Running a red light may seem like a minor traffic violation or Red Light Camera Ticket, but if you get caught by a red light camera, you could face hefty fines. A lot of people think that if there isn’t a police officer present, they can ignore the ticket when it arrives in the mail.
But when you don’t answer a red light camera ticket, you may face additional penalties affecting your finances, driving privilege, or vehicle registration. Knowing what occurs when you don’t pay such a ticket will allow you to make an informed decision and prevent unwanted trouble.
Here’s what happens if you ignore a red light camera ticket.
Initial Notice and Deadline to Respond
If a red light camera captures your vehicle entering an intersection after the light turns red, the ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the car. The notice will also list the date, time and place of the infraction as well as pictures or video showing the violation. In cities like Atlanta, traffic safety has long been more automated than most.
Drivers issued citations from red light cameras in Atlanta have a specific amount of time (you generally get between 30 and 60 days) to pay the fine, contest the ticket, or request a hearing.
Knowing these schedules is important because not responding in time can lead to more fines or a suspended vehicle registration.
2. Additional Fines and Late Fees
If you do not pay or challenge the red light camera ticket on time, late penalties will usually be charged in addition to the original fine. Depending on your home state, these penalties can be double or even triple the amount owed.
For instance, an original $100 fine could increase to $300 or more once administrative fees and late penalties are added. In some scenarios, the outstanding balance can be turned over to a collection agency that can report the delinquency on at least one (if not all) of your credit reports.
3. Court Action and Collections
Failure to pay a red light camera ticket for an extended period results in the matter being referred to a municipal court or a collection agency. If it goes to court, a default judgment can be filed against you, and the fine is now legally binding.
What to do about a Red Light Camera Ticket
If you are issued a red light camera ticket, it’s recommended that you address the citation rather than fail to respond at all. Here’s what to do:
- Check the ticket carefully to verify the information and make sure the vehicle and license plate shown are your own.
- Examine the evidence—some cities have online access to a photo or video of the offense.
- Opt to pay or dispute it — if you believe that the ticket is inaccurate in some way, calling witnesses who can attest to a broken light or emergency, for example.
Acting quickly can save you time, money, and stress, and sometimes even lead to the fine being reduced or dismissed under some circumstances.
Key Takeaways
Ignoring a red light photo ticket will not make it go away and can actually result in additional penalties. Remember these key points:
- Failure to respond results in higher fines and late fees.
- Outstanding tickets can be referred to a collections agency, which can damage your credit score.
- Courts can award default judgments and impose legal penalties.
- The best course of action is to fight or pay the citation and not let it linger.
When you respond to a red light camera ticket in a timely manner as soon as you receive it, you can avoid costly penalties, safeguard your driving history, and avoid any lasting financial repercussions.
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