Ohio Camera Speeding Tickets: Do You Have To Pay?

Speeding cameras have been at the center of controversy for over a decade, with many people questioning whether they are enforceable and how they impact driving records and insurance premiums. In Ohio, speeding cameras are legal and enforceable, and drivers may be required to pay fines associated with camera speeding tickets. However, there are differing opinions on whether these tickets need to be paid, and the consequences of non-payment vary.

Are camera speeding tickets legal in Ohio?

The use of traffic cameras in Ohio has been a controversial topic for more than a decade. While some cities in Ohio have chosen to remove traffic cameras altogether due to the high costs of operating and enforcing them, others have embraced their use as a means of generating revenue.

So, are camera speeding tickets legal in Ohio? The short answer is yes. In 2004, Ohio passed a law that allowed cities to install red-light cameras and speed cameras to issue tickets to drivers who violate traffic laws. However, the legality of these cameras is not solely based on state law but also on individual city ordinances and court rulings. While Ohio law permits the use of traffic cameras, it does not mandate their use, and each city can set its guidelines and procedures.

There are stipulations to the use of traffic cameras in Ohio. According to Section 4511.093 of the Ohio Revised Code, a local authority may use a traffic law photo-monitoring device to detect and enforce traffic law violations only if a law enforcement officer is present at the location of the device during its operation. Additionally, traffic cameras cannot be used to enforce or detect violations on interstate highways.

While camera speeding tickets are legal in Ohio, there has been debate over whether they are enforceable. Some people argue that these tickets are a form of revenue generation for cities, and there have been legal challenges to their enforceability. However, failing to respond to a camera ticket or appear in court can lead to negative consequences, such as driver's license suspension, increased fines, and a negative impact on your driving record.

It is worth noting that camera speeding tickets in Ohio are typically considered civil violations rather than criminal offenses. This means that they do not appear on your driving record and are not reported to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, these tickets do not typically affect insurance premiums.

In conclusion, while camera speeding tickets are legal in Ohio, there are varying opinions on their effectiveness and fairness. Those who receive such tickets have the option to pay the fine or dispute the ticket in court. It is always recommended to seek legal advice if you are unsure about how to proceed with a camera speeding ticket.

Do you have to pay camera speeding tickets?

Speeding cameras have been at the center of controversy for over a decade, with critics calling them a "money grab" by municipalities. While the answer to whether you should pay a camera speeding ticket depends on your comfort level, there are several important factors to consider.

First, it's essential to understand the legality of traffic cameras in Ohio. The state passed a law in 2004 authorizing cities to install red-light and speed cameras to issue tickets for traffic violations. However, the legality of these cameras is based not only on state law but also on individual city ordinances and court rulings. While some cities in Ohio actively use these cameras, others have chosen to remove them due to high operation and enforcement costs.

If you receive a camera speeding ticket in Ohio, you have several options. You can choose to pay the fine, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of potential consequences. Ignoring the ticket may result in increased fines, a negative impact on your driving record, or even a court summons. On the other hand, you can also dispute the ticket in court, which may be a viable option if you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly or if there were issues with the camera or speed limit signage.

It's worth noting that camera speeding tickets in Ohio are typically considered civil violations rather than criminal offenses. As a result, they generally don't appear on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, failing to pay these tickets can lead to additional penalties, such as late fees and civil suits.

In conclusion, whether or not to pay a camera speeding ticket in Ohio is ultimately your decision. While there may be financial repercussions for non-payment, these tickets are not the same as traditional speeding tickets issued by law enforcement officers. Carefully consider your options, and if you choose to dispute the ticket, seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney can be a prudent course of action.

What happens if you don't pay?

In Ohio, traffic camera tickets are considered civil violations, and non-payment is not reported to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. However, there are consequences for failing to pay a camera speeding ticket. Firstly, it is important to note that ignoring any traffic ticket in Ohio, including camera speeding tickets, can result in license suspension and a potential bench warrant for your arrest.

If you do not pay a camera speeding ticket in Ohio, you will initially be mailed a second notice with a late fee added. At this point, you will lose the ability to contest the citation and will be given another 30 days to pay the civil penalty. If you continue to ignore the citation, the city may file a civil suit against you. If found liable, court costs and additional fees will be added to the citation, and collection efforts may be pursued.

While camera speeding tickets do not directly affect insurance premiums, failing to pay them can still have financial implications. The fine associated with the ticket will increase, and you may receive a court summons, resulting in additional legal fees.

It is worth noting that the recourse for not paying a camera speeding ticket in Ohio may vary depending on the municipality. In some cases, the city may not pursue further action, especially if they have not filed a case in a municipal court. However, if you receive multiple tickets and fail to pay them, you could eventually end up in small claims court.

Can you ignore a camera speeding ticket?

Camera speeding tickets are civil violations in Ohio and are not considered criminal offences. While you can ignore a camera speeding ticket, there may be consequences for doing so. If you ignore the ticket, the fine will increase, and your driving record will be negatively affected. You may also receive a court summons, which will cost you more in legal fees and time.

However, some people choose to ignore these tickets without facing repercussions. According to a Toledo-based attorney, Andy Mayle, who has spent the last decade fighting tickets, if the city doesn't file a case in a municipal court, there is no recourse for throwing the ticket in the trash. He states that the city would have to spend its own time, money, and resources pursuing you, and it is unlikely to happen.

Mayle also mentions that he has not seen a situation where a client's credit has been negatively impacted by ignoring a camera speeding ticket. Nevertheless, if you receive multiple tickets and don't pay them, you could end up in small claims court.

If you choose not to ignore the ticket, you have a few options. You can pay the fine, although this means accepting liability and waiving your right to contest the ticket. Alternatively, within 30 days of receiving the ticket, you can provide an affidavit stating that someone else was driving your vehicle at the time of the violation or that your vehicle was stolen. Another option is to contest the ticket by filing a written request.

Do camera speeding tickets affect insurance?

Speeding tickets captured by camera are treated as non-moving violations in most states, similar to parking tickets or tickets for broken tail lights. This means that they do not affect insurance rates. However, there are a few exceptions.

In Arizona, California, and Oregon, camera speeding tickets are treated as regular moving violations, which can result in points on your license and higher insurance premiums. In these states, a red light camera ticket can result in one to two points, and a speeding camera ticket can result in two to three points.

In addition, some insurance companies may increase rates for multiple speeding fines, even if they are captured by camera. However, other insurers may overlook a few minor speeding penalties, especially if the driver has a clean record. Ultimately, it is up to the insurance company to determine how much weight to give to camera-issued speeding tickets when calculating rates.

It is worth noting that in Ohio, camera speeding tickets are enforceable and must be paid. Failure to do so can result in negative consequences such as license suspension and higher insurance premiums upon renewal.

Frequently asked questions