Think you have no defense for a red light camera ticket? Don’t give up just yet. Many drivers believe that once they receive a red light photo ticket, it’s an automatic fine—but that's not always the case. If you were unable to stop safely due to a short yellow or red light interval, you may still have a valid legal argument.
Can’t Stop in Time? That’s a Defense
One of the most overlooked but powerful defenses to a red light ticket is the argument that you could not stop safely without endangering yourself or others. For example, if the yellow light duration was too short and you were already too close to the intersection, slamming on the brakes could have caused a rear-end collision or led you to skid into traffic—especially in bad weather.
How to Check the “Late Time” on Your Ticket
Look carefully at your red light camera ticket. On a Redflex photo ticket, for example, the “late time” is typically displayed on a black bar above or near the photo—usually on the right-hand side. This late time indicates how long the light had been red when you entered the intersection.
If your late time is extremely short, such as 0.1 seconds, you could argue that it was virtually impossible to stop in time. Even in dry conditions, stopping safely within that window is difficult—add rain or slippery roads, and it becomes even more dangerous.
Example:
A late time of 0.1 or 0.2 seconds means you entered the intersection just a fraction of a second after the light turned red. Would a full stop have put you or others at greater risk? That’s the core of your defense.
What If No Late Time Is Shown?
If your ticket doesn’t display a late time, don’t worry—you may still be able to make an informed estimate based on traffic conditions shown in the photo. For instance:
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If other vehicles are seen turning or driving through the intersection at the same time you were,
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Or if cross-traffic hasn't yet started moving,
…it suggests the light had only just turned red, and your violation may have been minimal.
Important note: If you were making a right turn, this defense may be less effective. Most right-turn violations are triggered after the light has turned fully red, and rolling through without stopping is more difficult to justify.
Why Short Red Times Matter
Many cities and counties use grace periods before their red light cameras trigger a violation. While there’s no federal requirement, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizes that:
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A 0.3-second grace period is common,
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And a 0.5-second grace period is considered the international standard.
If your ticket shows a red time under 0.5 seconds, you have a stronger argument. A red time of 0.3 seconds or less may significantly increase your chances of getting the ticket dismissed or reduced, especially if the court recognizes these timing standards.
Final Tips to Fight a Red Light Photo Ticket
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Always check the late time on your red light camera ticket.
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Photograph the intersection to show sight lines and stopping distances, if needed.
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Mention weather or road conditions that made safe stopping harder.
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Research your city’s red light camera policies—some include automatic grace periods.
Conclusion
A red light camera ticket doesn’t always mean you’re guilty. If you were caught in a split-second decision with a short red light duration, you may have a solid legal defense. Review your ticket carefully and consider your options—especially if the late time is under 0.5 seconds. Knowing your rights and the timing standards used in traffic enforcement could make all the difference in keeping your record clean.