Louisiana's Camera Tickets: Are They Legal?

In Louisiana, it is legal to use red light cameras and speed cameras to enforce traffic laws. These cameras are typically placed in specific areas, such as school zones or intersections, and are used to capture photos or videos of vehicles committing traffic violations. When a vehicle is caught on camera violating a traffic law, such as running a red light or speeding, the owner of the vehicle will receive a ticket, also known as a camera ticket or a photo/camera safety ticket, in the mail. While these tickets do not go on your driving record or affect your insurance rates, they can result in fines. It is important to note that the use of these cameras has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that they are a way for cities to generate revenue rather than improve safety.

Camera tickets are civil violations against the vehicle

In Louisiana, camera tickets are civil violations against the vehicle, not the driver. This means that the owner of the vehicle is liable, even if they were not driving at the time of the violation. Camera tickets are issued when a traffic camera captures a vehicle violating a traffic law. The most common types of traffic cameras are red light cameras and speed cameras. These cameras detect and record traffic violations, capturing the date, time, location, and vehicle license plate number.

Camera tickets are typically mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle and are not reported to the DMV or insurance companies. They do not go on your driving record and will not raise your insurance rates. While you can fight a camera ticket, it is generally more difficult and costly than simply paying the fine. This is because the ticket is handled by a city employee who acts as a hearing officer, and the court rules are different. If you fail to pay a camera ticket, the worst consequence is typically having your car booted or towed.

It is important to note that camera tickets are different from traffic tickets issued by police officers. Traffic tickets are considered more serious and can result in a warrant for your arrest or a suspended license if not addressed. It is generally recommended to hire an attorney to handle these types of tickets. Additionally, while camera tickets do not affect your driving record, multiple or unpaid tickets can result in your car being booted or towed.

To avoid camera tickets, it is advisable to be aware of the locations of intersections with photo ticket cameras and to be cautious when lending your car to others. Overall, while camera tickets in Louisiana are civil violations against the vehicle, it is important to take them seriously and address them in a timely manner.

They don't go on your driving record or affect insurance rates

Louisiana law allows for the use of red light cameras and speed cameras for traffic enforcement. These camera tickets are treated as civil violations against the vehicle, rather than the driver, and are not reported to the DMV or insurance companies. Therefore, they do not go on your driving record or affect your insurance rates.

Camera tickets are essentially a money-making scheme by the City of New Orleans and are much harder to fight than tickets issued by a police officer. This is because they are handled by a city employee acting as a hearing officer, who is not a judge, and the court rules are different. The best way to handle a camera ticket is to simply pay the fine on time and forget about it. However, if you do wish to fight the ticket, you can view the video or photo evidence online and check that your vehicle is clearly visible. You can also check if there was proper signage posted indicating the presence of a red light camera.

While camera tickets do not affect your driving record or insurance rates, it is important to note that unpaid tickets can result in your car being booted or towed. Additionally, if you lend your car to someone and they receive a camera ticket, you are liable for the consequences if the ticket goes unpaid.

You can fight a ticket if the camera wasn't working properly

Camera tickets are currently legal in Louisiana, though there is an ongoing legislative campaign against traffic enforcement cameras. Camera tickets are civil violations against the vehicle and do not get reported to the DMV or your insurance company.

If you want to fight a camera ticket, you can question whether the camera was working properly. In major cities in Louisiana, you can view the video of your infraction online. If the camera was not functioning properly, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed. You can also request the full maintenance records for the camera and the traffic light or speed-monitoring system to establish that they were regularly monitored and maintained. If their accuracy wasn't tested within a short period before your ticket was issued, the photo may be unreliable as evidence.

You can also argue that the photo or video evidence is inadmissible as hearsay. Hearsay is an out-of-court statement presented in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In some jurisdictions, a red light camera photo is considered hearsay.

Red light camera tickets can be up to $225 in Louisiana

Red light camera tickets in Louisiana can be expensive, with fines ranging from $150 to up to $225. Louisiana law permits the use of red light cameras in any parish or municipality, and these cameras are placed at intersections to catch red light violators. The use of these cameras is indicated by signs posted within 500 feet of the device.

If you are caught running a red light in Louisiana, you will typically receive a ticket in the mail, which includes a photo or short video of your license plate, the date and time of the incident, and the amount of time since the light turned red. While it is possible to fight a red light camera ticket, it can be challenging as the evidence is often solid. In some cases, however, tickets have been successfully disputed by demonstrating that the camera was not functioning properly, or that proper signage was not posted.

It is worth noting that red light camera tickets in Louisiana do not go on your driving record and will not affect your insurance rates. While there are currently no consequences for ignoring these tickets, such as license suspension, it is generally recommended to pay them on time to avoid late fees.

You can appeal a ticket if someone else was driving

Yes, it is possible to appeal a ticket if someone else was driving your car in Louisiana. Senate Bill 302, which was passed into law in May, makes it easier for motorists to appeal tickets issued by automated speeding or red-light cameras.

The new law requires that every municipality using handheld or stationary traffic cameras must give drivers a chance to appeal tickets. The appeal process must include a written citation of the alleged violation with a minimum of 15 days to respond, the ability to request a hearing before a traffic adjudication officer, and the ability to appeal the decision within 30 days. Citations must also include a section where the recipient can attest that they were not driving the car at the time of the violation.

While it is possible to appeal a ticket on the grounds that someone else was driving, it can be extremely difficult and costly to prove this defence. Camera tickets are civil violations against the vehicle, not the driver, so the owner of the vehicle is liable.

If you receive a camera ticket, it is usually simpler to just pay the fine and move on, as these tickets do not go on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, if you feel you have a strong case, you can fight the ticket by presenting your evidence with the help of a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions