Running a red light can put you and the other drivers around you at risk. In most years, there are about 400,000 traffic accidents per year in Florida.
The Orlando red light camera is supposed to help reduce the number of crashes by discouraging people from running red lights.
So, how do red light cameras work? What consequences should you be aware of when running a red light in Orlando?
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about red light cameras we’ll discuss. Let’s begin.
What Is a Red Light Running Violation?
Running a red light is when a driver passes their designated area after the traffic signal turns red. For some people, this can have a confusing meaning.
Legally speaking, it is when a car clearly crosses the solid white stop bar in their lane and continues to go through the intersection after the light turns red.
So, what happens if you already crossed that white stop bar and you are in the middle of the intersection when the light turns red?
No worries. As long as you crossed that line before the red light signal, you did not run a red light.
What Do Traffic Signal Colors Mean?
When it comes to lights, there are three main traffic signals that you need to be aware of.
The first is the green light. That means that your lane is allowed to go through an intersection.
Then, you have the yellow light. While some people think this means speed up before the light turns red, it really means to prepare to stop in your lane.
A red light means that your lane must stop and wait for the cars in the other part of the intersection to go.
How Much Is a Red Light Camera Ticket?
The ticket fine for running a red light in Orlando is $158.
This price stays the same regardless of how many red lights you have run in the past.
Who Is Responsible for the Penalty?
This may seem like an obvious answer to you but think about this. Say you let your brother borrow your car and he runs a red light while driving.
The police have your car’s license plate caught on the camera. The camera does not know who is driving the car, but it is registered to you.
So, that means that if you let someone borrow your car and they run a red light in it, you are the one who receives the ticket fine in the mail.
Can I Appeal the Violation?
If you gave consent for somebody to drive your car and they run a red light, there is not much that you can do.
Nevertheless, you do have the right to appear in court and appeal the violation. Generally, the only ways that you will win this type of case are if you can prove that your car was stolen or that the camera made an error.
For this type of case, you may want to contact a traffic attorney.
What Happens if I Fail to Pay the Red Light Camera Violation Fine?
Even if you do not agree with the fact that you received a ticket for this violation, you still have to pay the fine on time. The deadline to pay will be on your ticket.
If you fail to pay by the time that date passes, then you risk bigger fines. A citation will be issued and then court fees can be added to your cost along with the original ticket cost. The court fees can add up to $500.
Will a Red Light Camera Violation Add Points to My Driving Record?
One issue you might be concerned about when getting a red light camera ticket is if you will get points on your driver’s license. In Orlando, a red light camera violation will not add points to your record.
Will a Red Light Camera Violation Increase My Auto Insurance?
No. A red light camera violation will not increase your insurance rates.
Where Are Red Light Camera Locations in Orlando?
There are red light cameras scattered all around the city of Orlando. This link provides you with an extensive list of the exact streets that the red light cameras are on.
You can study that list and use it to be prepared for driving around the city of Orlando.
DriveSafe Online Can Help with Your Traffic Ticket
If you receive a traffic ticket in Orange County or Osceola County, you may qualify to keep points off your record by completing the DriveSafe Online Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course.
Approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV), the DriveSafe Online course is 100% online for safety and convenience.
Keep in mind that the BDI course option to avoid points is allowed for only certain violations. Check with the court to make sure you are eligible, and then let them know within 30 days of your violation that you intend to complete the online driver improvement course.
Use this link for more information about the Florida BDI course and the benefits it offers.
Or visit this link if you are ready to keep points off your record and begin the DriveSafe Online BDI course.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.