Running a Red Light and Red Light Camera Lights

Although drivers know they are supposed to stop on red, running a red light remains the most common traffic offense nonetheless. If you are one of the many individuals charged with failure to stop at a red light, it is important to understand the penalties you are facing.

It is estimated that approximately 22% of all motor vehicle collisions occur as a result of drivers who fail to stop at a red light. In addition, running red lights kills hundreds of people each year, and costs American citizens approximately seven billion dollars annually. Due to these expenses, as well as the number of accidents, many states have invested in red light camera lights in order to catch more drivers running a red light.

As the name suggests, red light cameras are used to capture pictures of drivers when they do not stop at a red light. Typically positioned in each corner of an intersection, these devices record any red light violations that occur when a law enforcement officer is not present. Once the light turns red, the camera is automatically triggered anytime a vehicle crosses a particular point in the road.

If you run a red light that has a camera installed on it, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send a citation, along with the captured photograph, to the vehicle owner’s address. As with any other traffic violation, you must either appear in court to argue your charge, or enter a guilty plea by paying the associated ticket fine.

The fines for running a red light or a red light camera light vary from state to state, but can range anywhere from $40 to $400. In addition, if your state uses the point system to document traffic violations, failing to stop at a red light can add two or more points to your record. Drivers with three or more tickets may also lose their driving privileges for a specified period of time.

While the best way to prevent a violation is to always stop at red lights, running a red light is sometimes unavoidable. Fortunately, with help from an attorney, you can fight your red light violation, and may even be able to avoid the consequences of a conviction. To improve your chances for success, make sure you discuss your case with an experienced traffic attorney in your area.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC