Running red lights is a serious intersection safety issue across the nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 2.3 million intersection-related accidents are reported each year, resulting in nearly 8,000 fatalities and approximately 733,000 injuries. In a survey conducted by the National Survey of Speeding and Other Unsafe Driver Actions, 97 percent of motorists reported that drivers who run red lights are a major safety threat.

In addition to causing injuries, New Jersey red light tickets also result in heavy-duty fines, points on your DMV record for three years, and a significant increase in insurance premium rates. It is best not to run a red light in the first place. However, if you have done so, it is best to hire an experienced NJ traffic violation attorney to fight the ticket and avoid the serious consequences.

The Facts Behind Red Light Camera Tickets

There is no need for the police to be at an intersection for you to get a red light ticket. Generally, the cameras will take videos and pictures of you allegedly running the red light. These photographs and videos are later reviewed by a police officer, who will assess them and determine if a violation actually occurred. The camera will provide the officer with specific information, including:

• Your license plate number
• Time and date of the violation
• Your car’s speed
• The quantity of time elapse following the light turning red

You will typically get the red light camera ticket in the mail two weeks after the violation. The ticket will also include pictures of your license plate and your picture as you were driving behind the wheel while running the red light. Such information may make it appear nearly impossible to overcome your ticket, but that that is not true.

Defending Red Light Camera Tickets

The cameras are triggered if your car goes beyond a certain point in the intersection following the light turning red. For example, if you are safely in the intersection preparing to turn left and the light turns red, the camera should not be triggered.

However, red light camera tickets are not always reliable. A number of things can go wrong causing an incorrect issuance of a citation including:

• Clerical mistakes or errors
• Computer glitches
• Computer programming
• Other types of issues

Given this unreliability, you shouldn’t automatically give up and pay a red light camera ticket. It may be beneficial to first consult with an experienced New Jersey red light camera ticket attorney to determine if you can successfully fight your ticket and avoid the negative consequences.

Call Us

If you or someone you know has received a red light camera ticket, be certain to consult with an attorney who specifically handles these types of cases. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey traffic violation attorney Dan Matrafajlo, please call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.