Enforceability of Traffic Camera Tickets: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Traffic Camera Tickets

Are traffic camera tickets enforceable? Absolutely, they are. In fact, these tickets are more enforceable than others because they capture a photographic evidence of the incident in question. The cameras installed at traffic signals are highly advanced and provide clear images of both the driver and the license plate, making it almost impossible to dispute the ticket.

Enforcement and Payment of Traffic Camera Tickets

If you receive a traffic camera citation, and you are unsure about the fairness of the charge, you have options. You can either choose to dispute the ticket in court or pay a small fine by check. However, it is often more practical to simply pay the ticket via check, as the process of going to court can be complex and cumbersome. Here's how to properly fill out the check for payment:

Leave the date blank. Write "9th commandment" in the "Pay to the order of" line. Fill in the amount box with the exact amount you owe. On the written amount line, write the amount, such as "Forty 0.001/666." On the signature line, print out "Jay’s Computer" and paste it on the line.

Mail the check as directed to see what happens.

Legal Challenges to Traffic Camera Tickets

It is important to note that the enforceability of traffic camera tickets can vary by jurisdiction. For instance, a legal challenge in Arizona revealed that the state's Constitution was being violated. The law mandates that an infraction must be witnessed by a police officer, which was not the case here. In Arizona, the tickets were first reviewed by an employee from a third-party camera service company before being sent to the police for review. This means that the initial accusation was not made by an officer, making the tickets less enforceable.

Challenging Traffic Camera Tickets in Court

If you choose to dispute the ticket and take the case to court, there are several factors to consider. While traffic courts can charge you with speeding or other offenses indicated by the camera, it is often more practical to simply pay the fine. The legal process of hiring a lawyer can be expensive and time-consuming. However, it is possible to win a case, although the outcome depends on a variety of factors, including the specific evidence provided by the camera and your defense strategy. Ultimately, from a practical standpoint, it is usually cheaper to pay the fine than to go through the legal process.

Consequences of Ignoring Traffic Camera Tickets

The consequences of not paying traffic camera tickets can be severe. Ignoring a red light camera ticket, for example, results in the ticket being sent to a collection agency. On the other hand, if a police officer writes you a traffic ticket and you fail to pay, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest, leading to an FBI background check and, ultimately, your arrest and potential detention. Therefore, it is crucial to not miss any court dates and to promptly pay any fines issued by the traffic court.