Are Red Light Cameras Enforcable in the State of Florida?

Question: Are Red Light Cameras Enforcable in the State of Florida?

So, you receive a citation in the mail noting that you (or at least your vehicle) was involved in running a red light. You aren't the careless type, you certainly don't recall the incident, actually you don't even remember being at that interscetion - after all it was a month ago. Are these cameras legal? Can this ticket be disputed?

Answer:

On July 1, 2010, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act declaring that Red light cameras will be fully legal in Florida.

Even though Florida allows a right turn on red (unless noted) a driver must come to a complete stop before making the turn. Failure to come to a complete stop before making a right hand turn on a red light is considered running a red light.


How this works:

1. Cameras provide a close up of the vehicle's tag along with a motion video of the offense.
2. If you receive a citation, you will be able to log on to a website that will show color photos of the violation along with the video. http://www.violationinfo.com
3. Since the driver of the vehicle is not stopped and ticketed, a ticket is sent to the address for the tag. No points are given.

There are very few reasons that the driver may successfully be exempted from a ticket:

• Driver yielding the right of way to an emergency vehicle.
• Driver is part of a funeral procession.
• Driver passed through the intersection at the direction of law enforcement.
• A uniform traffic citation was issued for this offense by a law enforcement officer to the driver already.
• The vehicle was in the care, custody or control of another person. Example: the car was stolen - but you must be able to provide documentation on this.

Though many red light cameras have been in effect throughout many Orange County cities for several years, the the 10 intersections that were approved on July 1, 2010 are as follows:

1. Central Florida Parkway and John Young Parkway
2. Clarcona-Ocoee Road and Pine Hills Road
3. Chickasaw Trail and Lake Underhill Road
4. Lancaster Road and Winegard Road
5. Dean Road and University Boulevard
6. John Young Parkway and Oak Ridge Road
7. Old Winter Garden Road and Hiawassee Road
8. Lake Underhill Road and Dean Road
9. Americana Boulevard and Texas Avenue
10. Texas Avenue and Oak Ridge Road.