can range from $150 to $225. To make matters worse, Louisiana courts aren’t known for their sympathy when it comes to these kinds of violations, so it’s good to know your options if you choose to fight the citation.

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Are red light cameras legal in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana law allows for the use of red light cameras in any municipality or parish within the state. However, authorities are required to post signs clearly indicating that red light cameras are in use within 500 feet of the device.

Key Takeaway Louisiana law allows for the use of red light cameras but requires clear signs informing drivers of their presence.

What should I do if I receive a red light camera ticket?

Violations caught by red light cameras can be very difficult to fight because the evidence against you is very solid. That doesn’t mean you don’t have options for handling your citation, though.

While it’s often simpler to just pay the fine and move on—especially since a red light camera ticket in Louisiana won’t go on your driving record—if you feel you have the evidence to do so, you can also fight the ticket.

How to pay a red light camera ticket

If you choose to avoid the hassle and pay your fine, you can do so online, in person, or by mailing your payment to the address listed on your ticket.

Note that different parishes and municipalities throughout Louisiana have different options for allowing drivers to avoid having a ticket added to their driving record, so be sure to check with your city’s government to see what options you have before paying your fine.

How to fight a red light camera ticket

Fighting a red light camera ticket in Louisiana is not for the faint of heart. If you plan to challenge your citation, you’d do well to find a strong lawyer who can present your evidence in the best light possible.

That said, there are a number of approaches you might be able to take to challenge your red light camera ticket:

Refer to your

driving record

: If you have a pristine record, you may be able to lean on this alone to have this single offense thrown out, especially if you were not particularly reckless or negligent.

Question whether the camera was working properly: In major cities in Louisiana, you can view the video of your infraction online, so check to see if you and your vehicle are clearly visible. If you can prove that the camera was not functioning properly, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.

Demonstrate that proper signage was not clearly posted: If you can prove that parish and municipal authorities did not have posted signs clearly indicating that red light cameras were in use at the time of your violation, you may be able to get your ticket thrown out.

Demonstrate the violation occurred because of something outside your control: For example, if you were trying to avoid another reckless driver, you may be able to convince a judge to dismiss the offense.

Key Takeaway Be sure you have a very strong case and solid representation before attempting to fight a red light camera ticket in Louisiana.

How does a red light camera work?

Red light cameras operate by using traffic light sensors to detect when a car enters the intersection after the light has turned red. Running a red light in one of these intersections causes the red light camera to capture a photo or short video that records your license plate number along with the following information:

Date and time of the incident

Vehicle speed

Location

Amount of time since the light turned red

The

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

presents clear evidence that red light cameras help to reduce the number of fatal crashes at intersections in major cities by as much as 14%. This is why so many states have legalized their use in enforcing traffic violations.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

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FAQs

How do I know if a red light camera ticket is real?

A Louisiana red light camera ticket will only be issued through the mail. If you receive a ticket via email or phone, or with any missing or suspicious information, call the court to confirm that it’s valid.

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