How to Get Out of 99% of Traffic Camera Tickets: A Legal Insider's Guide
Red light and speed camera tickets can feel like a done deal—but in many cases, they’re beatable. These violations depend on strict procedures, documentation, and testimony. If even one part is missing or flawed, your ticket could be dismissed. Here's how to use that to your advantage:
✅ 1. Postpone the Trial Date Until Your Odds Improve
Why this works:
Delaying your court date increases the chance the necessary parties (usually a police officer, technician, or city contractor) won’t show. Courts are overloaded, and agencies often assign limited staff to represent them in traffic court. If the right person doesn't appear, the case can be dismissed “for lack of prosecution.”
How to execute:
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Step 1: Wait until you receive your court date notice.
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Step 2: File a “continuance request” with the court clerk. You can usually do this online, in person, or by mail. You may need to give a reason such as “scheduling conflict” or “need more time to prepare.”
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Step 3: When the new date is assigned, note if it falls near a holiday, school break, or Friday. These are prime dates when city reps or officers often fail to appear.
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Step 4: If the city rep doesn’t show up on your new date, politely request dismissal.
Legal Basis:
Many jurisdictions dismiss minor infractions if no opposing party is present—especially if it's your first continuance.
📂 2. Demand Proof the Camera Was Working Correctly
Why this works:
Automated enforcement is only valid if the equipment was functioning properly at the time of the alleged violation. Cities are legally required to regularly calibrate, maintain, and document these systems. If they skip steps—or fail to produce proof—you can ask for the ticket to be dismissed.
What to request in your discovery motion:
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Camera make, model, and serial number
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Calibration records (dates, results, technician names)
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Maintenance logs
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Photo/video evidence of your alleged violation
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The sworn statement or ticket review notes by the officer or contractor who issued the ticket
How to request:
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File a formal “Discovery Request” with both the court and city prosecutor’s office. You can use sample templates online.
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Cite your right to examine evidence under due process (Brady v. Maryland).
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Submit your request at least 10–15 days before your trial date.
Common outcomes:
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The city doesn’t respond in time: you may motion for dismissal.
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They respond with incomplete records: challenge the legitimacy of the evidence.
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They refuse to provide anything: raise the issue in court and cite unfair burden.
👮 3. Demand to Cross-Examine the Human Behind the Ticket
Why this works:
Even though a machine took your photo or video, a person must review and approve it before it becomes a citation. Under the 6th Amendment, you have the right to confront your accuser in court. If the city can’t produce the technician, officer, or authorized contractor who reviewed the footage and issued the ticket, it often leads to dismissal.
How to approach this in court:
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Politely tell the judge you wish to exercise your right to confront your accuser.
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Ask the court to confirm who reviewed the video/photo and authorized the citation.
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If that person is not present, state that your constitutional right has been violated.
What usually happens:
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The city can’t produce a witness because tickets were outsourced to a third-party vendor like Verra Mobility or Redflex.
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The judge may rule the evidence inadmissible.
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You may ask for the entire case to be thrown out.
Bonus: In some cases, these systems were ruled unconstitutional in court because there was no witness testimony and the city was relying entirely on video evidence.
🧠 Pro Tips from People Who've Won:
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Dress well and be respectful. Judges are more receptive to calm, informed defendants.
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Show you did your homework. Bringing printed documents, citations of court rulings, and proof of your requests makes a difference.
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Use legal templates. Search for “traffic camera discovery request [your state]” for local formats.
📍Find Out Where These Cameras Are Near You
Use our interactive map of red light and speed camera locations to plan your routes and avoid trouble spots.