Fight Traffic Camera Tickets: Florida Drivers' Guide

Getting a red light camera ticket in Florida can be frustrating and costly. While it might seem easier to just pay the ticket, there are ways to fight it and possibly get the fines reduced or dismissed. The first step is to carefully review the photos and videos for clarity and accuracy. If the images are blurred or don't clearly identify the driver or license plate, this could be grounds for dismissal. It's also important to verify that the red light camera equipment was functioning properly and that the required signage was in place. If you weren't the one driving the vehicle, you can contest the ticket by providing an affidavit and supporting documentation. Additionally, you can argue that there were extenuating circumstances, such as an emergency vehicle approaching, that required you to proceed through the red light. Consulting a Florida traffic ticket lawyer can help you understand your options and increase your chances of a successful dispute.

Contest the violation by requesting a hearing

If you want to fight a red-light camera ticket in Florida, you must first request a local administrative hearing. If you do not request a hearing by the deadline stated on your notice of violation, the ticket will be converted into a uniform traffic citation. At that point, failure to appear in court may result in a suspension of your license.

Follow the instructions on your notice to request a hearing

When you get a notice of violation from a red-light camera, it provides information about the violation itself as well as instructions on how to contest the violation. You may have to pay additional costs for requesting a hearing, and these will be listed on your notice of violation. Each city or county has a hearing request form, which may be included with your notice of violation or available to download online.

Assess the quality of the photos or video

View the photo or video taken by the red-light camera. If the photo of you or your license plate is blurry, argue that it isn't clear that it's your car. Any violation of the law must be proven beyond any reasonable doubt, and if the photo is too blurry to identify the license plate with certainty, you've introduced reasonable doubt that you didn't commit the violation.

Gather evidence to support your defence

You will be allowed to present evidence in support of your claim at your hearing. This can include witness testimony or evidence from the scene. For example, you might argue that you ran the red light to clear the way for an emergency vehicle. Evidence of the reason you moved would support your claim.

Consult a traffic citation attorney

A local attorney who specialises in fighting red-light tickets may be the best and easiest way to get your ticket dismissed. However, you may end up paying more in attorney's fees than the cost of the ticket. Florida doesn't assess any points on your license for a red-light camera ticket, and it won't appear on your driving record, so weigh these facts when deciding whether to hire an attorney. Most traffic citation attorneys provide a free initial consultation.

Check if the photo or video evidence is blurry

If you want to fight a traffic camera ticket in Florida, it's important to assess the quality of the photo or video evidence. Any violation of the law must be proven beyond any reasonable doubt, even for a traffic infraction. If the photo is too blurry to identify the license plate, you can argue that it's not clear that the car is yours, creating reasonable doubt that you committed the violation.

When you receive a red-light camera ticket in Florida, you can typically view the photo or video evidence by visiting a web address provided on your violation notice. This evidence is crucial, as it may be the only way to identify the driver of the vehicle. If the photo or video is blurry and fails to clearly show the driver or license plate, this can be strong grounds for dismissal.

It's important to be thorough in your examination of the evidence. Even minor discrepancies can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. For example, if the photo is too blurry to conclusively identify the license plate, this can introduce reasonable doubt as to whether or not you committed the violation. Remember, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and they must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

In addition to checking the clarity of the photo or video evidence, you can also look for other discrepancies or technical errors that may help your case. For instance, you can verify that the camera was properly calibrated and maintained, and check if the required signage about red-light cameras was present and complied with legal standards.

Hire a traffic ticket lawyer

If you've received a red light camera ticket in Florida, it's important to know that you have options besides simply paying the fine. Hiring a Florida traffic ticket lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and in many cases, can result in reduced fines or even having the violation dismissed.

• Avoid long-term costs: While paying the fine for a red light camera ticket might seem like the quickest and easiest option, it's important to consider the potential long-term costs. These tickets can result in points on your license, increased insurance rates, and other penalties that can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. A lawyer can help you avoid these costs by working to reduce or eliminate the fine.
• Understand the penalties: The penalties for a red light camera ticket in Florida can be confusing, and they vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation. A lawyer can help you understand the potential penalties you're facing and how best to mitigate them.
• Explore possible defences: There are several possible defences you can use to beat a red light camera ticket or reduce the fine. For example, if the photo doesn't clearly identify you as the driver or if the camera was not working properly, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed. A lawyer can help you identify and present these defences effectively.
• Save time and hassle: Fighting a red light camera ticket can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. By hiring a lawyer, you can save yourself the time and hassle of dealing with the legal complexities and paperwork. A lawyer will handle everything for you, so you can focus on your daily life.
• Protect your driving record: A red light camera ticket can have a negative impact on your driving record, which could lead to increased insurance rates and other consequences. A lawyer can work to get the ticket dismissed or reduced, protecting your driving record and keeping your insurance rates low.
• Free consultations: Many traffic ticket lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you can get an expert opinion on your case without any cost or obligation. This can help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Overall, hiring a Florida traffic ticket lawyer can be a smart decision if you want to fully understand your options, protect your rights, and potentially reduce or eliminate the penalties you're facing. It's important to act quickly, as you usually have a limited amount of time to respond to a red light camera ticket.

Understand the penalties for a red light camera ticket

The penalties for a red light camera ticket in Florida can be steep. The base fine is $158, but if you fail to pay the ticket on time, the fine increases to $262. These fines are high—and in many cases, higher—than other moving violations in Florida.

The first notice of a red light camera ticket does not add points to your license. However, if you fail to pay the initial fine of $158, a second notice will be sent with an increased price of $262. If you receive this second notice, which is now counted as a ticket, points will be assessed on your license for the violation.

Failing to pay the fine or respond to the ticket can lead to additional penalties, including a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and a conviction on your record. This can, in turn, lead to a suspension of your license, even higher fines, and the cost of reinstating your driver's license.

In addition to the financial penalties, a red light camera ticket can also result in increased insurance costs. While a red light camera ticket is not considered a moving violation in Florida and does not carry demerit points, it can still impact your insurance rates. It is a good idea to consult with your insurance provider if you have concerns.

Learn how red light camera tickets impact your driver's license

Red light camera tickets in Florida are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, not the driver. This is different from traditional traffic tickets, which are issued to the driver. Red light camera violations are treated as civil infractions, similar to parking violations, rather than criminal offenses.

Red light camera tickets in Florida do not carry demerit points and typically do not appear on a driving record. This means that they will not directly impact your driver's license. However, failing to pay the fine or respond to the ticket can lead to additional penalties, including a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and a conviction on your record. Therefore, it is important to address the ticket promptly and understand your legal rights and options.

If you receive a red light camera ticket, you have 60 days to pay it or take other action, such as disputing the ticket or hiring an attorney. If you do not take any action within the given timeframe, a uniform traffic citation may be issued against you, and failure to appear in court could result in a suspension of your license.

While red light camera tickets themselves do not impact your driver's license, the consequences of ignoring or failing to address the ticket can have negative implications for your driving privileges. Therefore, it is crucial to handle red light camera tickets appropriately and in a timely manner.

Frequently asked questions