Are There Demerit Points For Red Light Camera
Red light cameras have become a common sight on roads across the United States. These cameras are designed to capture motorists who drive through a red light at an intersection. The cameras are fitted with sensors that detect when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red. At this point, the camera captures an image of the vehicle, including its license plate.
Red light camera violations are a serious offense, and in many cases, motorists may be wondering if there are demerit points associated with these violations. Demerit points are a system used by states to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic offenses.
What are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are a way for states to keep track of drivers who have committed traffic offenses. Each time a driver is convicted of a traffic offense, they may receive a certain number of demerit points. The number of demerit points a driver receives depends on the offense committed.
Demerit points are used to indicate the severity of a traffic offense. For example, a minor traffic offense may result in one or two demerit points, while a more serious offense may result in five or more demerit points.
Do Red Light Camera Violations Result in Demerit Points?
Whether or not a red light camera violation results in demerit points depends on the state in which the violation occurred. In some states, red light camera violations are not considered moving violations, and therefore no demerit points are assigned.
However, in other states, red light camera violations are considered moving violations, and demerit points are assigned accordingly. For example, in Virginia, red light camera violations are considered a moving violation, and the driver will receive three demerit points if convicted.
States That Do Not Assign Demerit Points for Red Light Camera Violations
There are a number of states that do not assign demerit points for red light camera violations. These include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
States That Assign Demerit Points for Red Light Camera Violations
There are also a number of states that do assign demerit points for red light camera violations. These include:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Conclusion
Red light camera violations are a serious offense, and in many cases, they can result in hefty fines and even demerit points. Whether or not a driver will receive demerit points for a red light camera violation depends on the state in which the violation occurred.
If you receive a red light camera violation, it is important to take it seriously and to pay any fines associated with the violation. In some cases, you may be able to challenge the violation in court. However, it is important to consult with an experienced traffic attorney before proceeding with any legal action.