Camera Tickets: Where Are They Mailed?

Camera tickets are typically mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, and must be mailed within a certain number of days of the violation. For example, in Washington State, the ticket must be mailed within 14 days of the violation, or within 14 days of establishing the renter's name and address if the vehicle is rented. In Nassau County, New York, an NOL (Notice of Liability) is mailed to the registered owner of a vehicle that fails to stop at a red light. In Seattle, camera tickets are filed with the Seattle Municipal Court and treated like parking tickets.

Camera tickets are processed like parking tickets

In Seattle, camera tickets are filed with the Seattle Municipal Court and will not appear on your state driving record. However, if you do not pay your ticket, the Department of Licensing (DOL) may place a hold on your vehicle registration. You can view pictures and videos of the alleged camera violation online using the citation number and PIN provided on the Notice of Infraction that was mailed to you.

In Washington State, camera tickets are also processed like parking tickets and will not appear on your driving record. A photo enforcement conviction will not affect your insurance rates, but failure to respond to the ticket may impact the renewal of your license plate, and the Court may send your case to collections.

In Ontario, speed camera tickets are issued by the province's Automated Speed Enforcement system, which captures the speed of vehicles and issues tickets accordingly. The tickets are mailed directly to the vehicle owner's home address. These tickets do not affect insurance rates or demerit points and are not added to the driver's history since the camera cannot identify the driver. However, as the vehicle owner, you are responsible for paying any speed camera tickets, even if you were not driving. If you do not pay, the fine will be added to your vehicle license, and you will need to pay it to renew your plate.

Tickets are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle

When a traffic camera captures a violation, a ticket is usually mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. This ticket is processed like a parking ticket and will not appear on your state driving record. However, unpaid tickets may cause a hold to be placed on your vehicle registration.

In the case of a rented vehicle, the ticket must be mailed within a certain number of days of establishing the renter's name and address. For example, in Washington State, the ticket must be mailed within 14 days of the violation.

The registered owner of the vehicle is presumed to be in control of the vehicle at the time of the violation and is therefore liable for any penalties. However, if the owner was not driving at the time, they can submit a statement under oath that the car was in the control of another person. In such cases, a declaration of non-responsibility can be filed online, by mail, email, or fax.

It is important to note that camera tickets generally do not affect insurance rates or driving records. Since the camera may not capture the identity of the driver, the violation is typically tied to the vehicle itself. As a result, the registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for paying any fines associated with the ticket, even if they were not the one driving.

Tickets must be mailed within 14 days of the violation

In Washington State, camera tickets are treated like parking tickets and do not appear on your state driving record. However, unpaid tickets may cause the Department of Licensing to place a hold on your vehicle registration.

Camera tickets are filed with the Seattle Municipal Court. The registered owner of the vehicle will receive a mailed notification of the camera ticket within 14 days of the violation. If the vehicle is rented, the violation must be mailed within 14 days of establishing the renter's name and address.

Upon receiving the notification of the infraction, the registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for the violation. If it is proven that the vehicle violated a traffic provision and the registered owner was the one operating the vehicle at the time, they are liable for any penalties. However, if someone else was driving, the registered owner can submit a written statement under oath to rebut the presumption.

You can view pictures and video of the alleged camera violation at www.violationinfo.com using the citation number and PIN provided on the Notice of Infraction that was mailed to you. This can be accessed on public computers at the Seattle Public Library, the Seattle Municipal Court lobby, and the Records Unit, Room 335, on the third floor.

It is important to note that camera tickets in Washington State do not impact your driving record or insurance rates. The only consequence is the fine associated with the infraction.

Tickets are not added to your driving record

When you get a ticket from a red-light camera or speed camera, it might feel like a personal violation. But unlike a traditional ticket from a traffic stop, these camera-issued tickets are not typically considered a part of your driving record. That's right—these tickets are generally not added to your driving record and are usually treated as a civil infraction rather than a criminal one. Here's why:

The purpose of red-light and speed cameras is often framed as a way to improve public safety and reduce dangerous driving behavior. The logic is that if drivers know they might be caught on camera, they'll be less likely to speed or run red lights. However, the penalties for these camera-issued tickets are usually less severe than those given by a police officer during a traffic stop. This is mainly because the tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving, which can create a challenge in assigning responsibility. As a result, these tickets are typically processed through the mail and are handled separately from traditional moving violations.

Now, this doesn't mean that camera tickets have no consequences. If you ignore a camera ticket, it can still result in fines and additional penalties. These tickets are often associated with a fine, similar to a parking ticket, and the amount varies depending on the location and the violation. In some cases, failure to pay these tickets can lead to late fees, collection agency involvement, or even a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. However, these tickets typically won't affect your insurance rates or result in points on your driver's license, which are consequences often associated with traditional moving violations that go on your driving record.

It's important to remember that laws and regulations regarding camera tickets can vary depending on your location. While some states and municipalities treat these tickets as civil infractions, others may handle them differently. Additionally, the specific rules and procedures for issuing and contesting camera tickets can differ from place to place. Therefore, it's always a good idea to review the laws and guidelines specific to your area to fully understand how these tickets are handled and what options you have if you choose to dispute one.

In summary, while camera tickets can be an inconvenience and come with fines, they generally won't impact your driving record or insurance rates. However, it's still important to take these tickets seriously and respond to them accordingly to avoid additional penalties. Understanding the laws and regulations in your area can help you effectively navigate any camera-issued tickets you may encounter. Remember to stay informed and always drive safely!

You can contest a ticket by mail

Camera tickets are generally processed like parking tickets and are typically mailed to the address of the registered owner of the vehicle. They are not considered criminal offences and will not appear on your state driving record. However, if left unpaid, they may cause issues with your vehicle registration.

Contesting a Ticket by Mail

If you wish to dispute a camera ticket, you can do so by mail. Most municipalities will allow you to contest a ticket by mail within a certain timeframe. For example, in Chicago, you have 21 days from the date of the Notice of Violation to contest a ticket by mail.

To contest a ticket by mail, you will need to provide a written statement signed by the registered owner of the vehicle. This statement should include facts that establish a defence and any supporting evidence. Relevant evidence may include:

• Photographs
• Affidavits
• State vehicle registration
• Official police vehicle theft and/or recovery reports

It is important to include the ticket number on all documents and to ensure that they are legible and complete. Only send copies of your evidence, as original documents will not be returned.

Keep in mind that the specific process and requirements for contesting a ticket by mail may vary depending on your location. Be sure to review the relevant laws and guidelines for your jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions