Consequences Of Ignoring Camera Tickets: Fines And More

Failing to pay a red light camera ticket can have several consequences. While some people suggest that you can ignore a mailed ticket, as the court cannot prove that you received it, this is dishonest and risky. If you don't pay your fine, the court may add a civil assessment of around $300 to the amount you owe. If you don't respond to the ticket, your driver's license may be suspended or revoked, and you could be required to pay additional fines. You may also be able to ask the court to lower your fine, set up a payment plan, or allow you to complete community service instead.

You may be fined more if you don't pay on time

Failing to pay a camera ticket on time can result in higher fines and other legal consequences. In California, for example, courts typically allow up to 90 days for individuals to pay their fees or enter a plea. If the fee is not paid within this grace period, the courts may impose a "civil assessment" of around $300 on top of the original fine.

Similarly, in Virginia, while a red light camera ticket will not affect your driving record or insurance rates, failing to pay the ticket on time could result in additional fines. The maximum penalty for a red light camera ticket in Virginia is $50, but if a law enforcement officer witnessed the violation and issued a citation, the fine could be as high as $350.

Ignoring a camera ticket altogether can lead to further legal complications. In some cases, the court may proceed to detain or suspend your driver's license until the charge is paid. Additionally, the state could change its policies or submit information to the DMV, resulting in a suspended license or difficulties in renewing your license.

Your driving privileges could be revoked

Failing to pay a camera ticket can have several consequences, one of which is the potential revocation of your driving privileges. While the specific laws vary by state, not addressing a camera ticket can lead to a suspended or revoked driver's license.

In California, for example, ignoring a red-light camera ticket can result in your driver's license being detained or suspended until the charge is paid. Many people are unaware that their driving privileges have been revoked and only find out when they are pulled over for another traffic violation. At that point, the police officer will issue tickets for both the current infraction and driving with a suspended license.

Similarly, in Virginia, if you refuse to pay a speed camera ticket, there is a possibility that a judge could sign a warrant for nonpayment of a fine. This could potentially result in further legal consequences and reinforce the suspension of your driving privileges.

The consequences of ignoring a camera ticket can be significant, and it is essential to understand the laws in your state. While you may have the option to fight the ticket or request a dismissal, ignoring it altogether is generally not advisable and can lead to more severe penalties and administrative hurdles in the future.

You may be able to get the fine lowered

If you've received a red-light camera ticket, you may be able to get the fine lowered. In Ontario, for example, you can meet with a prosecutor to discuss lowering the fine. However, this option requires you to plead guilty to the charge to accept the reduced fine. If you present a defence, the court may reject your guilty plea and push for a trial. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your options before choosing this route.

In California, you can ask the court to lower the fine, set up a payment plan, give you more time to pay, or allow you to perform community service instead. This is known as an ability-to-pay determination, and you will need to provide the court with information about your financial situation. You can use Form TR-320, "Can't Afford to Pay Fine: Traffic and Other Infractions," to make your request.

Additionally, in some jurisdictions, you may be able to dispute the ticket by arguing that the prosecution cannot prove you were driving. This defence may be applicable if there is no clearly identifiable photo of you in the driver's seat or if you were making a legal manoeuvre, such as a legal right turn on a red light.

Ignoring the ticket is risky

Ignoring a red-light camera ticket is a bad idea. While there is a lot of misinformation online suggesting that people can safely disregard a red-light camera ticket, the reality is that ignoring it will likely result in additional time and money spent trying to fight the ticket.

Higher Fines

Most courts allow up to 90 days for people to pay their fees or enter a plea. If you don't respond within this grace period, the courts may add a "civil assessment" of around $300 to the amount you owe.

Suspended or Detained License

If you ignore a red-light camera ticket, the court may proceed to detain or suspend your driver's license until the charge is paid. Many people don't realize their driving privileges have been revoked until they are pulled over for another traffic infraction and issued a ticket for driving with a suspended license.

Negative Impact on Vehicle Registration

Unpaid traffic citations can also create issues with your vehicle's registration, in addition to problems with your driver's license.

Misdemeanor Charges

As time passes and unpaid tickets accumulate, they could eventually result in misdemeanor charges. If you neglect to appear in court as requested, a "Failure To Appear" (FTA) charge will likely be brought against you for breaking your written promise when the ticket was issued.

You may be able to fight the ticket

Plead Not Guilty and Build Your Case

Firstly, you'll need to plead not guilty and schedule a date to contest your charge in court. You have a constitutional right to plead your innocence, and the burden of proof does not rest with you. It is up to the prosecutor to prove that you are guilty.

Review the Evidence

You can request to review the evidence against you, such as photos and videos. By law, authorities must allow you to view any photos captured by the red light camera. Check your citation for instructions on how to access this evidence. If there isn't a clear photo of the driver, the state won't be able to prove its case.

Check for Proper Signage

Visit the intersection where you received the citation and check for signs within 200 feet of every road approaching the intersection, stating that a red light camera is in use. Time the interval of the yellow light—in California, for example, the yellow light must last at least 3 seconds. If the yellow light at the intersection is shorter than this, you may have grounds for dismissal.

Defend Your Case

If you were rushing to the hospital or preventing a serious accident, you may be able to argue that you did not intentionally run the red light. You can also argue that the camera may not have been in perfect working condition at the time it took your picture, and the prosecution must prove otherwise.

Consult a Lawyer

Contact a lawyer who specializes in traffic tickets to help you fight your ticket. They will be familiar with the workings of your local traffic court and know what works and what doesn't.

Frequently asked questions