Red Light Cameras: Purpose, Debate, and Tips
January 3, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident
Some communities in Florida use red light cameras to cite motorists who violate the law, supposedly to improve traffic safety. As their name implies, red light cameras photograph vehicles that run through intersections after a traffic light turns red. First deployed in 2010, the use of these devices has faced significant legal challenges.
All Florida drivers should know what these devices are and what to do if they receive a red light camera ticket.
Traffic Camera vs. Red Light Camera: What Is the Difference?
Although some may use the terms interchangeably, red light cameras are not traffic cameras. A traffic camera is a video device used to monitor traffic conditions in real time. They are usually placed near busy intersections and places with heavy traffic to monitor traffic flow and check for collisions or other issues.
“What is a red light camera?” you might ask. This type of camera is also placed at intersections. It snaps a picture of cars that enter the intersection after their light has turned red, aiming to capture the license plate number. A human then reviews the pictures. If they believe the driver violated a traffic signal, the vehicle’s registered owner may receive a citation.
Are Red Light Cameras Legal in Florida?
If the thought of a red light camera sounds invasive and Orwellian, you might wonder whether these cameras are legal in Florida.
They are. The use of red light cameras was first authorized by statute in 2010 and was upheld by the Florida Supreme Court as recently as 2018.
Why Some Florida Communities Use Red Light Cameras
There is evidence suggesting that red light cameras do dissuade individuals from speeding through intersections. As a result, intersections with red light cameras generally have fewer collisions involving cars that run red lights.
However, their presence may lead to more rear-end crashes, as motorists are more likely to stop suddenly for a yellow light than try to proceed through the intersection.
Criticisms of Red Light Camera Devices
Not every community or citizen is a fan of cameras at intersections. Some have accused municipalities of using red light cameras to drive up revenue.
A red light camera ticket comes with a $158 fine, which increases to over $262 if you do not pay it or contest it before the deadline. In the past, some communities have derived 10% or more of their annual budgets from red light camera tickets.
These criticisms led, in part, to the passage of House Bill 1363. This new law will require communities that use red light cameras to maintain statistics showing that their use is primarily for public safety. Communities can also be prohibited from using red light cameras if it appears that a city’s reason for installing the cameras is to generate revenue.
What To Do If You Receive a Red Light Camera Ticket in Florida
You might not be liable for the ticket under these circumstances:
- You were not driving the car
- The camera or reviewing official misread your license plate number
- Your license plate was stolen
However, it is on you to challenge the red light camera ticket and raise your defense.
Once you receive a notice of a violation in the mail, you should decide whether to challenge it. If you do decide to fight it in Tampa, you can request a hearing by submitting a form and following other instructions on the notice. If you neither file this notice nor pay the ticket within the allotted time, the fine increases, and points can be added to your license.
Responding To a Florida Red Light Camera Ticket
Since some Florida towns and cities use red light cameras, you need to be prepared. Tickets issued because of these devices are legal and can come with fines and, if you ignore them, more severe penalties. If you have questions about your rights as a driver, consult an experienced attorney.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Tampa today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200
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111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
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Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196
