Running a red light in New York can lead to more than just a moment of frustration—it can result in a costly ticket, points on your license, and even higher insurance premiums. Understanding how much a red light ticket costs and the potential consequences is crucial for protecting your finances and driving record. At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of traffic violations and fight back against your ticket. If you’ve received a red light ticket, contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you minimize the impact.

The Cost of a Red Light Ticket

In New York, the financial cost of a red light ticket can vary depending on where and how the violation occurs. However, the monetary fine is just one part of the overall expense that comes with running a red light. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you could face:

Fines

The base fine for running a red light in New York typically ranges between $50 and $450, depending on the specifics of your violation and whether it’s your first offense. New York City imposes a base fine of $50, while violations outside the city can carry higher fines, especially for repeat offenders or if the violation involves an accident. Additionally, state surcharges ranging from $88 to $93 may be added to the base fine, increasing the total amount you owe.

Points on Your License

In addition to the financial fine, a red light violation in New York adds 3 points to your driving record. Accumulating 11 or more points on your license within 18 months can result in a suspended license, which can significantly disrupt your daily life. The addition of points also means your driving privileges could be jeopardized if you accumulate points from multiple violations.

Insurance Premium Increases

One of the long-term costs of a red light ticket is the impact it can have on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies often raise rates for drivers with traffic violations, as they are considered higher-risk drivers. A single red light violation could lead to an increase in your premiums, which can last for several years. This added financial burden can far exceed the initial fine of the ticket itself.

Potential for Additional Violations

If you run a red light and cause an accident, you could face additional charges such as reckless driving or causing property damage or injury. These charges can carry even steeper fines, points, and legal consequences. A red light violation could also lead to an increase in civil liability if others are involved in the accident.

Time and Stress

Dealing with the aftermath of a red light ticket—whether in the form of fines, points, or increased insurance premiums—can also involve time and stress. The process of contesting the ticket, attending court hearings, and managing the consequences can take time away from your daily activities, including work and family obligations.

Given these significant financial and personal costs, it’s important to consider contesting a red light ticket. At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we help clients reduce or eliminate these penalties. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your driving record and save you money in the long run.

Can You Beat a Red Light Ticket?

While red light tickets can be challenging to fight, several valid defenses exist:

• Obstruction of Traffic Control Device – If trees, construction, or other obstacles blocked your view of the traffic signal, this could serve as a defense. Document the obstruction with photos if possible.
• Emergency Vehicle Response – You may have a defense if you moved through the intersection to allow passage of an emergency vehicle with active sirens.
• Equipment Malfunction – Traffic cameras occasionally malfunction or capture incorrect data. Request maintenance records and calibration documents for the specific camera that issued your ticket.
• Yellow Light Timing – NYS law requires yellow lights to remain yellow for a minimum duration based on the speed limit. If the yellow light timing was too short, this could invalidate the ticket.
• Missing Warning Signs – New York requires proper signage warning drivers of red light cameras. The absence of required signage can be grounds for dismissal.

Remember: The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced traffic attorney can review your specific circumstances and identify the strongest possible defense strategy.

Want to discuss your red light ticket case? Contact the Law Office of Craig Bondy for a consultation.

Where Are Red Light Cameras Located?

Red light cameras are strategically placed at intersections throughout New York City and other areas across the state to monitor traffic and catch drivers who run red lights. These cameras are typically installed at intersections with a high volume of traffic or a history of accidents caused by red light violations. Here’s what you need to know about red light camera locations:

1. New York City

In New York City, red light cameras are installed at hundreds of intersections across all five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These intersections are chosen based on traffic volume, accident data, and safety concerns.

2. Suburban and Urban Areas

Red light cameras are also found in suburban and urban areas outside NYC, such as Long Island, Westchester County, and other parts of New York State. Locations are often chosen in areas where drivers are more likely to speed or ignore traffic signals.

3. How to Identify Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras are not always easy to spot, but you can often identify them by looking for:

• Small, box-like cameras mounted on poles near traffic lights or above intersections.
• Signage: Some intersections have warning signs alerting drivers to the presence of red light cameras, but this is not required in all cases.

4. Focus on Safety

The stated purpose of red light cameras is to improve road safety by deterring drivers from running red lights. However, many drivers view them as a source of revenue for municipalities, as they can generate significant income from ticket fines.

If you’ve received a red light camera ticket, it’s important to know that these tickets are issued to the vehicle’s registered owner, not the driver, and they do not add points to your license. However, the fines can still be costly, and errors in ticket issuance do occur.

What To Do If Pulled Over for Running a Red Light

Being pulled over for running a red light can be a stressful experience, but how you handle the situation can make a significant difference. Here are some steps to follow to protect your rights and potentially improve your outcome:

1. Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice the flashing lights of a police vehicle, pull over to a safe location. Make sure to signal and stop as quickly and safely as possible to show that you are cooperating.
2. Stay Calm and Polite: Remain calm and polite throughout the interaction. Avoid arguing with the officer or admitting fault, as anything you say could be used against you later. Instead, be respectful and cooperative.
3. Provide Documentation: When asked, provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Avoid reaching for these documents until instructed, and inform the officer if you need to retrieve them from your glove box or another location.
4. Do Not Admit Guilt: While it’s important to be honest, you are not required to admit guilt or provide detailed explanations. For example, if the officer asks why you ran the red light, you can politely state that you are unsure and would prefer to review the circumstances later.
5. Take Notes: After the stop, write down details of the interaction, including the time, location, and any statements made by the officer. If there were unusual circumstances, such as poor visibility, faulty traffic lights, or road hazards, make note of those as well.
6. Check the Ticket: If the officer issues a ticket, review it carefully to ensure the information is accurate. Mistakes on a traffic ticket, such as incorrect dates or vehicle details, could potentially help in your defense.
7. Consider Contesting the Ticket: Running a red light can result in fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates, but a ticket is not an automatic conviction. Many drivers successfully contest red light tickets with the help of an experienced traffic attorney.

At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we defend clients against red light violations. If you’ve been pulled over and issued a ticket, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your driving record and your rights.

Protect Your Driving Record—Contact Us Today

A red light ticket doesn’t have to disrupt your life. At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we are dedicated to providing skilled legal representation to help you fight traffic violations and avoid costly consequences. Don’t let a ticket impact your record, insurance rates, or finances—reach out to us today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through the process and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.