Gainesville Accident Attorney Gives Advice on How to Avoid a Red-Light Camera Ticket: follow the signals

Avoiding a red-light camera ticket may be as simple as following the advice-don't run a red light.  But, it's more complicated than that.  Motorists are often confused about whether to hit the brakes on yellow or speed up through the light to avoid being caught on camera.  This dilemma is a major criticism of red-light cameras-that motorists will slam on the brakes, causing rear-end collisions, just to avoid a ticket.

As a Gainesville accident attorney, my advice: slow down; follow the signals; and use your best judgment.  Let's review the basics: 

•1.      "Yellow" means slow down and proceed with caution because, within a few seconds, the light will turn red.  A driver should not be ticketed for entering an intersection on yellow, but yellow does not mean "gun it" through the light.

•2.      "Red" means a motorist must have come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before entering an intersection for a "right on red."  If a motorist enters an intersection after the light is red, then the car's owner may receive a $158 ticket in the mail within 30 days.

•3.      A slow, rolling "right on red" may land you a ticket.  Remember, a "right on red," unless prohibited, requires a complete stop.  This means a motorist must make a full, complete stop at the red light, before entering the intersection to turn right.  Motorists may be ticketed for making a "rolling" stop at 2-3 mph, which technically counts as running a red light.

•4.      Look for the signs. A city must post a warning sign with a traffic signal graphic, stating "PHOTO ENFORCED," to alert motorists that an intersection is equipped with a red-light camera.  Sometimes, however, the sign may be hard to see or posted far away.  Reportedly, red-light cameras will be mounted on a free-standing pole at the corner of an intersection, with the camera facing the middle of the intersection.  Potentially, motorists who are caught by a red-light camera, may review the footage upon request.

•5.      Be aware of the date of camera installation.  Currently, Gainesville aims to install cameras by summer or fall of 2011.

To review, "yellow" means prepare to stop; "red" means come to a complete stop.  Slow down, and be safe.   In 2009, red-light running caused approximately 676 fatalities and 130,000 injuries nationwide. (IIHS)

For more information: 

Do Red-light Cameras Reduce Traffic Fatalities? Gainesville Accident Attorney Answers

Ready, Get set, Gainesville gives Red-Light Cameras the Go-ahead - Gainesville Accident Attorney Explains.

The Great Red-Light Camera Debate - Gainesville Accident Attorney Helps Explain.

F.S. 316.075(2010) Traffic Control Signal Devices