Traffic Camera Tickets: Pay Or Dispute?

Traffic cameras are a contentious issue. Some people refer to them as big brother, while others believe they improve road safety. Traffic camera tickets are considered civil penalties, not criminal, and they don't affect your driving record or insurance. However, if you don't pay the fine, it may be sent to collections, and there could be other consequences, such as a civil lien against your license plates or a bench warrant for your arrest. The impact of not paying these tickets seems to vary depending on the state and individual circumstances. Some people have reported receiving multiple follow-up notices, while others have faced no repercussions. There are also legal debates about the constitutionality of these tickets and whether they disproportionately impact low-income individuals. Ultimately, the decision to pay or ignore a traffic camera ticket may depend on your personal circumstances and the specific laws in your state.

Traffic cameras are unconstitutional and used to generate revenue

Traffic cameras are often regarded as unconstitutional, and their primary purpose is believed to be revenue generation rather than road safety.

Unconstitutionality

The use of traffic cameras may violate the Sixth Amendment's Confrontation Clause, which grants criminal defendants the right to face their accusers. Since a camera, not a person, captures the offence, it is difficult to establish the offender's identity. As a result, the ticket is typically issued to the vehicle's owner rather than the driver, raising concerns about the certainty of the offender's identity.

Revenue Generation

Traffic cameras are seen as a revenue stream for governments and camera companies, rather than a tool for improving road safety. Governments can generate revenue without incurring any operating costs by partnering with camera companies, who, in turn, profit from the fines. This financial incentive creates a conflict of interest, as it motivates local officials and camera companies to manipulate the system for their benefit.

Public Opinion

Traffic cameras are unpopular among the public, with voters consistently opposing them in elections. People view them as an intrusion into their daily lives and question their constitutionality. While some polls show support for red-light cameras, this may be due to a lack of familiarity, as many respondents may not live in areas where they are used.

Impact on Driving

There is mixed evidence regarding the impact of traffic cameras on road safety. While authorities claim that cameras improve safety by reducing accidents, independent studies suggest otherwise. In some cases, the presence of cameras may even increase the risk of rear-end collisions as drivers abruptly stop to avoid a ticket.

Enforcement and Collection

The enforcement and collection of fines associated with traffic camera citations can be challenging. Since most citations are civil fines, drivers often have limited recourse in court. To address this, some jurisdictions require the payment of fines before motorists can renew their driver's license or vehicle registration. However, this approach raises concerns about the presumption of innocence.

Camera tickets are civil penalties, not criminal

In most states in the US, traffic infractions are generally considered civil matters. However, this can vary depending on the state and the severity of the offence. For example, in Texas, a speeding ticket is typically a criminal matter and can result in a fine or even jail time if not paid. On the other hand, in Ohio, camera tickets are considered civil violations and do not appear on your driving record. Failure to respond to a camera ticket or appear in court can lead to a driver's license suspension.

The consequences of not paying a camera ticket vary depending on the location. In some states, such as Ohio, failing to pay a camera ticket can result in a driver's license suspension and higher insurance premiums upon renewal. In other states, such as Iowa, there seem to be no repercussions for not paying a camera ticket, as they are considered civil infractions and do not affect your insurance. However, it's important to note that local governments can place a civil lien against your license plates, and you may have to pay the fine when renewing your registration.

While camera tickets may not carry the same weight as criminal charges, it's important to consider the potential consequences of ignoring them. These can include increased fines, negative impacts on your driving record, and even court summons. Each state and municipality has its own guidelines and procedures for camera tickets, so it's essential to review the specific laws and regulations in your area. Consulting with a traffic ticket attorney can also help you understand your rights and options.

Camera tickets don't affect your driving record or insurance

Camera tickets are typically treated as non-moving violations, similar to parking tickets or tickets for an expired registration. They are considered civil infractions and are not included on your driving record. This means they generally do not impact your insurance premiums.

When a speed camera is triggered, a ticket is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle based on the license plate in the photo. Since there is no way for the camera to capture an image of the specific driver, the offense is tied to the vehicle's license plate rather than the individual driving it. As a result, the ticket is not issued to a specific driver and does not reflect on their driving record.

However, it is important to note that there may be some exceptions. For example, in Arizona, California, and Oregon, camera tickets are treated as moving violations, which can result in points on your license and increases in insurance rates. Additionally, while camera tickets usually don't affect insurance rates, they may still carry financial penalties, and failure to pay these fines can result in consequences such as a block on vehicle registration renewal.

In summary, while camera tickets generally don't affect your driving record or insurance, it is always advisable to drive safely and follow traffic rules to avoid any potential penalties or risks.

If you don't pay, the worst that can happen is a collection agency will come after you

If you don't pay a camera traffic ticket, the consequences will vary depending on the state and country in which you received the ticket. In some places, there may be no repercussions, while in others, you could face serious penalties.

In Iowa, for example, a traffic camera citation is considered a civil code infraction rather than a criminal offence. This means that it won't go against your driving record or impact your insurance rates. However, if you don't pay the fine within the specified timeframe (usually 90-120 days), the city can still take action to collect the money. They can place a civil lien against your license plates, making it difficult to renew your registration until the penalty is paid. Additionally, your account may be referred to a collection agency, which can negatively affect your credit score.

In other states, the penalties for unpaid traffic tickets can be more severe. You may incur late fees, increasing the amount you owe. Your driver's license or vehicle registration may be suspended until you pay the fine and a reinstatement fee. This means you can't legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Unpaid tickets can also lead to vehicle immobilization or impoundment, where a boot is placed on your vehicle or it is towed away, and you have to pay the fine to get your car back.

Ignoring a traffic ticket can also result in a "Failure to Appear" (FTA) notice from the court, which can lead to a suspension of your driver's license until you resolve the ticket. Continuing to drive with a suspended license can result in further suspension and even jail time. In some cases, a judge may issue a warrant for your arrest, and you could be taken into custody if pulled over by a police officer.

Therefore, while the immediate consequences of not paying a camera traffic ticket may be minimal, it can lead to a snowball effect of increasing fines, legal issues, and difficulties in renewing your registration or license. It is always best to pay traffic tickets by the due date or, if you are unable to pay, to explore alternative options such as payment plans or community service.

Some states make out-of-state drivers pay tickets on the spot

In most cases, if you get an out-of-state traffic ticket, your home state will find out about it. This is due to the Driver's License Compact (DLC), an agreement between almost every state to report traffic violations that occur out of state to the licensing authority in the driver's home state. All states except Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are members of the DLC.

The Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC) was created to ensure that drivers pay out-of-state fines. States that participate in the NVC notify your home state when you don't pay a ticket, and your home state will typically suspend your license until you pay the fine. All states are members of the NVC except Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

However, some people have reported ignoring out-of-state tickets without repercussions. For example, one person from Colorado reported ignoring a ticket for a red-light camera violation in Iowa and faced no consequences. Another person reported ignoring three similar tickets in Iowa and was still able to renew their license plates.

If you want to contest an out-of-state ticket, you have a few options:

• Travel to the state and fight the ticket in person.
• Fight it in writing, if the state allows this.
• Hire an attorney to represent you in court.

Frequently asked questions