Evading A Camera Ticket: My Story Of Persuasion

I recently received a camera ticket in the mail and was determined to get out of it without paying. I knew I had to act fast, so I began exploring my options. I soon discovered that I could dispute the ticket online, by mail, or in person. I also learned that if I wanted to dispute the ticket, I had to do so within a certain timeframe. After reviewing the evidence, I decided to take a risk and claim that I wasn't the one driving the car. I filled out the necessary forms and submitted my statement under oath, knowing that perjury is a serious offense. Thankfully, my plan worked, and the ticket was dismissed.

How to respond to a camera ticket

Getting a camera ticket in the mail can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to respond to it. Here is a guide on how to respond to a camera ticket:

Check the Details

First, check the date, time, and location of the ticket. Since camera tickets are typically sent to the owner of the car, you need to confirm whether you were actually driving the car when the ticket was issued. Remember that the prosecutor must prove that you were driving at that specific location, date, and time. If someone else borrowed your car, you cannot be prosecuted. However, some states like New York treat red-light camera tickets as parking violations, holding the registered owner liable. Therefore, it is crucial to check the red-light law in the jurisdiction where you received the ticket.

Review the Photos and Videos

If your notification included photos or videos, review them carefully. Check if your car is clearly visible, and the license plate is legible. If the photo is blurry or unclear, it may be challenging to confirm that the vehicle is yours. Additionally, if there is no clear image of you in the driver's seat, it can be argued that the prosecution cannot prove you were driving, especially in jurisdictions that require tickets to follow the driver rather than the vehicle's registered owner.

Plead Not Guilty

If you intend to dispute the ticket, you must plead not guilty. Some jurisdictions allow you to respond to the citation by mail or online, while others require you to appear in traffic court. Check your citation and ensure you plead not guilty before the deadline, which is typically within 30 days of receiving the ticket.

Request a Formal Hearing

When you plead not guilty, demand a full formal hearing or trial. This may also involve attending other hearings, such as pre-trial hearings or mediation sessions. Attend these hearings as required but aim for a full dismissal of your ticket.

Research Applicable Laws

Look for cases in your city or county regarding traffic cameras and check if there are any appellate court decisions related to the legality of traffic camera tickets. Additionally, research specific rules about warning signs for traffic cameras. If the warning signs were obscured or missing, you may have a valid defense against the ticket. Some states also recognize a necessity defense for speeding, so be sure to explore all possible legal angles.

Prepare Your Defense

Gather any documents or evidence you intend to use in your defense and organize them neatly. Arrive at the courthouse on the day of your hearing, dressed professionally, and treat the judge and courthouse staff with respect. During the hearing, listen quietly as the prosecutor presents their case, making notes on any points you want to address.

Challenge the Evidence

You can challenge the admissibility of the photographs as hearsay, as they are out-of-court statements presented to prove that you violated the traffic law. Additionally, assert your right to confront witnesses, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution. Dispute the authenticity of the photographs if no one from the company that maintains the camera shows up to testify, objecting to their lack of foundation.

Raise Other Defenses

If your challenges to the camera evidence are unsuccessful and the photos are admitted, focus on other possible defenses. For example, if the photos are clear but don't show you driving, argue that the prosecution cannot prove it was you behind the wheel. Additionally, question whether the traffic light or speed detection system was functioning properly, as the prosecution must establish the reliability of these devices for the photo to be considered valid evidence.

Ways to dispute a camera ticket

Check the Ticket Details

Firstly, check the date, time, and location of the ticket. Camera tickets are usually sent to the car's owner, so make sure you were driving the car when the ticket was issued. Understand the rules of the state where you got the ticket. In some states, the prosecutor must prove that you were driving, while in others, like New York, the registered owner of the car is held liable.

Examine the Evidence

Review any photos or videos included with the ticket. If the license plate isn't clearly visible, it may be challenging to confirm the car is yours. Also, if there's no clear photo or video of you in the driver's seat, the prosecution may have difficulty proving that you were driving.

Plead Not Guilty

You must plead not guilty to dispute the ticket. Many jurisdictions allow you to do this by mail or online. Check your citation and plead not guilty before the deadline, which is typically around 30 days. If an online or mail option isn't available, you may have to appear in traffic court and plead not guilty in person.

Request a Formal Hearing

When pleading not guilty, demand a full formal hearing or trial. This may also require you to attend other hearings, such as pre-trial or mediation sessions. Do not accept anything less than a full dismissal of your ticket.

Research Applicable Laws

Look for cases in your city or county regarding traffic cameras and check if any appellate court decisions have ruled on the legality of camera tickets. There may be specific rules about warning signs that must be posted, or certain defenses recognized by law, such as a necessity defense for speeding.

Present Your Defense

Arrive at your hearing with copies of any documents supporting your defense. Treat the judge and courthouse staff with respect, and listen quietly while the prosecutor presents their case. Then, present your defense, challenging the admissibility of the photograph as hearsay, asserting your right to confront witnesses, and disputing the authenticity of the photograph. You can also attack the lack of evidence, especially if none of the photos or videos clearly show you driving.

Viewing evidence of the violation

When it comes to viewing evidence of a camera ticket violation, there are several steps you can take to examine the details and build your defence. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Check the Ticket Details

Firstly, check the date, time, and location of the ticket. Camera tickets are usually issued to the owner of the vehicle, so ensure that you were indeed the driver at the time of the violation. Understand the specific regulations in your jurisdiction, as some states treat red-light camera tickets like parking violations, holding the registered owner liable.

Review the Photographs or Videos

If you received photographs or videos as evidence, carefully review them to confirm that they clearly show your vehicle, licence plate, and the violation itself. Blurry or unclear images may be grounds for dismissal, especially if your licence plate or identity as the driver is not easily discernible.

Request Additional Evidence

If you did not receive any visual evidence, you may need to wait until after your trial is scheduled to request copies from the relevant law enforcement agency. You can also request full maintenance records for the camera and any associated equipment, such as traffic lights or speed monitoring systems. This is important to establish that they were properly maintained and calibrated, as this can impact the reliability of the evidence.

Research Applicable Laws and Precedents

Look for cases in your city or county regarding traffic cameras and check for any appellate court decisions on the legality of camera tickets. There may be specific rules or defences recognised by law, such as requirements for warning signs or specific circumstances that justify speeding. Understanding these laws will help you build your defence.

Verify Your Identity and Driving Circumstances

If you were not the one driving the vehicle when the violation occurred, you may be able to challenge the ticket. In some jurisdictions, you can file a sworn statement declaring that you were not in possession of the vehicle at the time. Additionally, if there were extenuating circumstances, such as an emergency, you may be able to argue that your actions were necessary and justified.

Examine Technical Requirements and Compliance

Research and understand the technical requirements for camera placements, such as specific signage to inform drivers about red-light cameras. If there are any discrepancies, such as missing or improperly placed signs, it may provide you with a viable defence.

Remember, it is your right to carefully examine and challenge the evidence presented against you. By following these steps, you can effectively view and respond to the evidence of a camera ticket violation.

Reduction in the ticket amount

Camera tickets are issued for various traffic violations, such as speeding in school zones, running red lights, and obstructing traffic. While these tickets do not appear on your driving record or impact your insurance rates, they can result in fines and other consequences if not addressed promptly. Here are some key points to consider regarding the potential reduction in the ticket amount for a camera ticket:

Eligibility for Reduction:

In Seattle, if you meet specific criteria, you may be eligible for a 50% reduction in the ticket amount for your first traffic camera ticket. To qualify, your ticket must meet one of the following conditions:

• This is your first-ever traffic camera ticket.
• Your ticket was issued within 21 days of receiving your first traffic camera ticket.

Additionally, you must be receiving financial assistance from the state of Washington under RCW Title 74 or the WIC program and be the registered owner of the cited vehicle. To obtain the reduction, you must admit that you committed the infraction.

Requesting a Reduction:

To request a reduction in your ticket amount, you can utilize the court's internet portal. Here are the steps to follow:

• Register on the court's public portal by clicking the "Register" button and providing the necessary information, such as your username, password, and contact details.
• Once registered, log in to the public portal.
• Click on the "Search for Records" button and select "Citation Search."
• Enter the Notice # found on your Notice of Infraction in the Citation Number field.
• Click the "Search" button, and then click on the Case Number link in the search results.
• Click the "Actions" button and select "Create Filing" from the dialog box.
• Choose "Guided Entry" and then select "Submit Request for 1st Traffic Camera Reduction." Follow the directions provided in the portal to complete your request.

Early Payment Discount:

In some places, such as British Columbia, you may be able to reduce your fine by a certain amount by paying it in full within a specified timeframe. For example, you can reduce your fine by $25 if you pay it within 30 days of receiving the ticket.

Disputing the Ticket:

If you believe you were not at fault or there were mitigating circumstances, you can choose to dispute the ticket. In Ontario, you typically have 15 days from the "deemed date of service" to respond, either by paying or disputing the ticket. Disputing the ticket may involve appearing before a Justice of the Peace, pleading not guilty, and going to trial. Alternatively, you can opt for an early resolution by meeting with a prosecutor to discuss lowering the fine. Keep in mind that choosing this option usually requires you to plead guilty to the charge to accept a reduced fine.

Declaration of non-responsibility

If you have received a camera ticket but were not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, you can file a Declaration of Non-Responsibility. This is a sworn statement, under penalty of perjury, that the vehicle was not in your care, custody, or control at the time of the violation. This declaration can only be made in relation to traffic camera violations.

To make a Declaration of Non-Responsibility, you must complete the following steps:

• Download the declaration of non-responsibility form.
• Complete the form, providing all the required information.
• Return the form to the court by the due date shown on the front of the notice of the infraction. The form can be submitted online, by mail, email, or fax.

It is important to note that a Declaration of Non-Responsibility does not automatically result in the cancellation of the ticket. The court may still schedule a hearing, depending on the circumstances and the history of camera violations by the vehicle or owner.

Companies, organizations, or employers cannot file a declaration of non-responsibility. A vehicle driven by an employee is considered to be in the "care, custody, and control" of the registered owner or employer.

Frequently asked questions