Receiving a red light camera ticket can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re unsure about the laws and regulations surrounding these types of citations in Colorado. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of red light camera tickets, exploring the costs, consequences, and what you can do if you receive one.
What is a Red Light Camera Ticket?
A red light camera ticket is a type of citation issued to drivers who fail to stop at a red light or stop sign. These cameras are typically installed at busy intersections and capture images of vehicles that run red lights or fail to come to a complete stop. The cameras use sensors to detect when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red, and then capture a photo of the vehicle’s license plate.
How Do Red Light Cameras Work?
Red light cameras use a combination of sensors and cameras to capture images of vehicles that run red lights. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how they work:
- Sensors are installed in the road or at the intersection to detect when a vehicle approaches the red light.
- When a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red, the sensors trigger the camera to capture a photo of the vehicle’s license plate.
- The camera takes a photo of the vehicle’s license plate, as well as a photo of the driver (in some cases).
- The photos are then reviewed by law enforcement or a third-party vendor to determine if a citation should be issued.
How Much is a Red Light Camera Ticket in Colorado?
The cost of a red light camera ticket in Colorado varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of offense. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, the fine for a red light camera ticket can range from $75 to $100. However, some jurisdictions may charge higher fines, so it’s essential to check with the specific court or municipality to determine the exact cost.
| Jurisdiction | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Denver | $75 |
| Colorado Springs | $100 |
| Aurora | $90 |
Additional Fees and Penalties
In addition to the fine, you may also be required to pay additional fees and penalties, such as:
- A late payment fee of $25 to $50 if you fail to pay the fine on time.
- A collections fee of $30 to $100 if the fine is sent to a collections agency.
- A surcharge of $10 to $20 to support the Colorado Trauma Center Fund.
What Happens if I Receive a Red Light Camera Ticket?
If you receive a red light camera ticket, you’ll typically receive a notice in the mail with the following information:
- A photo of your vehicle’s license plate.
- A photo of the driver (in some cases).
- The date, time, and location of the offense.
- The fine amount and payment instructions.
You’ll have the option to:
- Pay the fine online, by phone, or by mail.
- Contest the citation by requesting a hearing.
- Take a defensive driving course to reduce the fine or points assessed.
Contesting a Red Light Camera Ticket
If you believe you received a red light camera ticket in error, you can contest the citation by requesting a hearing. To do so, you’ll need to:
- Complete a request for hearing form and submit it to the court or municipality.
- Provide evidence to support your claim, such as photos or witness statements.
- Attend a hearing to present your case to a judge or hearing officer.
Points and Insurance Consequences
In Colorado, a red light camera ticket is considered a moving violation and can result in points being assessed against your driver’s license. The number of points assessed will depend on the type of offense and your driving record.
- A red light camera ticket is typically considered a 4-point offense.
- If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your driver’s license may be suspended.
Additionally, a red light camera ticket can also impact your insurance rates. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who receive a red light camera ticket may see an increase in their insurance premiums of up to 20%.
Defensive Driving Courses
In some cases, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving course to reduce the fine or points assessed. These courses are designed to educate drivers on safe driving practices and may be offered online or in-person.
- The course must be approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- You must complete the course within a specified timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days).
- You may be eligible for a reduction in the fine or points assessed.
Conclusion
Receiving a red light camera ticket can be a frustrating experience, but understanding the laws and regulations surrounding these types of citations can help you navigate the process. By knowing the cost of a red light camera ticket in Colorado, as well as the additional fees and penalties, you can make informed decisions about how to proceed. Remember to always follow safe driving practices and come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs to avoid receiving a citation in the first place.
What is a red light camera ticket in Colorado?
A red light camera ticket in Colorado 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 and 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 photo of the vehicle and the license plate. The ticket will include information about the infraction, including the date, time, and location of the offense, as well as the amount of the fine.
How do red light cameras work in Colorado?
Red light cameras in Colorado use a combination of sensors and cameras to detect and capture images of vehicles that run red lights. The sensors are usually embedded in the road and detect when a vehicle has entered the intersection after the light has turned red. When a vehicle is detected, the camera takes a photo of the vehicle’s license plate and a second photo of the vehicle in the intersection.
The cameras are typically triggered by a vehicle’s speed and distance from the intersection. If a vehicle is traveling at a speed that indicates it will not be able to stop before the light turns red, the camera will be triggered. The cameras are also equipped with flash units that illuminate the license plate and vehicle, allowing for clear photos to be taken.
What are the penalties for a red light camera ticket in Colorado?
The penalties for a red light camera ticket in Colorado include a fine, which can range from $75 to $100, depending on the jurisdiction. In addition to the fine, a red light camera ticket will also result in 4 points being assessed against the driver’s license. If a driver accumulates 12 points within a 12-month period, their license will be suspended.
It’s worth noting that red light camera tickets are considered civil infractions, rather than criminal offenses. This means that drivers who receive a red light camera ticket will not be required to appear in court, unless they choose to contest the ticket. Drivers who wish to contest a red light camera ticket must do so in writing, within a specified timeframe.
Can I contest a red light camera ticket in Colorado?
Yes, drivers who receive a red light camera ticket in Colorado can contest the ticket. To contest a red light camera ticket, drivers must submit a written request to the court, within a specified timeframe. The request must include the driver’s name, address, and license number, as well as the citation number and a statement explaining why the driver believes the ticket was issued in error.
Drivers who wish to contest a red light camera ticket may also request a hearing. At the hearing, the driver will have the opportunity to present evidence and testify on their own behalf. The court will review the evidence and make a determination as to whether the ticket was issued correctly. If the court finds in favor of the driver, the ticket will be dismissed.
Will a red light camera ticket in Colorado affect my insurance rates?
A red light camera ticket in Colorado may affect a driver’s insurance rates, depending on the insurance company’s policies. Some insurance companies may consider a red light camera ticket to be a minor infraction and may not increase rates as a result. However, other insurance companies may view a red light camera ticket as a more serious offense and may increase rates accordingly.
It’s worth noting that insurance companies are not notified of red light camera tickets, unless the driver chooses to report the ticket to their insurance company. However, if a driver accumulates multiple red light camera tickets, their insurance company may become aware of the tickets and increase rates as a result.
Can I take a traffic safety course to dismiss a red light camera ticket in Colorado?
In some cases, drivers who receive a red light camera ticket in Colorado may be eligible to take a traffic safety course to dismiss the ticket. However, this option is not available in all jurisdictions and is typically only available to drivers who have not received a red light camera ticket in the past.
To be eligible to take a traffic safety course, drivers must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid driver’s license and not having any pending traffic citations. Drivers who are eligible to take a traffic safety course must complete the course within a specified timeframe and provide proof of completion to the court.
How long do I have to pay a red light camera ticket in Colorado?
Drivers who receive a red light camera ticket in Colorado typically have 30 days to pay the fine or contest the ticket. If the fine is not paid or the ticket is not contested within the specified timeframe, additional penalties and fees may be assessed.
It’s worth noting that drivers who are unable to pay the fine within the specified timeframe may be eligible for a payment plan. To be eligible for a payment plan, drivers must submit a written request to the court, explaining their financial situation and proposing a payment plan. The court will review the request and make a determination as to whether a payment plan is feasible.