New York drivers know that running a red light can cause a lot of trouble. Being a careful driver is of the utmost importance to avoid danger and consequences. New Yorkers get caught running red lights in a couple of ways; being physically seen by a police officer and subsequently pulled over, or having a red light camera catch you in the act and then receiving a ticket in the mail.
Whether you receive your ticket in person or in the mail, there are consequences that you’d rather not face. Learn the ins and outs of running a red light in New York so that you know what to expect if it happens.
Red Light Camera Tickets
In New York, you can receive a ticket for running a red light in the mail if a red light camera snaps a photo of you in the act. Essentially, if your vehicle runs a red light, the camera located on the stoplight will take a picture, which is then used as evidence of your infraction.
However, it can be pretty tricky to prove from the snapshot who the driver of the vehicle was, as well as for the alleged driver to confront an accuser. Due to these issues, the penalties involved with red light camera tickets are less severe than for those who were pulled over.
The penalty associated with red light camera tickets in New York is a fine of $50. There are also 0 points added to the record of the offending driver. The minimal penalty of red light camera tickets in New York makes it unlikely that drivers will challenge the ticket. However, due to the problematic nature of the tickets, if challenged, there is a high likelihood that the case will be dismissed.
If you choose to challenge your red light camera ticket, there are a few defenses you can use with the highest probability of getting the case thrown out, including:
● The photograph or video evidence is too unclear to tell if it is your vehicle.
● There were mechanical problems happening that made you run the red light.
● You were having a medical emergency.
● You were not driving the car or your car was stolen.
Police Issued Red Light Ticket in New York
Getting pulled over for running a red light is one of New York’s most common traffic offenses. There are two potential offenses that you can be ticketed for by the officer that pulls you over for running a red light. Red light tickets are actually a huge source of state revenue in New York, especially since most people who receive violations don’t have the confidence or know-how to fight them. With an experienced and professional traffic law lawyer, you can fight your traffic violation. It is essential that you understand the two types of violations so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid the penalties.
How Much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?
In New York, there are two types of red light traffic violations, each with their own specifications and penalties. As red light tickets bring in New York revenue, they come with a steep price.
Take a look at the two types of violations and the penalties that accompany them:
VTL 1110a Violation Fines
If you receive a VTL 1110a ticket, you are being tried for failure to obey a traffic control device, such as a stop light. The penalties for this offense can include a fine of up to $150 with a surcharge of up to $85, 2 points on your driver’s license, and even jail time of up to 15 days.
In fact, along with the red light ticket, many drivers are also given a reckless driving charge which can come with even harsher consequences. A traffic law attorney can help you fight your red light ticket in New York.
VTL 1111(d)-1 Violation Fines
The other type of red light violation that you can receive in New York is a VTL 1111(d)-1 violation. This ticket comes with penalties that depend on whether or not you ran the red light in a city with a population of over one million or not.
If you receive this violation when outside of a highly populated city, penalties can include a fine of up to $225 with a surcharge of up to $85, 3 points added to your license, and up to 15 days in jail.
If you receive the violation when you are inside of a city of one million or more, penalties can include a fine of up to $450 and a surcharge of up to $85, 3 points added to your license, and up to 15 days in jail.
You can even receive tickets including both violations, giving you the potential for even harsher penalties.
Contact Us About Your Red Light Ticket
Don’t let the harsh red light laws of New York happen to you.
The Law Offices of James Lynch & Associates has a team of professional traffic ticket attorneys with the knowledge and experience to help you navigate your red light ticket in New York.