Traffic Camera Tickets: How Long Until They Arrive In Florida?

Florida's red light cameras are a relatively new photo enforcement technology that is becoming more and more prevalent in Florida intersections. These cameras are used to automate the process of recording drivers committing a red light violation, serving as a major ally in prosecution. As a driver passes over a sensor in the intersection while the traffic signal is red, a camera is activated, taking pictures of the driver and their front license plate. After the violation is recorded, an enforcement program issues a citation, which is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The cost of a red light ticket in Florida is $158, which gets bumped up to $262 if you fail to pay for the offence after your first notification.

Red light camera fines

Red light cameras are legal in Florida. They are a relatively new photo enforcement technology that is becoming more and more prevalent in Florida intersections. These cameras are used to automate the process of recording drivers committing a red light violation. As a driver passes over a sensor in the intersection while the traffic signal is red, a camera is activated, taking pictures of the driver and their front license plate.

The usual cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158. This is the cost of the ticket if you pay the fine within 30 days of receiving the first notification, which is called a Notice of Violation. This first notice does not add points to your driver's license.

If you fail to pay the ticket after the first notification, the fine may rise to $262. This second notice is counted as a ticket, and points are assessed on your license for the violation.

If you continue to ignore the citation, your license can be suspended, and you may incur even higher fines and the cost of reinstating your driver's license.

How to check for a ticket

In Florida, there are several ways to check if you have a traffic ticket. The most direct way is to check your driver's license online. You can do this by entering your driver's license number on the License Check website provided by the Florida DMV. This will allow you to see if you have any red-light tickets listed under your license.

Another option is to contact the local courthouse. Each county courthouse enforces red-light violations, so you can call the relevant courthouse to inquire about any violations. However, if you have travelled across the state, you will need to contact multiple courthouses, which can be time-consuming.

Alternatively, you can try calling American Traffic Solutions (ATS), the company that processes traffic violations for many Florida cities. You can reach them at 1-866-225-9975. You will need to provide your name and license plate number, and they can check if you have any red-light tickets. If you have a citation, you will be responsible for recording the citation number and date.

Additionally, you can check for traffic tickets through the Clerks of Court in the various counties of Florida. You can contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the ticket was issued or search for your ticket on the Clerk of Court website. On the website, you can enter the citation number or search by name if you have lost the ticket. The search result will provide information such as the date the ticket was filed and the payment due date.

It's important to note that traffic tickets in Florida typically need to be addressed within 30 days of receiving them to avoid additional fines and potential suspension of your driver's license.

Contesting a ticket

If you receive a red light camera ticket in Florida, you may be able to contest it. Here are the steps you can take:

Review the Evidence

Check the details on your violation notice, including the location, date, and time of the violation. Review any photos or videos provided, and try to identify the driver and vehicle in the footage.

Submit an Affidavit

If you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation, you can submit an affidavit to transfer liability. You will need to provide information about the person driving your car, such as their name, address, birth date, and driver's license number if possible. If your car was stolen, include a copy of the police report instead.

Assess Your Options

Evaluate any exemptions that may apply, such as recently selling your car or lending it to someone else. You can also assert these exemptions by filing an affidavit. Consult a local attorney specializing in traffic tickets for guidance on your specific situation.

Gather Evidence

If you decide to contest the ticket, gather evidence to support your defense. This can include witness testimony or evidence from the scene. For example, you may argue that you ran the red light to make way for an emergency vehicle or a funeral procession.

Consult an Attorney

Consider hiring a local attorney who specializes in fighting red-light tickets. They can guide you through the legal process, ensure you meet deadlines, and help build your case. While hiring an attorney may incur additional costs, they can improve your chances of getting the ticket dismissed.

Request a Hearing

Follow the instructions on your violation notice to request a hearing. There may be additional costs associated with this request, and you will need to fill out the appropriate hearing request form.

Present Your Case

On the day of your hearing, arrive at the courthouse with your evidence and any relevant documents. Present your case to the hearing officer, sticking to the facts, and providing a clear and loud explanation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and may bring witnesses to support your defense.

Appeal if Necessary

If the hearing officer finds you guilty of the violation, you have the right to appeal their decision. Identify the appropriate circuit court and file a notice of appeal within the specified deadline, typically around 10 days. You may need to hire an appellate attorney to guide you through this process and improve your chances of a successful appeal.

Paying a ticket

If you receive a red light traffic ticket in Florida, you must pay the fine within 30 days of receiving it. The standard cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158, but this can vary slightly depending on the county. If you fail to pay the ticket after the first notice of violation, the fine may rise to $262. This second notice is counted as a ticket, and points will be added to your license for the violation.

You can pay your ticket by phone, mail, or online. To pay by phone, call 1-866-225-8875. To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the county court. To pay online, visit www.payflclerk.com or www.violationinfo.com.

It is important to note that if you ignore the citation, your license may be suspended, and you may face even higher fines and fees to reinstate your driver's license. Therefore, it is crucial to take swift action once you become aware of the ticket.

In addition to paying the fine, you may also be required to enroll in a basic driver improvement (BDI) course, especially if you have accumulated points on your license. By enrolling in a BDI course, you may receive an 18% reduction in the citation fee. However, you must enroll within 30 days of receiving the citation to be eligible for the discount.

Impact on your driver's license

In Florida, red light cameras are used to automate the process of recording drivers who run red lights. When a violation is recorded, a citation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The first notice of a red light camera ticket, formally called a Notice of Violation, will not add points to your driver's license. However, if you fail to pay the fine listed on the ticket within 30 days of receiving it, your fine will increase, and you will incur court costs and three points on your license.

If you continue to ignore the citation, your license may be suspended, and you will face even higher fines and fees to reinstate your driver's license. These points can result in substantial auto insurance increases and can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, it is recommended that you consult a local attorney specializing in traffic tickets to discuss your options for disputing the violation. In many cases, drivers who receive these tickets in Florida can get the fines reduced or have the violation dismissed.

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