Kansas Red Light Camera
Although Kansas doesn’t use red light cameras, you could still face a fee of over $75 if you’re ticketed for running a red light.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Kansas doesn’t use red light cameras, but running a red light could still cost you over $75—so you should know how to pay or fight your ticket.
As of 2022, 22 states are using red light cameras to record footage of city intersections. Although Kansas hasn’t joined the list, you could still face a steep fine if you’re caught running a red in the Sunflower State.
Since every state has unique red light camera laws and different options for responding to a ticket, it’s crucial that you know the laws for your state. To help you understand your options,
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Are red light cameras legal in Kansas?
No, Kansas does not currently use red light cameras.
In 2018, the
Kansas Supreme Court ruled
that the use of red light cameras (in particular, the assumption that the person driving the vehicle is the car owner) was unconstitutional. As a result, you don’t have to worry about being ticketed by a red light camera in Kansas.Despite their lack of cameras, Kansas does strictly enforce traffic light violations. In the next section, we’ll break down the penalty you could face for running a red and your options for dealing with the ticket.
What should I do if I receive a ticket for running a red light?
If you get tagged with a ticket for running a red light, you have two main options: pay the ticket or fight the ticket.
In Kansas, the fine for running a red light is usually about $75 plus court costs, although the exact amount can vary by jurisdiction. If you’re able to handle the fee and aren’t too worried about your insurance premiums, your best bet might be to pay the ticket.
On the other hand, if you can prove that you didn’t run the red and you want to keep your driving record clean, you could contest the ticket in court.
Here’s a walk-through of both options.
How to pay a red light ticket
Paying a traffic ticket in Kansas is easy: you can make your payment
online
, by mail, over the phone, or in person. All you have to do is take care of the ticket by the due date listed on the citation itself—usually 30 days from getting the ticket. Make sure to pay by this date, or you could run into more severe penalties, like the suspension of your license!Remember, when you pay your ticket, you’re admitting guilt. Once you’ve paid, you won’t be able to contest your ticket in the future. If you’d rather fight the ticket and keep that cash in your pocket, we’ll break down the next steps you need to take.
How to fight a red light ticket
There are two main ways to fight a red light ticket in Kansas: request a mitigation hearing or request a contested hearing.
- If you request a mitigation hearing, you’ll have a chance to explain your ticket in front of the judge. Although you’ll still be admitting guilt, you can describe the circumstances around your ticket (maybe you ran the red to avoid a collision). In response, the judge might reduce your fine or give you community service instead.
- If you request a contested hearing, you are pleading not guilty to running the red light. In this case, you’ll want to gather evidence and witnesses who can show that you didn’t run the red. To boost your chances of winning, you should consider hiring a traffic lawyer—they’ll help you make a great case for the dismissal of the ticket.
Key Takeaway In Kansas, you can pay a red light ticket online, by mail, over the phone, or in person. You can also choose to fight your traffic ticket by requesting a mitigation hearing or a contested hearing.
How does a red light camera work?
Red light cameras are paired with traffic lights, so they can capture photos and videos of a car that enters an intersection on a red light. If you roll into an intersection when the light is red, the camera will take a picture of your vehicle and license plate and also record some additional information:
- Your speed
- Date and time of the photo
- Location
- How long the light had been red before you entered
Next, law enforcement agencies can review the footage when they’re deciding whether to ticket you. Of course, Kansas doesn’t use red light cameras for its own streets—but this can be helpful information when you’re passing through cities on a long road trip.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
How do I know if a red light camera ticket is real?
Because Kansas doesn’t use red light cameras, it’s pretty likely that any tickets that claim to be “red light camera tickets” are scams. Keep an eye out for suspicious or missing information, or any requests for your personal information.
If you’re ever skeptical that a ticket is real, it’s a good idea to reach out to the court for verification.
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