Florida Camera Tickets: Do You Have To Pay?

Florida has a number of red light cameras in operation, and if you're caught running a red light, you will be expected to pay a fine. But what happens if you don't pay a camera ticket in Florida? The short answer is: don't ignore it. While it may be tempting to put it out of your mind, failure to pay a camera ticket can result in a suspended license, excessive fines, and a fee to reinstate your driver's license. So, what should you do if you receive a camera ticket in Florida?

How much is a camera ticket in Florida?

In Florida, red light camera tickets are legal and can be extremely expensive. The standard cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158. However, if you fail to pay the ticket after the first notice of violation, the fine increases to $262. There may also be slight differences in the cost from county to county.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, you have 30 days to pay it. You can pay the fine online, by phone, or by mailing a check or money order to the county court. If you fail to pay the ticket within 30 days, you will incur court costs and three points will be added to your license.

It is important to note that running a red light in Florida can also result in other consequences beyond just the cost of the ticket. Your auto insurance company may raise your insurance rates after receiving a red light citation. Additionally, if you ignore the ticket, you could face a suspended license and even higher fines. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, there are several ways to respond. You can pay the fine, elect to take a driver improvement course, or contest the citation in court. Taking a driver improvement course may result in an 18% reduction in the citation fee, but you must enroll within 30 days of receiving the citation. If you choose to contest the ticket, you should contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred within 30 days.

What are the consequences of not paying a camera ticket?

Red light camera tickets in Florida are typically $158, but if you don't pay the fine after your first notification, it will increase to $262. If you don't pay the ticket, you could face a suspended license, excessive fines, and a fee to reinstate your driver's license. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor, which can carry a maximum fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, you have 60 days to pay it or take another action. You can submit an affidavit if you weren't the one driving the car, or you can contest the violation and request a hearing. If you don't take action within 60 days, a uniform traffic citation may be issued, and failure to appear in court could result in a suspended license.

It's important to note that each image captured by a red light camera is reviewed by a police officer who determines if a violation occurred. While you won't get a ticket for driving through a yellow light, red light cameras are notorious for flashing if you turn right without coming to a complete stop. Additionally, your auto insurance company may raise your insurance rates after receiving a red light citation.

Can I contest a camera ticket?

Yes, you can contest a camera ticket in Florida. If you feel your violation was unmerited, you may contest it in court. You have 30 days from receiving the violation to do so.

• You didn't stop or stopped too late at a red light, then proceeded to make a careful right turn.
• A law enforcement officer directed you to go through the traffic signal.
• An officer already issued you a ticket for the same violation.
• You weren't the person driving the car.
• You ran the red light because of an emergency, to avoid an accident, or because your brakes were faulty.

If you receive a citation, watch the video provided. If you believe you were incorrectly ticketed, dispute it.

Note that if you ignore the ticket, it could lead to a suspended license, excessive fines, and a fee to reinstate your driver's license.

How do I check if I have a camera ticket?

If you want to check if you have a camera ticket in Florida, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, you can check your driver's license by entering your driver's license number on the License Check website provided by the Florida DMV. This will show you if you have any red light tickets listed under your license.

Alternatively, you can contact the relevant local courthouse, as each county courthouse enforces red light violations. However, if you have been travelling across the state, you will need to contact multiple courthouses, which can be time-consuming.

Another option is to call American Traffic Solutions (ATS), which is used by many cities in Florida to process traffic violations. You can reach them at 1-866-225-9975 or 1-866-790-4111. You will need to provide your name and license plate number, and they can check if you have any red light tickets. Remember to note down the citation number and date of the ticket if you have one, as you will need this information to pay or dispute the ticket.

It is important to check if you have a camera ticket and take appropriate action, as ignoring a ticket can lead to a suspended license, excessive fines, and additional fees to reinstate your driver's license.

What are the rules regarding red light camera tickets?

Red light cameras are legal in Florida. As of June 30, 2021, there were 485 active red light cameras in the state, and over 1 million notices of violation were issued in the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

If you are caught driving through a red light by a red light camera, you will receive a ticket in the mail. The ticket is sent to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving. The standard cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158. If you fail to pay the ticket after the first notification, the fee rises to $262.

It is important to note that the first notice of violation does not add points to your driver's license. However, if you ignore the ticket, you may face additional fines, suspension of your driving privileges, and a suspended license. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in a maximum fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail.

You have several options when responding to a red light camera ticket:

• Pay the fine: You can pay the civil penalty listed on the citation to the Clerk of Court directly by visiting their office in the county where the violation occurred, or online at www.payflclerk.com. Paying the fine is considered a conviction, and points may be assessed on your driving record.
• Contest the citation: You have the right to dispute the ticket in court. You must contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred within 30 days of receiving the citation.
• Enroll in a driver improvement course: You may be eligible for an 18% reduction in citation fees and points may be withheld if you take a basic driver improvement course. You must enrol within 30 days of receiving the citation.

It is worth noting that not every flash of a red light camera results in a violation. Sometimes, the cameras may be triggered if a driver makes a hard break before a red light, but does not actually drive through it. In such cases, a Notice of Violation may not always be sent. Each image captured by the camera is reviewed by a police officer, who determines whether a violation occurred.

Frequently asked questions