Traffic Camera Tickets: Louisiana's Legal Loophole Explored

Traffic cameras are an increasingly common feature across the United States, and Louisiana is no exception. These cameras are used to detect traffic regulation violations, including speeding, red-light running, and unauthorized use of bus lanes. While some states have prohibited their use, Louisiana has legalized them, allowing for their use in any municipality or parish within the state. This has led to some controversy, with State Senator Alan Seabaugh launching a campaign against traffic enforcement cameras, citing concerns over constitutionality and the distribution of fine revenues. So, are traffic camera tickets legal in Louisiana?

Camera tickets are civil violations against the vehicle, not the driver

In Louisiana, camera tickets are civil violations against the vehicle, not the driver. This means that they are not reported to the DMV or insurance companies, and they do not appear on the driver's record. The ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, and while the ticket will include photo evidence of the violation, the image does not always clearly show the driver.

If you receive a camera ticket, it is important to act quickly. While these tickets do not carry the same weight as a ticket issued by a police officer, failure to pay can result in your car being booted or towed. While this is not as serious as an arrest or a suspended license, it can still be costly and inconvenient.

If you receive a camera ticket and you were not the driver, you can file a Declaration of Non-Responsibility. This is a sworn statement that the vehicle was not in your care, custody, or control at the time of the violation. However, this can be difficult and costly, and it may be easier to simply pay the ticket.

It is worth noting that camera tickets are much harder to fight than tickets issued by police officers. This is because they are handled by city employees, not judges, and the court rules are different. Additionally, mistakes are typically screened out before tickets are issued, so it is unlikely that there will be an error on your ticket.

Overall, while camera tickets in Louisiana are civil violations against the vehicle and not the driver, it is still important to take them seriously and act accordingly to avoid further consequences.

Camera tickets don't go on your driving record or increase insurance rates

If you've received a camera ticket in Louisiana, you may be worried about the consequences for your driving record and insurance rates. However, you can rest assured that camera tickets, unlike traditional tickets issued by police officers, do not go on your driving record or lead to increased insurance rates.

Camera tickets, sometimes called photo or automated enforcement tickets, are treated as non-moving violations in most states, including Louisiana. This means they are considered similar to parking tickets, tickets for expired registration, or tickets for a broken taillight. These types of violations do not result in points on your driver's license or any marks on your driving record.

While camera tickets can result in a fine, they typically do not affect your auto insurance rates. This is because camera tickets are generally issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, based on the license plate captured in the photo, rather than to a specific driver. As a result, the offense is tied to the vehicle's registration rather than the individual driver, and therefore does not impact insurance premiums.

It's important to note that this applies specifically to camera tickets and not traditional tickets issued by law enforcement officers. If you are pulled over by a police officer and issued a ticket for speeding or running a red light, this is considered a moving violation, which can have more serious consequences. Moving violations are typically added to your driving record and can lead to an increase in your insurance rates, depending on your state and insurer.

In summary, while camera tickets can result in a fine, they do not go on your driving record or directly increase your insurance rates. However, it's always a good idea to practice safe driving habits and follow the rules of the road to avoid any potential consequences or risks to your safety.

You can fight a camera ticket in court, but it's costly and difficult

While it is possible to fight a camera ticket in court, it can be costly and difficult. In Louisiana, photo and camera safety speeding or red light tickets are mailed to the owner of the vehicle and are different from tickets issued during a traffic stop by a law enforcement officer. These tickets do not go on your driving record and will not raise your auto insurance rates.

If you decide to fight a camera ticket in court, you will be shown the video of your vehicle incurring the infraction. Mistakes are usually screened out before the photo ticket enforcement letters are sent. However, there are several defences you can use to fight a camera ticket:

• If someone else borrowed your car when the ticket was issued, you cannot be prosecuted.
• If the photos included with your citation are blurry and your license plate is not clearly visible, it may be challenging to confirm that the car is yours.
• If there is no clearly identifiable photo of you in the driver's seat, you can argue that the prosecution cannot prove you were driving.
• If the camera was not functioning properly at the time of the alleged infraction, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
• If proper signage indicating the presence of red light cameras was not clearly posted, you may be able to get your ticket thrown out.

It is important to note that fighting a camera ticket in court can be costly, as you may need to hire an attorney to represent you. Additionally, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in getting the ticket dismissed. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the merits of your case and the potential costs involved before deciding to fight a camera ticket in court.

Red light camera tickets in Louisiana range from $150 to $225

Red light camera tickets in Louisiana can cost you a pretty penny, ranging from $150 to $225. This is a small price to pay, considering that running a red light can cause fatal crashes. In fact, red light cameras are placed at intersections to help reduce the number of such incidents.

If you receive a ticket in the mail, you can be sure that it is valid. The ticket will include information such as the date and time of the incident, as well as the amount of time since the light turned red. You can pay the fine online, in person, or by mail. While it may be tempting to ignore the ticket, doing so will only result in higher late fees.

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. However, if you choose to fight the ticket, be prepared for a challenge as the evidence against you is usually solid. You may want to consider hiring an attorney, especially if you have a good driving record that you want to protect.

To avoid getting a red light camera ticket in the first place, keep an eye out for signs indicating the presence of red light cameras. Louisiana law requires that such signs be posted within 500 feet of the camera. Knowing the locations of these cameras can help you be more cautious and avoid future tickets.

Louisiana law requires clear signage indicating the use of red light cameras

Louisiana law permits the use of red light cameras to monitor traffic violations, but it also requires clear signage to be posted within 500 feet of the device, indicating that drivers are under surveillance. This is to ensure that motorists are aware they are being monitored and can take extra care to abide by traffic rules.

The use of red light cameras is allowed in any municipality or parish within Louisiana, and these cameras are placed at intersections to catch red light violators. The cameras are linked to an automated ticketing system, which issues fines to those caught running a red light. Fines for such violations can range from $150 to $225, and while these tickets do not go on the motorist's driving record, they can be difficult to dispute due to the solid evidence against the offender.

The requirement for clear signage indicating the presence of red light cameras is, therefore, a crucial part of Louisiana law. This ensures that drivers are aware of the potential consequences of running a red light and can make informed decisions. It also provides a level of transparency and accountability in the enforcement of traffic laws, giving drivers the opportunity to be vigilant and avoid violations.

The signage must be clearly visible and placed within a reasonable distance of the camera, typically 500 feet, as specified by Louisiana law. This distance is considered appropriate to provide adequate warning to drivers and help them adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

Frequently asked questions