Receiving a red light camera notice in Florida can be easy to overlook, especially because it arrives by mail rather than being handed to you by a police officer. However, ignoring the notice can lead to additional costs and further consequences.
Understanding what happens next can help you address the violation before it becomes more difficult to resolve.
The Initial Notice of Violation
When a red light camera records an alleged violation, the registered owner of the vehicle may receive a Notice of Violation.
At this stage, the owner generally has a limited period to pay the penalty or challenge the notice. The notice should provide instructions and deadlines for responding.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
If you fail to pay or otherwise respond within the required timeframe, the matter can progress from a Notice of Violation to a formal Uniform Traffic Citation.
This can increase the amount you owe and move the case further into the traffic court process.
Continuing to ignore the citation can create additional complications, including problems related to your driving privileges or vehicle registration.
Can You Challenge a Red Light Camera Violation?
Depending on the circumstances, you may have options to contest the violation. Evidence such as the camera images and video may be relevant when determining whether the citation is valid.
Because deadlines apply, it is important to review the notice and consider your options promptly rather than waiting until additional penalties are imposed.
Don’t Ignore the Deadline
A red light camera notice may initially seem like a minor issue, but failing to address it can make resolving the matter more expensive and complicated.
At Hochman & Goldin, P.A., we help Florida drivers understand their options for red light camera violations and other traffic citations. If you received a notice or already have an overdue citation, contact us to discuss your situation.