Fight Newburgh Heights Speed Camera Ticket

Newburgh Heights, Ohio, has been criticised for its use of speed cameras, with the village gaining a reputation for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers on Interstate 77. In 2022, the mayor of Newburgh Heights paused the use of speed cameras while the village reviewed a ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court, which stated that state lawmakers could withhold state money from towns that profit from speed cameras.

In 2023, a judge ruled that the way the police in Newburgh Heights were issuing speed camera tickets was unlawful, and the village was ordered to pay more than $20,000 in fees and file all previous tickets in court.

If you have received a speed camera ticket in Newburgh Heights, you can pay the fine, file a request for more time to pay, or contest the ticket by filing a Request for Hearing Form.

Contest the ticket in court

If you wish to contest a traffic camera ticket in Newburgh Heights, you must do so within 30 days of receiving the ticket. You can do this by filing a Request for Hearing Form with the Clerk. This can be done online via the Garfield Heights Municipal Court's e-filing system, by US Mail, by faxing 216-475-3087, or by calling the Clerk's Office at 216-475-1900 option 5 to schedule a time to drop it off during normal business hours.

The rights of persons cited are set forth in Ohio Revised Code 4511.098. If you are not the driver of the vehicle, you can file a Transfer of Liability Form within 30 days of receiving the ticket. This form must include the name and address of the driver, and you must sign it in front of a notary or court deputy clerk. The driver will then receive a Notice of Liability, and your case will be closed.

If your vehicle or license plates were stolen before the violation date on the Notice of Liability, you can file a Transfer of Liability Form within 30 days of receiving the ticket. You must also attach a copy of the police report, which you should have made within 48 hours of the theft. As before, you must sign this form in front of a notary or court deputy clerk. The Court will dismiss the charge against you once the form and police report are filed.

Traffic camera violations are now under the sole jurisdiction of the Municipal Court instead of the Village Mayor's Courts and are governed by Ohio Revised Code Sections 4511.092 through 4511.099. The Villages of Newburgh Heights and Walton Hills are the only two in the Court District that issue traffic camera violations.

Request more time to pay

If you are unable to pay your speed camera ticket fine from Newburgh Heights, Ohio, you can request more time to pay. This is done by filing a Motion for Time to Pay. This request must be filed within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Liability. There is a $15 filing fee to submit a Request for Time to Pay.

You can file any documents online at www.ghmc.org/e-filing, by US Mail, by faxing 216-475-3087, or by calling the Clerk's Office at 216-475-1900 option 5 to schedule a time to drop it off during normal business hours.

Note that traffic camera violations carry a civil penalty, which is a monetary fine. You will have no conviction and no points on your driving record.

File a Transfer of Liability form

If you have received a photo traffic enforcement citation in Newburgh Heights, you can file a Transfer of Liability Form if the vehicle was being driven by someone else or if your vehicle or plates were stolen.

The Transfer of Liability Form must be filed within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Liability. The form must include the name and address of the driver, and you must sign this form in front of a notary or a court deputy clerk. There is no filing fee.

The Transfer of Liability Form can be filed online, by mail, by fax, or by calling the Clerk's Office to schedule a time to drop it off.

In addition to the Transfer of Liability Form, you may also need to submit other documentation, such as a separate Odometer Disclosure form and/or a Damage Disclosure form, depending on your state's regulations.

It is important to note that the procedures and requirements for transferring liability may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check the specific rules for your state or municipality.

Ignore the ticket

If you choose to ignore a speed camera ticket in Newburgh Heights, there are a few things you should know about the potential consequences. Firstly, ignoring a traffic ticket is generally not advisable as it can result in a "failure to appear" or "failure to respond" on your record, commonly known as an FTA. This infraction will be ruled as committed and will be added to your driving record, which can have negative implications for insurance rates and employment opportunities.

In the case of an FTA, you will be required to pay the fine stated on the ticket, along with an additional $52 default penalty. Failure to pay these penalties will result in the court sending your case to a collection agency, and the Department of Licensing (DOL) will be notified. An FTA on your record may also lead to a suspension of your driver's license, particularly if the violation is related to speeding or other moving violations.

To resolve an FTA and its consequences, you may need to set up a payment plan with the collection agency or the court. However, it is important to note that paying the ticket is considered an admission of guilt, and the ticket will remain on your record. If you wish to avoid having the ticket on your record, you may need to request a contested hearing, although this option may become more difficult if you have already paid the fine.

In the context of Newburgh Heights, it is important to be aware of the specific laws and procedures related to traffic camera enforcement in that jurisdiction. According to the Newburgh Heights official website, traffic camera violations are now under the sole jurisdiction of the Garfield Heights Municipal Court, rather than the Village Mayor's Courts. The website also provides information on how to contest a photo enforcement citation by contacting the Garfield Heights Municipal Court or calling a specified phone number.

Additionally, the website outlines the rights of motorists, vehicle owners, or entities upon receiving a civil violation, which can be found in the Newburgh Heights Codified Ordinance Chapter 315 and Chapter 317. Understanding your rights and the legal options available to you is crucial before making any decisions regarding ignoring a traffic ticket.

Complain to the media

If you have received a speed camera ticket in Newburgh Heights and want to complain to the media, there are a few things you can do.

First, gather all the relevant information and documents related to your case. This includes any photos, videos, or other evidence that may support your complaint.

Next, identify the media outlets that you want to reach out to. Look for news organizations or journalists who have previously covered stories related to speed camera tickets in Newburgh Heights or similar issues in other areas. You can also consider contacting local news outlets, such as newspapers, television stations, or online publications.

Once you have identified the media outlets you want to contact, reach out to them via email, phone, or social media. Clearly explain your situation and provide any relevant evidence you have gathered. It is important to be concise and clear in your communication, highlighting the most important points of your complaint.

In your complaint, you can mention the following points:

• The excessive number of speed camera tickets issued in Newburgh Heights: Newburgh Heights has gained a reputation for issuing tens of thousands of tickets each year, primarily through the use of an officer with a camera on Interstate 77.
• The financial motivations behind the tickets: There have been concerns that the village is more focused on generating revenue from the tickets rather than on road safety. This is supported by the fact that Newburgh Heights stopped filing tickets in court to avoid paying a $9 filing fee per ticket.
• The impact on drivers: Highlight how the speed camera tickets have affected you and other drivers. For example, some drivers have received multiple tickets or have questioned the effectiveness of the cameras in improving safety.
• Any legal or procedural issues: Mention any legal rulings or opinions that may be relevant, such as the Ohio Supreme Court's ruling that state lawmakers can withhold funding from towns that make money from speed cameras.

By providing a clear and concise complaint, supported by evidence and highlighting relevant issues, you can effectively bring attention to your case and potentially prompt media coverage or further investigation into the matter.

Frequently asked questions