Red Light Camera Flashed But Didn T Run Light
It can be a confusing and frustrating experience when you receive a ticket in the mail for running a red light, even though you were certain that you had not done so. One possibility is that a red light camera has malfunctioned and flashed even though you did not actually run the light. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why this can happen and what steps you can take to fight the ticket.
How Do Red Light Cameras Work?
Red light cameras are installed at intersections to catch drivers who run red lights. When a car runs a red light, the camera takes a picture of the car and its license plate. The information from the camera is then sent to the local traffic enforcement agency, who issues a ticket to the registered owner of the car.
Red light cameras are designed to be triggered only when a car enters an intersection after the light has turned red. The camera uses sensors embedded in the road to detect whether a car is passing through the intersection after the light has turned red. If the sensors detect a car, the camera takes a picture.
Reasons Why a Red Light Camera Might Flash When You Haven't Run the Light
There are several reasons why a red light camera might flash when you haven't run the light:
- Misaligned camera: If the camera is misaligned, it might trigger even if you haven't run the light.
- Glare or bright sunlight: Glare or bright sunlight can cause the camera to malfunction and trigger when you haven't actually run the light.
- Malfunctioning equipment: Like any piece of technology, red light cameras can malfunction. If the camera is malfunctioning, it might trigger even when you haven't run the light.
- Technical issues: The computer system that processes the images taken by the camera can also have technical issues that cause it to misinterpret what it is seeing.
What to Do If You Receive a Ticket for Running a Red Light You Didn't Run
If you receive a ticket for running a red light that you didn't run, there are several steps you can take:
- Obtain the evidence: Contact the traffic enforcement agency and request a copy of the photograph taken by the red light camera. This photograph will show whether your car was actually in the intersection when the light turned red.
- Review the evidence: Carefully review the photograph to see whether your car was actually in the intersection when the light turned red. If your car was not in the intersection, you have a strong case for fighting the ticket.
- Contact a lawyer: If you believe that you are in the right and want to fight the ticket, contact a lawyer who specializes in traffic law. They can help you prepare your case and represent you in court if necessary.
- Attend your court hearing: If you decide to fight the ticket in court, make sure you attend your hearing and present your evidence to the judge.
Conclusion
Receiving a ticket for running a red light that you didn't run can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to fight the ticket. By obtaining and reviewing the evidence, contacting a lawyer, and presenting your case in court, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed. If you believe that a red light camera malfunctioned and triggered when you didn't run the light, don't hesitate to take action to fight the ticket.
