS IS A NO BRAINER!! HEARSAY EVIDENCE IS
NOT ADMISSIBLE IN CRIMINAL CASES (AND ALL TRAFFIC CASES ARE TRIED
UNDER CRIMINAL STATUTES). WHY HEARSAY? THE SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES YOU THE RIGHT TO CONFRONT THE WITNESSES AGAINST YOU. WITNESS, BY DEFINITION, MUST (REPEAT MUST) BE LIVING BEINGS AND INTELLIGENT AND OLD ENOUGH TO ANSWER
AND RESPOND TO QUESTIONS (BLACKS LAW DICTIONARY). THE RED LIGHT
CAMERAS ARE NOT LIVING BEINGS, AND CANNOT RESPOND TO QUESTIONS, AND SO ON. SO WHY IN HELL ARE SO MANY LOWER COURTS RULING IN FAVOR OF THE RED LIGHTS AND AGAINST THE LITIGANTS WHO CHALLENGE THE TICKETS??? THE JUDGES ARE VOTING FOR THEIR OWN
SALARY INCREASES EVERY TIME THEY RULE AGAINST SUCH A LITIGANT. EITHER THAT OR THEY ARE IDIOTS WHO HAVE NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAYS. THEY SWEAR AN OATH TO UPHOLD AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION THEN SHOW CONTEMPT FOR THAT SACRED DOCUMENT EVERY TIME THEY RULE AGAINST A RED LIGHT CAMERA LITIGANT. THEY ARE TOO STUPID TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE SIXTH AMENDMENT REALLY SAY AND MEANS. I REPEAT WHAT I SAID ABOVE, FOR EMPHASIS: RED LIGHT CAMERA PHOTOS ARE HEARSAY EVIDENCE, AND THEREFORE CANNOT (REPEAT CANNOT) BE USED AS EVIDENCE AGAINST YOU. THE TRICK IS TO FIND AN APPEAL COURT WHICH KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS BOTH HEARSAY RULES OF EVIDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION AND THAT IS TOTALLY HONEST. TRAFFIC COURTS
ARE MERELY MONEY MACHINES THAT ALWAYS (REPEAT ALWAYS) RULE
AGAINST THOSE WHO PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO TRAFFIC TICKETS, ESPECIALLY THOSE, LIKE MYSELF, WHO HAVE THE LEGAL SKILLS TO
REPRESENT THEMSELVES IN COURT (PRO SE OR IN PRO PER).
WHAT IS NEEDED ARE MASSIVE CLASS ACTIONS, IN EVERY STATE, TO
STOP THIS ABUSIVE, UNCONSTITUTIONAL USE OF RED LIGHT CAMERAS
TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (TAX COLLECTING IF
YOU WILL). BY THE WAY, RAISING MONEY BY THREATS AGAINST YOU
IS CALLED EXTORTION. EXTORTION IS A CRIME, IN EVERY STATE IN
THE UNION!!
JOHN JAY
Voice of Truth
Paparalegal eagle
Oxnard, CA
Pictures and videos aren’t hearsay. Hearsay is “an out of court statement” used to “prove the truth of the matter asserted.” What does a picture “state”? What is “asserted”? Nothing — pictures are observations.
Assuming someone properly authenticates the pictures (either an eyewitness to the event or someone with personal knowledge of the camera’s proper functioning), at most, you have an objection under the best evidence rule. But if someone properly authenticates the photo, you will almost certainly lose an objection under the best evidence rule.
I just received a red light camera ticket in the mail today. This is the 2nd one I have received and I live in New York. I want to know if this will effect my record whatsoever in terms of points or anything?
Maui,
No, red light camera tickets do not affect your license or your auto insurance rates.
I don’t run red lights, and don’t mind the cameras however there flawed or rigged. In New York, it’s a code violation so if was mailed a ticket, I would just ignore it. So what if it goes into collections, who cares? The banks don’t loan out credit like they used to, and if you dispute it with collections, you should be able to keep it off your credit report.
Johnny,
A word to the wise: If you don’t pay your red light camera ticket, you could have your registration suspended or having troubling renewing it.
How do you beat a red light ticket? NYC yellow lights are so much shorter than other Long Island yellow lights.
Alexalexander,
If it is a red light camera ticket, then don’t bother fighting it. Such tickets are 0 points and carry a $50 fine. However, if it is a red light ticket issued by a police officer, then this ticket carries 3 points and roughly a $250 fine for a first offense. Those tickets we do recommend fighting so keep your driver license as clean as possible, avoid paying other monies and a possible auto insurance increase.
In terms of fighting the moving violation-type of red light tickets, how you approach it depends on the court. For New York traffic tickets pending at the Traffic Violations Bureau (New York City, most of Suffolk County, Rochester and Buffalo), there is no plea bargaining. Such cases can only be dismissed by pleading not guilty and winning at a hearing. Here is an article which I wrote on Fighting a Traffic Ticket at the Traffic Violations Bureau.
In contrast, if your red light ticket is pending any other traffic court, you can plea bargain. That is, plead not guilty and then conference the case with the prosecutor. At that time, you often will be offered a reduction to a lesser charge in exchange for pleading guilty to the more favorable offer. With a 3-point red light, we always try to get our clients a 0 point ticket of some type (i.e., parking ticket, equipment violation or seat belt ticket). There are no 1-point violations in New York, so if you cannot get a 0-point ticket, the next best thing is a 2-point ticket. A 3 to 2 reduction isn’t great in most circumstances and often we’ll go to trial if that is the best offer we can get.