Georgia's Camera Ticket Policy: What You Need To Know

In Georgia, red light and speed cameras are used to detect traffic regulation violations, including speeding, vehicles running red lights, and unauthorized use of bus lanes. These cameras capture images of vehicles breaking traffic laws, and tickets are then mailed to the registered owners of the vehicles. The use of red light cameras in particular has been a legal practice in the state since 2010. Camera-detected speeding and red light tickets carry fines of up to $70 and are considered non-moving violations, so they do not add points to a driver's license or affect insurance rates. However, failure to pay these tickets can result in additional fees and penalties, such as license suspension.

Camera-detected speeding tickets

In Georgia, the use of these cameras has been legal since 2010. The state allows the use of such systems, but there are specific requirements that must be met for the ticket to be valid. For example, the system must be certified and approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation, and warning signs must be posted to notify drivers of the presence of the cameras.

If you have received a camera-detected speeding ticket in Georgia, it is important to understand the process and your rights so that you can effectively fight the ticket if necessary. Here are some steps to follow:

• Gather Evidence: Request and review any photographs or videos captured by the camera, as well as calibration records and maintenance logs. Check for technical errors, such as blurry images or incorrect timestamps, and identify any environmental factors that may have influenced the camera's readings.
• Review Georgia Laws: Familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations surrounding camera-detected speeding tickets in Georgia, including the requirements for signage, camera calibration, and limitations on their use.
• Consult an Attorney: An experienced traffic attorney can guide you through the legal process, assess the strength of the evidence, and develop a defence strategy. They can also negotiate with the prosecution and represent you in court if needed.
• Prepare Your Defence: Develop a strong defence strategy by challenging the accuracy of the camera, questioning the calibration, considering the location and signage, and presenting witness or expert testimony.
• Attend the Court Hearing: During the hearing, remain calm and respectful, and clearly present your defence case, backing it up with the evidence you have gathered.

Fighting a camera-detected speeding ticket is important as it can help you avoid fines and points on your driving record, which can impact your insurance premiums. It is your right as a citizen to contest any traffic violation, and by doing so, you can protect your driving record and maintain your reputation as a responsible driver.

Camera accuracy

The accuracy of traffic cameras is a highly debated topic. While some people claim that these cameras are inaccurate and violate their human rights, others argue that they are surprisingly accurate and help improve road safety.

Arguments for Camera Accuracy

A worldwide review of studies found that speed cameras led to an 11% to 44% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes. The British Medical Journal supported this claim, reporting that speed cameras effectively reduce accidents and injuries and recommended their wider deployment. The UK Department for Transport estimated that cameras led to a 22% reduction in personal injury collisions and a 42% decrease in people being killed or seriously injured at camera sites. An LSE study in 2017 further confirmed these findings, suggesting that adding another 1,000 cameras to British roads could save up to 190 lives annually and reduce up to 1,130 collisions.

Arguments Against Camera Accuracy

On the other hand, some people have questioned the accuracy and legitimacy of traffic cameras. For instance, in 2012, Speed Camera Contractor Xerox Corporation admitted that their cameras in Baltimore produced erroneous speed readings, even issuing citations to completely stationary cars. Additionally, in 2010, a motorist in Seattle fought a speeding ticket by scrutinizing the camera evidence. He noticed that the timestamps on the photos provided were only 0.5 seconds apart, indicating that his car was travelling at 20 mph instead of the claimed 30 mph. He further challenged the accuracy of the camera by questioning the margin of error and whether the operating officer was certified to use the device. As a result, the judge voiced concerns about the rigorous verification of the cameras, and the motorist was found not guilty.

In Georgia, red light camera tickets are considered civil penalties, and no points are assessed on the driving record. The registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for the ticket, regardless of who was driving, and the fine can be up to $70. While these tickets cannot be disputed in court by a lawyer, individuals still have the right to contest the finding if they disagree.

Contesting a ticket

If you have received a red light camera ticket in Georgia, you have the right to contest it. Here are some steps and considerations to keep in mind when contesting a ticket:

Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets in Georgia

Red light camera tickets in Georgia are considered civil violations, not criminal offences. These tickets are typically issued when automated camera systems capture images of vehicles running red lights. While these violations do not add points to your license or affect your insurance rates, they still carry fines of up to $70 and require timely payment to avoid further consequences.

Reasons to Contest a Ticket

There are several valid reasons to contest a red light camera ticket:

• It is not your vehicle in the picture.
• It is unclear in the picture if the light was red at the time.
• You were not driving the vehicle.
• You are facing additional penalties due to the alleged offence.
• You have proof to contest the ticket, such as the traffic light malfunctioning or a medical emergency.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Consulting with a Georgia red light ticket lawyer is highly recommended. An experienced lawyer can provide expert legal advice, protect your driving record, represent you in court, and work to reduce fines and penalties. It is important to act promptly when seeking legal advice, as building a strong defence may depend on timely action.

Knowing Your Rights

It is important to familiarise yourself with your rights during a traffic stop. Understanding your rights can help you avoid unnecessary searches and potential legal issues. If you feel your rights were violated during the traffic stop, be sure to document the details of the incident as soon as possible, as this information can be crucial if you decide to contest the ticket.

Common Defences for Red Light Violations

There are several common defences that can be used when contesting a red light ticket:

• Poor Timing: Arguing that the duration of the yellow light was insufficient to stop safely.
• Not Safe to Stop: Proving that stopping suddenly could have caused an accident due to a closely following vehicle or other dangerous circumstances.
• Poor View: Demonstrating that the officer did not have a clear view to accurately observe your actions.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind that red light camera tickets in Georgia cannot be disputed in court by a lawyer. However, you still have the right to contest the ticket and explore other options for handling the violation. Additionally, failing to pay a red light camera ticket can lead to additional fees, collection actions, and potential license suspension.

Traffic light malfunction

If you've received a red light camera ticket in Georgia, you might be wondering if it's worth contesting it, especially if you believe the traffic light was malfunctioning at the time of the incident. Here's what you need to know about red light camera tickets and how to handle a situation where you believe the traffic light was not working properly:

Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets in Georgia

Red light camera tickets in Georgia are considered civil violations, not criminal misdemeanors. This means that while you may be frustrated by receiving one of these tickets, the consequences are less severe than other types of traffic violations. The maximum fine for a red light camera ticket is typically $70, and it will not add any points to your driving record or affect your insurance rates.

Your Options for Contesting a Ticket

Even though red light camera tickets received in the mail cannot be disputed in court by a lawyer in Georgia, you still have the right to contest the ticket if you believe you were not at fault. Here are some reasons you may want to consider fighting a red light camera ticket:

• It's not your vehicle in the picture.
• It's unclear in the picture if the light was red at the time.
• You were not driving the vehicle.
• You believe the traffic light was malfunctioning.
• There was a medical emergency or other justifiable reason for running the red light.

Potential Challenges and Defenses

It's important to note that even if you have a valid reason for running the red light, it may be challenging to prove without legal assistance. An experienced Georgia traffic attorney, such as Joel Baskin or Scott Miller, can help you build a strong case and increase your chances of success. They may be able to argue that:

• The yellow light duration was too short for you to stop safely (poor timing).
• Stopping suddenly would have caused an accident due to a closely following vehicle or other hazardous circumstances (not safe to stop).
• The officer did not have a clear view and could not accurately observe your actions (poor view).

Protecting Your Rights and Driving Record

By seeking legal assistance promptly, you can protect your rights and minimize the impact of a red light ticket. Remember, a red light ticket is not just an inconvenience; it can have financial consequences and affect your driving record. Contacting a Georgia red light ticket lawyer can help you understand your options, reduce fines and penalties, and protect your driving record.

Camera speeding ticket defences

Camera speeding tickets are issued based on photographic evidence captured by cameras that detect when a vehicle is speeding. The tickets are then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Here are some defences you can use if you want to contest a camera speeding ticket:

Challenge the Evidence

Request the evidence from the issuing authority, including photographs, videos, and calibration and maintenance records for the camera. Check for any technical errors in the evidence, such as blurry images, obscured license plates, or incorrect timestamps, which could cast doubt on its reliability.

Question the Camera's Accuracy

Research the camera model to find out about its reliability and potential flaws. You can argue that the camera may have been faulty or improperly calibrated, leading to inaccurate readings.

Challenge the Camera's Calibration

Cameras used for speed enforcement must be regularly calibrated. Ask about the calibration records of the camera in question. If there are doubts about its calibration, the accuracy of the recorded speed can be disputed.

Lack of Proper Notice

If signage indicating the use of a speed camera was inadequate or not clearly visible, you may be able to argue that you weren't given proper notice and therefore shouldn't be held responsible for the violation.

Prove You Weren't Driving

If you weren't driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, you can present evidence to prove your innocence, such as witness statements, alibi evidence, or surveillance footage.

Inaccurate Speed Reading

Argue that external factors, such as weather conditions or other vehicles, may have affected the camera's ability to accurately determine your speed. Gather evidence such as weather reports or witness statements to support this claim.

Improper Use of the Camera

Prove that the camera wasn't properly maintained, operated, or positioned, and argue that the ticket should be dismissed on these grounds.

Other Potential Defenses

• The camera was not properly calibrated or was malfunctioning.
• The photo is blurry, or the license plate of the vehicle is unclear.
• There are technical defects with the ticket, such as inaccurate date and time, lack of signature, or missing important documentation.

Frequently asked questions