Do Red Light Camera Tickets Apply in the Snow?

Yes, You Can Still Get a Ticket in the Snow

Yes, it is possible to still get a ticket, but police review each case. Police officers don't suspend red light cameras during bad weather. However, they do have someone who reviews videos of each possible infraction and evaluates whether a ticket should be issued. Police take into consideration if a driver makes a legitimate attempt to stop and also evaluates road conditions.

We frequently receive emails from winter drivers who ask us if they will receive a ticket in a blizzard, ice storm, or during poor weather conditions. These drivers usually plead that they could not stop safely before the intersection because of the snow, ice, or water on the road.

If you think you may have received an unjustified ticket sometimes a successful defense some have used in court is the 'out of necessity' defense for running the red light. This defense basically brings the idea of a dangerous situation at hand. When you tried to come to a stop, your car began to slide on ice or water and you had no choice but to run the red light. You could go on to say that by going through the red light, it was actually safer to have done so as opposed to sliding uncontrollably into traffic, stopped vehicles, or pedestrians. Pictures would go a long way here. It is recommended to drive back to the scene as soon as possible and return with a camera. Take pictures of the icy or wet road and anything else that could boost your story's credibility.

We would appreciate hearing stories from drivers below in the comments section of the blog who received a ticket during poor weather conditions and contested the ticket.

Each Camera Earns $90K per Month in New Jersey

Linden City officials tell The Star-Ledger of Newark that the city has collected more than $800,000 in fines in the first three months of issuing tickets. Almost 20,000 tickets have been mailed out. Linden has cameras in operation at three intersections, two on Routes 1 & 9 and one on Route 27. The fine is somewhere between $75 to $140 as reported by drivers.

Linden police officer said the cameras appear to be improving safety as well. Sgt. Michael Babulski said there has been only one accident at the intersections with the cameras since they were activated.

3 Years of Red Light Camera Ticket Refunds from a Class Action Lawsuit

Class Action Suit Seeks To Refund 3 Years Worth of Red Light Camera Tickets Issued In Santa Ana, CA  

The July 2010 Supreme Court decision (People v. Park) ruling in favor of the motorist ticketed for a red light camera ticket in Santa Ana, CA because the city lacked compliance with the requirement of Vehicle Code section 21455.5 (b) (that a municipality authorizing an automated enforcement system at an intersection comply with the prescribed warning requirements prior to issuing citations) appears to have opened the floodgates for litigation and paved the way for class actions lawsuits.

Class Action Suit Seeks to Refund 3 Years of Red Light Camera Tickets Issued in Santa Ana, CA

A new class-action lawsuit has been filed in Santa Ana, California, seeking refunds for three years' worth of red light camera tickets issued to drivers. The suit alleges that the city’s red light cameras violated legal standards, which could mean that thousands of citations were improperly issued. This lawsuit has caught the attention of drivers and legal experts alike, as it challenges the legitimacy of traffic enforcement practices in one of California’s major cities. Here’s what you need to know about the case and its potential impact on red light camera enforcement.

What the Class Action Lawsuit Alleges

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of affected drivers, argues that Santa Ana’s red light camera program was not operated in compliance with California state laws governing traffic cameras. Specifically, the suit claims:

1. Improper Camera Calibration and Maintenance: Allegations suggest that some cameras may not have been properly maintained or calibrated, leading to inaccurate readings and potentially unjust citations.
2. Unlawful Contracts with Camera Operators: The lawsuit also questions whether Santa Ana’s contract with its camera operators followed state regulations, which could impact the legality of the tickets issued.
3. Failure to Meet Due Process Standards: The plaintiffs argue that the ticketing process did not provide adequate information or a fair chance to contest the violations, potentially violating drivers’ due process rights.

If the court finds these allegations to be valid, it could set a precedent that affects red light camera programs across California and beyond.

Why This Could Lead to Refunds for Red Light Camera Tickets

At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that these tickets were issued in violation of state law, which could entitle drivers to refunds. If Santa Ana’s red light camera system is found to be improperly operated or the contract is deemed unlawful, every ticket issued through the program over the past three years could be considered invalid.

For drivers who paid fines due to red light camera violations, a successful lawsuit could mean a refund of fines, which often range from $100 to $500 per ticket. Given the thousands of tickets issued annually, this could result in millions of dollars refunded to affected drivers.

How Red Light Camera Violations Work in Santa Ana, CA

Red light cameras are installed at intersections to capture images of vehicles that run red lights. In Santa Ana, as in many cities, the system automatically takes photos and videos of vehicles that cross the intersection after the light turns red. The registered owner of the vehicle then receives a citation with the violation details and a fine.

Potential Consequences for Santa Ana and Other Cities

If the class action suit succeeds, it could have a ripple effect across California and other cities that rely on red light camera programs. Here are some key implications:

1. Changes to Red Light Camera Programs: Cities may be prompted to re-evaluate their red light camera contracts, equipment standards, and ticketing processes to ensure full compliance with state laws.
2. Increased Scrutiny of Automated Traffic Enforcement: Red light camera programs, which have faced criticism for prioritizing revenue over safety, may see increased public and legal scrutiny, potentially leading to reforms or even program shutdowns.
3. Potential Refunds in Other Cities: Similar lawsuits could emerge in other jurisdictions if drivers feel their red light camera programs are not following state-mandated standards.

What Drivers in Santa Ana Should Know

If you received a red light camera ticket in Santa Ana in the last three years, you might be eligible for a refund if the class action suit succeeds. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates on the class action suit to understand if and how you might benefit.
• Check Eligibility Requirements: If the suit results in a settlement or judgment, there will likely be criteria to qualify for a refund.
• Keep Records: Hold onto any records of paid tickets, as they could be helpful if refunds become available.

Will Red Light Camera Programs Change?

This lawsuit, if successful, could influence the future of red light camera programs not only in Santa Ana but throughout California. Automated traffic enforcement has long been controversial, with critics arguing that cameras prioritize revenue over safety and may unfairly target drivers. A win for the plaintiffs could lead to tighter regulations, improved transparency, and potentially fewer automated cameras in operation.

Final Thoughts

The outcome of this class action lawsuit in Santa Ana has the potential to reshape how cities use red light cameras to enforce traffic laws. For drivers, it’s a reminder to stay informed about your rights and the evolving laws around traffic enforcement technology. If you’ve received a red light camera ticket in Santa Ana, keep an eye on this case—you may be eligible for a refund if the lawsuit prevails.

Columbus Red Light Video Cameras

20 new red-light cameras will continuously be recording video. The Ohio city already has 18 red ligth cameras installed throughout the city. They will take pictures of red-light runners and will have a video to support the case. RedFlex is the company behind the camera operations and will be deploying the cameras throughout the city.  This should benefit other drivers around the city as well.  These photo enforced intersections commonly have fender bender accidents and the video monitoring the intersections can now be used as accident evidence.  This city claims the video will be used to monitor crime in the area but we don't this will have much impact.  PhotoEnforced.com commonly receives questions such as how to do we view accident videos from cameras?  Having video available will be great for the citizens of Columbus but companies like RedFlex will have to make it easy and transparent for drivers to access and use the video without a lot of bureaucracy and government paperwork. 

New Speed Cameras Can Verify Insurance & Seat Belts Instantly

The latest weapon in speed camera technology can verify speed, insurance and seat belt all in one swoop from up to 150ft away. It is the first to detect multiple offenses at the same time and is connected to police computers via satellite, so that prosecutions can be started within seconds of any offense. The camera is being tested in Finland and is expected to be deployed across Europe from 2013, with each unit costing £50,000. How long will it take these cameras to come to the US since insurance is such a huge part of our driving economy.

Cell Phone Ticket Laws

Ban on Handheld Phone Use in 8 US States

If you get a cell phone ticket while driving the fine will range anywhere from $20-$125 depending which State you are ticketed in. There is now a ban on handheld phone use in 8 US States while hands-free use is still permitted: 8 states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregan, and Washington & Washington D.C and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from hands-free cell phone use while driving.  30 states have banned text messaging for all drivers.  No states have banned the complete use of cell phones but 28 states have banned the usage of phones by drivers under the age of 18.

An officer may cite a driver for using a handheld cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place. Drivers who receive citations will receive a non-moving violation ticket although it appears on your DMV record, it does not have any points. You can always fight cell phone tickets and request a trial. You are more encouraged to fight cell phone tickets if you can prove that the call you made prior to the citation was to an emergency service provider. The law reads as follows:

 

CVC 23123(a) "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving."

Vehicle Code: 23123. (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.

(b) As used in this section “write, send, or read a text-based communication” means using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail.

(c) For purposes of this section, a person shall not be deemed to be writing, reading, or sending a text-based communication if the person reads, selects, or enters a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call.

(d) This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using an electronic wireless communications device while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.