Florida's Camera Tickets: Are They Legal?

Florida issues camera tickets, also known as red light camera citations, to drivers who run red lights. These tickets are issued based on photo or video evidence captured by red light cameras installed at road intersections. The tickets are typically sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving, and can result in a fine. While red light camera tickets are legal in Florida, there has been some controversy surrounding their use, including concerns about the short duration of yellow lights, which can make it easier for drivers to receive tickets.

Florida's red light camera tickets

Red light camera tickets are legal in Florida and are used to enforce traffic laws and improve road safety. While they do not add points to a driver's license, ignoring a ticket can lead to increased fines, court costs, and other penalties. It is important to note that these tickets can be contested in court, especially if there are valid reasons or discrepancies in the evidence.

Florida made over $100 million from red light fines in 2016, and this number increased to $120 million in 2017. As of June 30, 2021, the state had 485 active red light cameras, and over 1 million notices of violation were issued in FY 2021-2022.

To check if you have received a red light ticket in Florida, you can review your driver's license on the License Check website provided by the Florida DMV, call the local courthouse, or contact American Traffic Solutions (ATS).

Contesting a ticket

Red-light camera tickets are common in Florida, with over 485 active red-light cameras in the state as of June 30, 2021. If you've received a ticket, there are several ways to respond. However, ignoring the ticket is not a good idea, as it could lead to a suspended license, fines, and a fee to reinstate your driver's license.

If you want to contest a red-light camera ticket in Florida, you have a few options:

• Submit an affidavit: If you weren't the one driving your car when the violation occurred, you can submit an affidavit to the relevant authority. You'll need to provide information about the person who was driving, including their name, address, birth date, and, if possible, their driver's license number.
• Request a hearing: You can request a local administrative hearing to fight the ticket. You'll need to follow the instructions on your notice of violation and may have to pay additional costs. At the hearing, you can present evidence and witness testimony to support your case.
• Hire an attorney: Consulting a traffic citation attorney who specializes in fighting red-light tickets may be the easiest way to get your ticket dismissed. They can guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.

It's important to act quickly when contesting a red-light camera ticket, as you typically have only 60 days to pay it or take action. Additionally, if you don't request a hearing by the deadline stated on your notice of violation, the ticket will be converted into a uniform traffic citation, and failing to appear in court could result in a suspended license.

The cost of a ticket

Florida has 485 active red light cameras, and in 2021-2022, over 1 million notices of violation were issued. The usual cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158. This fine can be reduced by 18% if the recipient enrolls in a basic driver improvement course within 30 days of receiving the ticket. If the ticket is not paid within 30 days of receiving it, the fine increases to $262, court costs are incurred, and three points are added to the driver's license.

If you receive a red light camera ticket in the mail, you can either pay the fine or contest the ticket. If you choose to pay the fine, you must do so within 30 days of receiving the ticket. If you ignore the ticket, your driver's license may be suspended, and you will have to pay even higher fines, as well as a driver's license reinstatement fee.

Who is held responsible?

According to Florida law, the owner of the vehicle is held responsible for a red light camera citation. The ticket is usually mailed to the vehicle's owner. The owner of the vehicle will be held liable even if they lend out the vehicle.

If the vehicle has recently been sold or was stolen, the citation can be dismissed with the submission of an affidavit.

How to check if you have a ticket

Red light cameras are legal in Florida and are used to capture photo or video evidence of potential traffic violations at road intersections. If you have run a red light, you will usually receive a ticket in the mail, but sometimes these tickets do not arrive. Here are some ways to check if you have a ticket:

• Check Your Driver's License — Enter your driver's license number on the License Check website provided by the Florida DMV. This will show you any red light tickets listed under your license.
• Call the Local Courthouse — Each county courthouse enforces red light violations, so you can call the relevant courthouse to see if you have any violations. If you have been driving across the state, you will need to call each county courthouse.
• Call American Traffic Solutions (ATS) — Many cities in Florida use ATS (rebranded under Verra Mobility Corporation) to process traffic violations. You can call them on 1-866-225-9975 and provide your name and license plate number to see if you have any red light tickets.

If you have received a red light ticket, it is important to take swift action. You can pay the fine, elect to take a driver improvement course, or contest the citation.

Frequently asked questions