Receiving a red light camera ticket can be frustrating, especially if you believe it was issued in error. In Florida, red light cameras are used to monitor intersections and issue citations to drivers who run red lights. However, there are ways to contest these tickets and potentially have them dismissed. In this article, we will explore the process of how to get out of a red light camera ticket in Florida.
Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets in Florida
Before we dive into the process of contesting a red light camera ticket, it’s essential to understand how these tickets are issued and the laws surrounding them in Florida. Red light cameras are installed at intersections to capture images of vehicles that run red lights. When a vehicle is detected running a red light, the camera captures a series of photos and a video of the incident. The images and video are then reviewed by law enforcement, and if the driver is found to have run the red light, a citation is issued.
Types of Red Light Camera Tickets in Florida
There are two types of red light camera tickets that can be issued in Florida:
- Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC): This type of citation is issued by law enforcement and is typically given to drivers who are pulled over by an officer. A UTC can result in points being assessed against the driver’s license.
- Civil Infraction Notice: This type of citation is issued by the local government and is typically mailed to the driver. A Civil Infraction Notice does not result in points being assessed against the driver’s license.
Contesting a Red Light Camera Ticket in Florida
If you receive a red light camera ticket in Florida, you have the option to contest it. Here are the steps you can take:
Review the Citation
The first step in contesting a red light camera ticket is to review the citation carefully. Make sure all the information on the citation is accurate, including your name, address, and license plate number. Check the citation for any errors or inconsistencies.
Check for Errors in the Citation
- Is the license plate number correct?
- Is the make and model of the vehicle correct?
- Is the date and time of the incident correct?
- Is the location of the incident correct?
If you find any errors or inconsistencies on the citation, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
Gather Evidence
The next step is to gather evidence to support your case. This can include:
- Photos and videos: Take photos and videos of the intersection where the incident occurred. This can help to show that the red light camera was not functioning properly or that the intersection was not clearly marked.
- Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the incident, get their statements in writing. Witness statements can be powerful evidence in contesting a red light camera ticket.
- Vehicle maintenance records: If you can show that your vehicle was properly maintained and that the brakes were functioning properly, this can help to support your case.
Request a Hearing
Once you have gathered evidence, you can request a hearing to contest the ticket. You can do this by:
- Mailing a request: You can mail a request for a hearing to the address listed on the citation.
- Filing online: Some counties in Florida allow you to file a request for a hearing online.
- Visiting the courthouse: You can also visit the courthouse in person to request a hearing.
What to Expect at the Hearing
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case. The hearing officer will review the evidence and make a decision. If you are found not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed. If you are found guilty, you will be required to pay the fine.
Defenses to Red Light Camera Tickets in Florida
There are several defenses you can use to contest a red light camera ticket in Florida. Here are a few:
- The yellow light was too short: If the yellow light was too short, you may not have had enough time to stop before the red light.
- The intersection was not clearly marked: If the intersection was not clearly marked, you may not have known that you were approaching a red light.
- The red light camera was not functioning properly: If the red light camera was not functioning properly, the citation may be invalid.
Using the “Safe Harbor” Defense
In Florida, there is a “safe harbor” defense that you can use to contest a red light camera ticket. This defense states that if you can show that you came to a complete stop before turning right on red, you cannot be issued a citation. To use this defense, you will need to provide evidence that you came to a complete stop before turning.
Hiring an Attorney to Contest a Red Light Camera Ticket in Florida
If you are not comfortable contesting the ticket yourself, you can hire an attorney to do it for you. An attorney can help you to:
- Review the citation: An attorney can review the citation to make sure it is accurate and complete.
- Gather evidence: An attorney can help you to gather evidence to support your case.
- Represent you at the hearing: An attorney can represent you at the hearing and argue your case.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
There are several benefits to hiring an attorney to contest a red light camera ticket in Florida. Here are a few:
- Increased chance of winning: An attorney can help you to present a stronger case and increase your chances of winning.
- Reduced stress: Contesting a ticket can be stressful, but an attorney can handle the process for you.
- More free time: By hiring an attorney, you can avoid having to take time off work to attend the hearing.
Conclusion
Receiving a red light camera ticket in Florida can be frustrating, but there are ways to contest it. By understanding the laws surrounding red light cameras, gathering evidence, and requesting a hearing, you can potentially have the ticket dismissed. If you are not comfortable contesting the ticket yourself, you can hire an attorney to do it for you. Remember to always review the citation carefully, gather evidence, and present a strong case to increase your chances of winning.
| County | Red Light Camera Locations |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | SW 8th St and SW 107th Ave, NW 36th St and NW 72nd Ave |
| Broward | US-1 and SE 17th St, W Commercial Blvd and N University Dr |
| Hillsborough | N Dale Mabry Hwy and W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, E Hillsborough Ave and N 30th St |
Note: The table above is a sample and the locations may not be accurate or up-to-date.
What is a red light camera ticket in Florida?
A red light camera ticket in Florida is a type of traffic citation issued to drivers who are caught running a red light by an automated camera system. These cameras are installed at intersections to capture images of vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red. The cameras use sensors to detect when a vehicle has entered the intersection and then take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate.
The ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, along with a fine and any additional fees. The fine for a red light camera ticket in Florida can range from $158 to $263, depending on the location and the circumstances of the infraction. In addition to the fine, drivers may also receive points on their license, which can increase their insurance rates and potentially lead to a license suspension.
How do I know if I was caught by a red light camera in Florida?
If you were caught by a red light camera in Florida, you will typically receive a notice in the mail within 30 days of the infraction. The notice will include a photo of your vehicle’s license plate, as well as the date, time, and location of the infraction. You may also be able to check online to see if you have any outstanding red light camera tickets.
It’s essential to review the notice carefully and verify that the information is accurate. Check the photo to ensure that it is indeed your vehicle and that the license plate number is correct. You should also review the date, time, and location of the infraction to ensure that it matches your recollection of the event.
What are the steps to contest a red light camera ticket in Florida?
To contest a red light camera ticket in Florida, you will need to follow a specific process. First, you will need to review the notice and verify that the information is accurate. Next, you will need to decide whether you want to pay the fine or contest the ticket. If you choose to contest the ticket, you will need to submit a written request to the court within 30 days of receiving the notice.
Once you have submitted your request, you will be scheduled for a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and argue why you should not be held responsible for the infraction. You may want to bring evidence, such as witness statements or photos, to support your case. The judge will review the evidence and make a decision.
What are some common defenses to a red light camera ticket in Florida?
There are several common defenses to a red light camera ticket in Florida. One of the most common defenses is that the camera malfunctioned or was not properly calibrated. You may be able to argue that the camera was not functioning correctly, which could have resulted in an inaccurate reading.
Another common defense is that the driver was not the owner of the vehicle. If you can prove that someone else was driving your vehicle at the time of the infraction, you may be able to avoid responsibility for the ticket. You may also be able to argue that the infraction was necessary to avoid a collision or other safety hazard.
Can I request a hearing to contest a red light camera ticket in Florida?
Yes, you can request a hearing to contest a red light camera ticket in Florida. To do so, you will need to submit a written request to the court within 30 days of receiving the notice. You will need to include your name, address, and the citation number, as well as a statement explaining why you are contesting the ticket.
Once you have submitted your request, you will be scheduled for a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and argue why you should not be held responsible for the infraction. You may want to bring evidence, such as witness statements or photos, to support your case. The judge will review the evidence and make a decision.
What happens if I ignore a red light camera ticket in Florida?
If you ignore a red light camera ticket in Florida, you may face additional penalties and fines. If you fail to respond to the notice or pay the fine within the specified timeframe, you may be subject to a late fee and additional penalties. Your license may also be suspended, which could result in additional fines and fees to reinstate your license.
Ignoring a red light camera ticket can also result in points being assessed against your license. If you accumulate too many points, your license may be suspended or revoked. Additionally, ignoring a red light camera ticket can result in a negative impact on your insurance rates, which could increase your premiums.
Can I pay a red light camera ticket in Florida online?
Yes, you can pay a red light camera ticket in Florida online. Most courts in Florida offer online payment options for red light camera tickets. To pay your ticket online, you will need to visit the court’s website and follow the instructions for online payment. You will need to have your citation number and payment information ready.
When paying online, make sure to verify that the payment is being made to the correct court and that the citation number is accurate. You should also keep a record of your payment, including the date and amount paid. Once you have made your payment, you will receive a confirmation of payment, which you should keep for your records.