Red Light Tickets in Florida: Your Complete Guide to Camera Violations and Fines

Getting caught by a red light camera in Florida can be surprising and expensive. Drivers getting red light tickets receive a $158 fine, but understanding the process helps you handle the situation properly.

Understanding Red Light Camera Violations in Florida

When your vehicle runs a red light at an intersection equipped with cameras, the system captures photos and video evidence. A law enforcement officer reviews this evidence to determine if a red light camera violation occurred. Not every camera flash results in a ticket – officers must verify that a genuine violation took place.

The notice of violation gets mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner, regardless of who was driving. The license plate number connects the violation to the registered owner’s address on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

FLORIDA RED LIGHT TICKET COST TABLE

The Financial Impact of Red Light Violations

Red light tickets in Florida start at $158 for the initial notice of violation. Payment options include online processing (the fastest and easiest way), phone payments, or mailing a check or money order. Each method except mail payment includes a convenience fee.

If you ignore the first notice, consequences become severe. After 60 days, a uniform traffic citation gets issued, raising the fine to $262. This transitions from a civil penalty to a traffic citation that appears on your driver’s record and affects insurance rates.

Points and Your Driver’s License

The initial red light camera violation doesn’t add points to your driver’s license. Florida treats camera violations differently from citations issued by a law enforcement officer during traffic stops. Your driving record remains clean as long as you handle the first notice properly.

However, ignoring the notice of violation changes everything. The uniform traffic citation that follows adds points to your license and impacts insurance premiums. This is why addressing red light tickets promptly protects both your wallet and driving record.

Your Options After Receiving a Notice

Florida gives you three choices when you receive a red light camera ticket:

Pay the Fine:

The quickest option involves paying the $158 penalty online, by phone, or mail. Online payment through the official website using your notice number and PIN shown in the red box provides the fastest resolution.

Request a Hearing:

You can contest the violation before a local hearing officer if you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly. This option requires appearing at a scheduled hearing to present your case.

Submit an Affidavit:

If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can transfer liability through an affidavit. This legal document shifts responsibility to the actual driver or establishes other statutory exemptions.

Red Light Camera Technology and Evidence

Red light cameras capture comprehensive evidence when a violation occurs. The system records 12 seconds of video and takes multiple photographs showing your vehicle entering the intersection after the traffic signal turned red. Most cameras focus on the license plate and vehicle rather than the driver’s face.

The technology activates when vehicles cross the sensor line after the light turns red. Cars entering during yellow that turns red while in the intersection typically don’t trigger violations. Right turns without complete stops frequently result in tickets since Florida law requires full stops before turning right on red.

County Variations in Red Light Enforcement

Different Florida counties may have slight variations in their red light camera programs. Orange County, Hillsborough County, and Osceola County all operate camera systems with similar $158 fines but may have different payment processing centers or hearing procedures. Check your specific notice of violation for county-specific instructions and contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay red light camera tickets in Florida?

Yes, red light camera tickets in Florida are legally enforceable. Ignoring them leads to increased fines and potential points on your license.

What happens if I ran a red light in Florida?

You’ll receive a $158 notice of violation in the mail. If caught by a police officer instead of a camera, you face higher fines and immediate points.

Can you get out of a red light ticket in Florida?

You can contest the ticket at a hearing or submit an affidavit if someone else was driving your vehicle.

How can I find out if I got a red light ticket in Florida?

Red light violations are mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner. You can also check online using your license plate number on your county’s violation website.

Turn Your Traffic Ticket Into a Learning Opportunity

Got a red light ticket or facing points on your license? MyImprov’s Florida-approved basic driver improvement course offers the perfect solution. Our online traffic school helps dismiss tickets, remove points, and even qualify you for insurance discounts.

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Don’t let Florida’s red light camera systems catch you off guard again – take control of your driving record with MyImprov today.