Red light cameras have become a ubiquitous feature of modern driving, and Florida is no exception. These cameras are designed to capture images of vehicles that run red lights, and the resulting tickets can be a costly surprise for drivers. But how much are red light camera tickets in Florida, and what can you do if you receive one? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of red light camera tickets in Florida, exploring the costs, consequences, and potential defenses.
Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets in Florida
Red light cameras are automated systems that use sensors and cameras to detect vehicles that enter an intersection after the light has turned red. When a vehicle is detected, the camera captures a series of images, including the vehicle’s license plate, the red light, and the vehicle’s position in the intersection. These images are then reviewed by law enforcement or a third-party vendor, and if the vehicle is deemed to have run the red light, a ticket is issued to the vehicle’s owner.
How Much Are Red Light Camera Tickets in Florida?
The cost of a red light camera ticket in Florida varies depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the infraction. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the standard fine for a red light camera ticket is $158. However, this amount can increase if the ticket is not paid on time or if the vehicle’s owner contests the ticket and loses.
| County | Red Light Camera Ticket Fine |
|---|---|
| Broward County | $158 |
| Miami-Dade County | $158 |
| Orange County | $158 |
| Hillsborough County | $158 |
Additional Fees and Penalties
In addition to the standard fine, red light camera tickets in Florida may also carry additional fees and penalties. For example, if the ticket is not paid on time, a late fee of $25 may be added to the total amount due. If the vehicle’s owner contests the ticket and loses, they may also be required to pay court costs and other fees.
Points and Insurance Consequences
Red light camera tickets in Florida are considered non-criminal infractions, which means they do not carry points. However, if the vehicle’s owner accumulates multiple red light camera tickets, their insurance rates may increase. Additionally, if the vehicle’s owner is found to have committed a more serious offense, such as reckless driving or fleeing the scene of an accident, they may face more severe consequences, including points and increased insurance rates.
Defending Against a Red Light Camera Ticket in Florida
If you receive a red light camera ticket in Florida, you have several options for defending against it. Here are a few potential strategies:
Review the Images and Video
The first step in defending against a red light camera ticket is to review the images and video captured by the camera. Check to see if the camera’s sensors and cameras were functioning properly, and if the images clearly show your vehicle running the red light. If the images are unclear or ambiguous, you may be able to argue that the ticket was issued in error.
Check for Technical Issues
Red light cameras are not infallible, and technical issues can sometimes cause false readings. Check to see if the camera’s sensors and cameras were properly calibrated and maintained, and if there were any technical issues that may have contributed to the ticket being issued.
Argue That You Were Not the Driver
If you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time the ticket was issued, you may be able to argue that you are not responsible for the infraction. You will need to provide evidence, such as witness statements or video footage, to support your claim.
Contesting a Red Light Camera Ticket in Florida
If you decide to contest a red light camera ticket in Florida, you will need to follow the procedures outlined by the jurisdiction that issued the ticket. Here are the general steps you can follow:
Request a Hearing
To contest a red light camera ticket, you will need to request a hearing with the jurisdiction that issued the ticket. You can usually do this by mail or online, and you will need to provide your name, address, and the citation number.
Gather Evidence
Before the hearing, gather any evidence that supports your defense. This may include images and video from the red light camera, witness statements, and technical documentation.
Attend the Hearing
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case. Be sure to dress professionally and be respectful to the hearing officer.
Conclusion
Red light camera tickets can be a costly and frustrating surprise for drivers in Florida. However, by understanding the costs and consequences of these tickets, and by knowing how to defend against them, you can minimize the impact on your wallet and your driving record. Remember to always follow the rules of the road, and to be aware of your surroundings when driving. If you do receive a red light camera ticket, don’t panic – follow the procedures outlined in this article, and you may be able to reduce or eliminate the fine.
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 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 series of photos, including one of the vehicle’s license plate.
The images are then reviewed by law enforcement or a third-party vendor, and if it is determined that the vehicle ran the red light, a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The citation will include the date, time, and location of the infraction, as well as a photo of the vehicle’s license plate and a photo of the vehicle in the intersection.
How do I know if I received a red light camera ticket in Florida?
If you received a red light camera ticket in Florida, you will be notified by mail. The citation will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, and it will include all the necessary information, including the date, time, and location of the infraction, as well as the amount of the fine. You may also be able to check online to see if you have any outstanding citations.
It’s essential to carefully review the citation and ensure that it is accurate. Check the date, time, and location to ensure that it matches your recollection of the event. Also, review the photos to ensure that they are clear and that the vehicle in the photos is indeed your vehicle.
What are the fines and penalties for a red light camera ticket in Florida?
The fines and penalties for a red light camera ticket in Florida vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the infraction. The standard fine for a red light camera ticket in Florida is $158, but this amount can increase if you fail to pay the fine on time or if you accumulate multiple citations.
In addition to the fine, you may also be assessed points against your driver’s license. A red light camera ticket is considered a moving violation, and it will result in 4 points being assessed against your license. If you accumulate 12 points within a 12-month period, your license may be suspended.
Can I contest a red light camera ticket in Florida?
Yes, you can contest a red light camera ticket in Florida. If you believe that the citation was issued in error or that you have a valid defense, you can request a hearing to contest the citation. You will need to submit a written request for a hearing within a specified timeframe, usually 30 days from the date of the citation.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and provide evidence to support your defense. The hearing officer will review the evidence and make a determination as to whether the citation should be upheld or dismissed. If the citation is upheld, you will be required to pay the fine and any additional fees.
What are the most 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 that the photos are unclear. If the photos are not clear, it may be difficult for the prosecution to prove that you were the driver of the vehicle.
Another common defense is that you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the infraction. If you can provide evidence that someone else was driving your vehicle, you may be able to have the citation dismissed. You may also be able to argue that you were forced to run the red light due to an emergency or that you were in the process of making a lawful turn.
Can I take a traffic school course to avoid points for a red light camera ticket in Florida?
Yes, you may be eligible to take a traffic school course to avoid points for a red light camera ticket in Florida. If you have not taken a traffic school course in the past 12 months, you may be able to elect to take a course to avoid having points assessed against your license.
The traffic school course must be approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and you will need to complete the course within a specified timeframe, usually 60 days from the date of the citation. Once you complete the course, you will need to submit the certificate of completion to the court, and the points will be waived.
How do I pay a red light camera ticket in Florida?
You can pay a red light camera ticket in Florida online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to pay online, you can visit the website of the clerk of court in the county where the citation was issued. You will need to enter your citation number and payment information to complete the transaction.
If you choose to pay by mail, you can send a check or money order to the address listed on the citation. Make sure to include your citation number on the check or money order to ensure that the payment is applied correctly. You can also pay in person at the clerk of court’s office.