Drivers Wonder: Is it Possible to Fight a Traffic Ticket Via Camera Lights?

Drivers Wonder: Is it Possible to Fight a Traffic Ticket Via Camera Lights?

Tony Lu
March 13, 2013

Drivers Wonder: Is it Possible to Fight a Traffic Ticket Via Camera Lights?

Submitted by: Tony Lu

Most drivers have probably dashed across an intersection while the lights were changing. In years past, vehicle operators would experience a momentary anxiety about getting caught. Today, even without a police presence, a camera mounted at the intersection can photograph the car passing at high speed. Some people wonder if is it possible to fight a traffic ticket via camera lights in court, or if those photos can even be legally contested.

Traffic cameras are no longer the realm of Big Brother. Not all states or countries have them widely in place yet, but cameras at busy intersections are becoming increasingly common. Cities often use them as automatic revenue machines, collecting fines from such violations as speeding, running a red light, using the bus lane, or even unauthorized vehicles within a congestion charge area.

The legality of this method is controversial. Besides being understandably unpopular with drivers, the use of enforcement cameras has been rejected by voters in some areas. The main objections are privacy issues. For most of us, however, these electronic traffic watchdogs are here to stay. No local legislation is going to make them disappear from the municipalities currently successfully using them.

To avoid being caught via photo while speeding, advocates recommend slowing or braking at a photographed intersection. This may, unfortunately, result in a rear-end collision. If you have GPS, access one of several databases alerting drivers to approaching video-controlled locations. Where lawful, use radar or laser detection devices for an early warning, or use your jamming device if it is allowed. Many drivers also make their license plates difficult to capture on film, another law-breaker in most areas.

If none of these precautions work, do not be surprised to receive an expensive fine through the mail. Make sure the citation is actually real. In the past there have been problems with enforcement photography being used to gather data. If a ticket says not to contact the court in then small print, then it is not valid.

There are instances where the fine was based not only on the photo, but upon certain local rules that may or may not be enforced. Due to ambiguous legalities, simply tossing the ticket away worked in the past. Unpaid fines are now being given to collections agents in many cities, and those fees can increase exponentially if not paid or contested in a timely manner.

Consider using the various legal services on the Internet which promise to fight for you, for a fee. If you wish to contest the charges yourself, however, do go to court and plead "not guilty" so that a bench trial will be scheduled. Gather as much evidence as possible by revisiting the scene, and taking multiple, detailed pictures to illustrate the timing of the lights. The more evidence, the better your chance of winning.

Some lawyers recommend avoiding stipulating that the court may see the video, which may be your only real chance to beat the charges. Because admitting the videos as evidence will sometimes require a court appearance by their "custodian, " a bench trial judge will often dismiss the case. Do not count on this result, however. Is it possible to fight a traffic ticket via camera lights? The best way to be a winner is an increased personal awareness of where they are placed, and a slower speed when passing through those intersections.

About the author, NJ speeding tickets can have a very bad impact on your driving record, never pay them, always fight them. Supported by Link building company.

About the Author: NJ speeding tickets can have a very bad impact on your driving record, never pay them, always fight them. Supported by Link building company

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