Camera Tickets: Florida's Legal Viewpoint

Red light cameras are legal in Florida. These cameras are a traffic enforcement tool that captures video or photos of a vehicle after entering an intersection once the traffic lights turn red. If you receive a red light camera ticket in the mail, you might assume that the easiest thing to do is to pay the ticket. However, it is important to know that even red light camera tickets can be costly—both in terms of an initial fine, as well as the increased costs associated with points on your license. The fines for these tickets are quite high in Florida, and you will have to pay $158 for running a red light and receiving a red light camera ticket, and $262 if you do not pay the ticket after receiving your first notice.

Red light cameras are legal in Florida

Red light cameras are a photo enforcement technology that records drivers committing a red light violation. As a driver passes over a sensor in the intersection while the traffic signal is red, a camera is activated, taking pictures of the driver and their front license plate. After the violation is recorded, an enforcement program issues a citation, which is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The red light camera can also capture up to 12 seconds of video as further evidence of the crime committed.

The cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is typically $158, but this can vary depending on the county. If the ticket is not paid after the first mailed notification, the fee rises to $262.

While red light cameras are legal in Florida, some cities and counties have chosen not to use them to issue citations. It is recommended to check with your local city government to confirm the operation of red light cameras in your area.

You can contest a ticket in court

If you feel that your red light camera ticket was issued unfairly, you can contest it in court. Here's what you need to know about the process:

Review Your Violation Notice

Firstly, review the information on your violation notice. Red-light camera violations are typically assessed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Check the location of the camera, the date and time of the violation, and any photos or videos provided. This information can usually be accessed online using a web address provided on your notice.

Submit an Affidavit

If you weren't the one driving your car at the time of the violation, you can submit an affidavit to assert this. Download the affidavit form, either from the website where you viewed the violation details or by contacting the relevant agency. On the form, provide the name, address, birth date, and, if possible, the driver's license number of the person driving your car. If your car was stolen, attach a copy of the police report instead. Get your affidavit notarized and submit it before the due date on your violation notice.

Request a Hearing

To contest the violation, you'll need to request a local administrative hearing. Follow the instructions on your notice to make this request, and be aware that there may be additional costs involved. Each city or county has its own hearing request form, which can usually be downloaded online or included with your notice.

Assess the Evidence

Before your hearing, assess the quality of the photos or videos provided as evidence. If they are blurry or unclear, you can argue that it's not definitely your vehicle. Additionally, gather any evidence that supports your defense. For example, if you ran a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle, evidence of this could support your case.

Consult an Attorney

Consider consulting a traffic citation attorney, especially if you're unsure about any part of the process. While this may incur additional costs, an attorney can guide you through the process and improve your chances of getting the ticket dismissed. Most traffic citation attorneys offer a free initial consultation.

Attend Your Hearing

On the date of your hearing, arrive at court and present your case to the hearing officer. Stick to the facts and remain respectful. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions of anyone representing the city or county that issued the violation. After you've presented your case, the hearing officer will make a decision. If you are found guilty but disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal.

You must pay the fine within 30 days

Red light cameras are legal in Florida. If you receive a red light camera ticket, you must pay the fine within 30 days. The first notification, or Notice of Violation, is typically priced at $158 and does not add points to your driver's license. However, failure to pay the fine within 30 days will result in an increased fine of $262, court costs, and three points added to your driving record.

If you continue to ignore the citation, your license can be suspended, and you may have to pay higher fines and incur the cost of reinstating your driver's license. Therefore, it is essential to pay the fine within the specified timeframe to avoid these additional consequences and expenses.

If you believe that you were wrongfully cited, you have the option to contest the ticket. You can start by reviewing the information on your violation notice, which includes details such as the location of the camera, the date and time of the violation, and the web address where you can access the video footage. If you have valid grounds for disputing the ticket, you may choose to submit an affidavit, contest the violation, or appeal the administrative decision. However, keep in mind that defending against a red light camera ticket can be challenging, and you may benefit from seeking legal assistance from a traffic citation attorney.

Failure to pay the fine on time will result in a higher fine and court costs

In Florida, if you receive a red light camera ticket, you must pay the fine within 30 days of receiving the ticket. Failure to pay the fine on time will result in a higher fine, court costs, and three points being added to your driving record.

The usual cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158. If you do not pay the fine on time, the fee rises to $262. In addition to the increased fine, you will also incur court costs.

If you continue to ignore the citation, your license can be suspended, and you may have to pay even higher fines and incur the cost of reinstating your driver's license.

Therefore, it is important to pay the red light camera ticket on time to avoid these additional penalties and costs. If you wish to contest the ticket, it is advisable to hire a Florida traffic and speeding ticket lawyer to help you navigate the process and collect evidence to support your case.

You can hire a lawyer to fight the ticket

Red light camera tickets are issued when a vehicle is detected running a red light at an intersection equipped with automated cameras. The ticket is usually mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, and you can be fined anywhere from $50 to $1,000, depending on your driving record, state, and red light location. In Florida, the cost of a red light ticket is typically $158, rising to $262 if you don't pay promptly.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, you can hire a lawyer to fight it. Here's what to expect:

Submitting an Affidavit

First, review the information on your violation notice. If you weren't driving your car at the time of the violation, verify this by checking the location of the camera, the photos and video from the camera, and the date and time of the violation. Then, download an affidavit form, either from the website where you view the photos and video or from the agency that issued the ticket. On the affidavit, provide the name, address, birth date, and if possible, the driver's license number of the person driving your car. If your car was stolen, attach a copy of the police report to your affidavit. Get your affidavit notarized, and submit it before the due date on your violation notice.

Contesting the Violation

Next, follow the instructions on your notice to request a hearing. Assess the quality of the photos and videos provided as evidence. If they're blurry, you can argue that it's not clear that the car is yours. Gather evidence to support your defense, such as witness testimony or evidence from the scene. For example, you might argue that you ran the red light to clear the way for an emergency vehicle. Consult a traffic citation attorney, who can help you assess the strength of your defense and guide you through the legal process.

Appealing the Administrative Decision

If you're found guilty of the violation, you can appeal the hearing officer's decision. Identify the appropriate circuit court, and hire an attorney who specializes in appeals. File a notice of appeal and directions to the clerk within 10 days of the hearing officer's decision. Put together your record on appeal, including the original violation, photos, videos, and any evidence presented at your hearing. Draft your initial appellate brief, explaining why you believe the hearing officer's decision was wrong.

Hiring a lawyer to help you fight a red light camera ticket can increase your chances of getting the fine reduced or dismissed. They can guide you through the complex legal process and ensure that all deadlines and evidence requirements are met.

Frequently asked questions