If you’re convicted of running a red light after being caught on camera in Arizona
, you could be stuck with a fine of $165, as well as two points on your driver's license. Although red light cameras help to reduce fatal accidents in busy cities, they are also prone to mistakes. Red lights cameras have become more and more common across the United States, and many cities in Arizona have implemented them as a result. The cameras can identify your license plate if they detect that you’re running a red light, and getting caught is a serious violation for your driving record
. To learn more about red light cameras and what to do if you receive a ticket, read on. This guide compiled by the car insurance
comparison app Jerry
has everything you need to know about how to deal with red light tickets. Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowAre red light cameras legal in Arizona?
Yes. In Arizona, it is legal for cities to use red light cameras to monitor intersections. Cities have to ensure that they have two signs posted for each red light camera in operation. One sign must be within 300 feet of the camera, and the other should be further than 300 feet.
In some cities, such as Phoenix, these cameras have been shut down. You should be sure to research whether or not your city uses red light cameras before you hit the road.
MORE: How different types of car accidents affect your insurance rates
What should I do if I receive a red light camera ticket?
If you receive a ticket from a red light camera
, you can expect a penalty of $165 and have two points added to your license. This fine is less than a standard red light ticket, though—those are $250. Note that if you accumulate eight or more points in a year, your driver's license might get suspended. If you’re caught on camera running a red light, you'll receive a letter in the mail regarding the incident. You’ll have to choose whether to pay the fine and accept the penalty or attempt to fight it.
How to pay a red light camera ticket
Assuming you admit to the violation, you’ll simply have to pay the fine and deal with the points being added to your license. You can pay by mail if you select no contest.
How to fight a red light camera ticket
If you choose to deny running a red light, you can ask for a trial. Some of the reasons you might avoid conviction include:
The camera was not functioning properly
You were unable to see the light in time
You were not the one driving the vehicle
You needed to enter the intersection to avoid an accident
No matter what type of case you attempt to make, you’ll want to gather as much evidence as possible to prove your innocence.
How does a red light camera work?
Red light cameras are generally posted at high-traffic intersections. A sensor detects when cars enter that intersection. If a car enters the intersection while the light is red, the camera will snap a photo of the car, capturing the license plate
and driver in the process. Some of the other data that a red light camera can collect include:
The speed
you were driving How long the light had been red
Traffic cameras in Arizona are generally installed by one of two private companies, RedFlex or American Traffic Solutions. These companies make a deal with cities to keep track of the data produced by their traffic cameras, and in turn, the cities generate revenue from the fines.
Cities also benefit from red light cameras since they make driving in congested areas safer. Studies have shown
that red light cameras have reduced fatal accidents by as much as 14% in major cities. How to find affordable car insurance in Arizona
If you have one or more traffic violations on your driving record, it will likely affect your insurance rates. If you’re having a hard time affording your insurance payments, it may be time to shop around for a new plan.
Jerry
is the trusted insurance comparison app
that makes the process of finding better-priced insurance fast and easy. You can sign up in just seconds, and you’ll immediately have access to quotes from over 50 of the top insurers in the country.Once you find a plan that works for you, Jerry’s team of experienced agents will help you make the switch. Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on their car insurance payments.
“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me to Jerry
and their amazing customer service helped me get the lowest insurance rate.” —Christina H.
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