Colorado Camera Tickets: Do You Have To Pay?

Do you have to pay a camera ticket in Colorado? The short answer is yes. In 2023, Colorado passed a law stating that when a citation is sent to the registered owner of a vehicle by first-class mail, it has been served. This means that, even if the ticket was sent to an old address or you didn't receive it, you are still required to pay. However, there are ways to dispute the ticket, such as providing evidence that you weren't the one driving or demonstrating that the citation was sent in error.

You have to pay the ticket within the given timeframe

If you receive a ticket from a red light camera or a photo speed van in Colorado, you are expected to pay the ticket within the given timeframe. The timeframe to respond to the citation is 30 days for Colorado residents and 60 days for those registered outside the state. If you do not pay the fine within the time period specified on the citation, you may be personally served with a copy of the citation, which will include a date for you to appear in court. This means a process server will track you down and physically hand you the documents. If this occurs, the municipality can charge you for the cost of personal service.

If you do not respond to the personally served citation, a default judgment could be entered against you and the citation may be sent to a debt collector. The fines for a red-light camera violation are set at a maximum of $75, while the fines for a photo speed van violation are a maximum of $40, but this amount can be doubled if in a school zone.

It is important to note that you have to pay the ticket within the specified timeframe to avoid further complications and potential increases in the fines.

Ignoring the ticket will not lead to criminal or civil penalties

If you receive a ticket from a red light camera or a photo speed van in Colorado, you may be wondering about the consequences of ignoring it. While it is important to take traffic violations seriously, it is worth noting that ignoring a camera ticket in Colorado will not lead to criminal or civil penalties in and of itself. Here's what you need to know:

No Criminal or Civil Penalties for Ignoring the Ticket

In Colorado, if you receive a camera ticket, you might be inclined to ignore it, especially if you believe you weren't at fault. It's important to understand that simply ignoring the ticket will not result in criminal charges or civil penalties. This means you won't face legal consequences or be sued for disregarding the ticket. However, that doesn't mean there are no repercussions.

Potential Consequences of Ignoring a Camera Ticket

While ignoring a camera ticket won't lead to criminal or civil penalties, there are still consequences to consider. Firstly, failing to respond within the specified time frame can result in further action from the government. They may send you a Penalty Assessment Notice (PAN) via certified mail or through a process server within 90 days of the offense. This notice will require your signature, and you will be expected to pay the fine by the date stated on the citation.

If you fail to respond to the PAN, the consequences can escalate. The government agency may initiate a process similar to a civil case, where you will be required to respond to the citation and appear in court. If you continue to ignore the matter, a default judgment could be entered against you, and the citation may be sent to a collection agency. This can negatively impact your credit score and lead to financial complications.

Understanding the Ticket and Your Options

When you receive a camera ticket, it's crucial to carefully review the information it contains. The citation typically includes a photo of the driver, a photo of the license plate, the amount of the fine, payment instructions, and details on how to dispute the violation. In the case of a red light violation, the citation may also include access to a short video of the incident.

You have the option to dispute the ticket if you believe you were not at fault or if there were mitigating circumstances. Each citation should provide information on how to initiate this process. It's important to act promptly, as there are usually time limits for responding to these tickets.

Keeping Your Information Up to Date

It's worth noting that, according to Colorado law, it is your responsibility to ensure that your licensing and registration information is up to date. This includes your address, as failing to update it could result in citations being sent to the wrong location. While this doesn't absolve you of the responsibility to pay the fine, it may cause confusion and delays in receiving the ticket, potentially impacting your response time.

In summary, while ignoring a camera ticket in Colorado will not lead to criminal or civil penalties, it can still have financial repercussions and cause unnecessary stress. It is always advisable to review your ticket carefully, understand your options, and take appropriate action to resolve the matter promptly.

You can file a not pictured driver affidavit

If you receive a red light camera ticket in Colorado, you may be wondering if you have to pay it. The short answer is: it depends. While Colorado law requires drivers to pay traffic camera citations, there are ways to potentially avoid paying the fine.

First, it's important to understand the process of receiving a red light camera ticket. In Colorado, Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS) are used to detect traffic violations, including red-light cameras and photo speed vans. When a violation is detected, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a penalty assessment notice or summons within 90 days of the alleged violation. This citation will typically include a photo of the driver, a photo of the license plate, the amount of the fine, payment instructions, and information on how to dispute the violation. The maximum penalty for a red light violation is $75, while the maximum penalty for a speed violation is $40, or $80 in a school zone.

Now, let's discuss the "Not Pictured Driver Affidavit." If you receive a red light camera ticket and you were not the person driving the vehicle, you can file a "Not Pictured Driver Affidavit." This means you are stating that you were not the driver at the time of the violation, and you may be required to provide evidence to support your claim. For example, if the registered owner of the vehicle was not the one driving, they may need to submit evidence that they were not the driver. This could include providing a photo of their driver's license or other documentation proving their whereabouts at the time of the incident. It's important to note that while you may be asked to provide the contact information of the person who was driving, you are not required to disclose this information.

To file a "Not Pictured Driver Affidavit," you should follow the instructions provided on the citation. This may include submitting your evidence and a signed statement declaring that you were not the driver. It is always a good idea to seek legal advice or consult with an experienced traffic attorney to understand your rights and options. They can guide you through the process and help you build a strong case to dispute the ticket.

Keep in mind that ignoring a red light camera ticket is not advisable. If you don't pay the fine or dispute the ticket, it can result in additional penalties and consequences, such as being reported to a collection agency, which can negatively impact your credit rating.

You can plead not guilty and go to court

If you receive a camera ticket in Colorado, you have the option to plead not guilty and fight the citation in court. This route may be worth considering if you believe you have grounds to challenge the ticket, such as if the violation was not witnessed by a peace officer or you were not the person driving the vehicle. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect and what to do if you choose to plead not guilty:

Review the Evidence:

First, carefully review the evidence against you, which may include photos, video footage, and other relevant information. This evidence should be provided to you by the municipality that issued the citation. In Colorado Springs, for example, you can review this evidence online at www.violationinfo.com.

Understand the Law:

Educate yourself on the relevant laws and regulations regarding camera tickets in Colorado. For instance, be aware that there are specific requirements for the placement of signs notifying drivers of the use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS). Additionally, understand the process and timeline for issuing citations, as well as the consequences of failing to respond or pay the fine.

Gather Your Evidence:

If you were not the driver at the time of the violation, gather evidence to support your claim. This could include providing a clear copy of your driver's license, or any other relevant information or documentation.

Consult an Attorney:

Consider consulting or hiring an experienced Colorado attorney, especially one with expertise in dealing with traffic violations. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, advise you on the specific laws and regulations, and help you build a strong case.

Request a Trial:

If you decide to plead not guilty, you will need to request that your case be set for trial at the Clerk's Office. In Fort Collins, for example, the trial date will typically be scheduled within 90 days of the date you plead "not guilty."

Prepare Your Defence:

Work with your attorney to prepare your defence strategy. This may include identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution's case, such as a lack of proper signage or issues with the calibration of the camera equipment.

Attend the Trial:

On the scheduled trial date, be sure to arrive at court on time and be prepared to present your defence. The officer whose name appears on your summons will usually be the prosecution's witness. Present your evidence and state your case clearly and calmly.

Remember, while pleading not guilty and going to court may be an option, it is important to carefully consider the time and resources required for this process. Weigh the potential benefits against the costs and make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.

You can request an administrative review of the ticket

If you receive a ticket from a red light camera or a photo speed van in Colorado, you may be wondering about your options. While these tickets are legal and enforceable, you can request an administrative review of the ticket as one of several options to potentially avoid paying the fines.

An administrative review is a courtesy and not a right, so your request may be accepted or denied at the local courthouse's discretion. To request a review, you must call (720) 337-1114. It's important to note that requesting a review is solely for disputing the merit of the violation, such as arguing that it wasn't a valid violation or that the wrong car was identified. The city will not provide you with evidence to support your case, so it's unlikely that your citation will be dropped unless you were wrongly cited.

If you choose to request an administrative review, it's crucial to understand the process and your rights. The review will be conducted by the local courthouse, and you will need to provide any relevant information or evidence to support your case. The city will not provide you with additional evidence, so it's essential to gather and present any necessary information clearly and comprehensively.

Keep in mind that an administrative review is just one of several options available to you when dealing with a camera ticket in Colorado. You can also choose to pay the ticket, plead not guilty and go to court, or file a "not pictured driver" affidavit if you were not the one driving. Each option has its own considerations and potential outcomes, so it's important to carefully review your choices before deciding on a course of action.

While receiving a camera ticket can be frustrating, understanding your options and taking appropriate action can help you resolve the issue effectively. Remember to consider the specific circumstances of your case and seek legal advice if needed to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions