. However, the penalties for running red lights can be severe, especially if you’re caught more than once. Just one red light ticket could cost you $100 in fines or ten days in jail.

Photo and video evidence of traffic violations is captured by red light cameras, which are installed at busy city intersections. The use of these cameras reduces the rate of fatal accidents so many states use these cameras as a deterrent, but not every state uses red light cameras.

There are 19 states without laws on red light cameras or that outlaw red light cameras. It is illegal to operate a red light camera in Mississippi. This doesn’t mean you can’t get ticketed for running a red light, though—if an officer observes you running a light, you can get a ticket.

The laws around traffic violations in Mississippi are tricky, but this article will explain the ins and outs of these laws and go over what the repercussions could be for running a light. We’ll also talk about what your options are if you get a ticket.

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Are red light cameras legal in Mississippi?

Red light cameras are illegal in Mississippi. It is also illegal for red light camera tickets from other states to affect a Mississippi driving record or the driver’s insurance rates.

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

There are instances during which you can go through a red light in Mississippi. If you’re making a right on red and it isn’t prohibited, that’s allowed. You can also turn left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street if you follow the appropriate traffic laws.

You can even pass through an intersection under a yellow light if you don’t have time to safely stop—but you must come to a complete stop at all stop signs and flashing red lights.

You’ll face a misdemeanor charge if you violate one of these traffic laws. First time offenders are looking at up to $100 or a maximum of 10 days in jail. Second offenses within a year carry a maximum fine of $200 and/or up to 20 days in jail. A third violation within a year costs up to $500 in fines and a maximum of six months in jail.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Offense	Fine	Jail time
1st	Up to $100	Up to 10 days
2nd within a year	Up to $200	Up to 20 days
3rd within a year	Up to $500	Up to six months

You can admit guilt and pay the fine, or fight the ticket in court. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each.

How to pay a red light ticket

It can be a hassle to fight a ticket. You can pay the ticket online, over the phone, by mail, or in person—just be sure to do it within 15 days of receiving the ticket or you could face additional consequences. Remember that paying the ticket is an admission of guilt and you are waiving your right to challenge the ticket in court.

You can also go before a judge in a mitigation hearing if you don’t want to pay or can’t pay the full amount right away. Mitigation hearings can lead to reduced fines, monthly payment plans, or community service.

How to fight a red light ticket

Your red light ticket may be a mistake. You can always request a contested hearing and take your chances in court. You can start this process by checking a box on your ticket and mailing it in.

Only 5% of drivers challenge tickets even though one in four is issued in error. A traffic ticket attorney can greatly increase your chances of winning. An attorney can:

Request a contested hearing

Request discovery for your case

Represent you in court

Negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges dropped or reduced

How does a red light camera work?

Red light cameras work with a traffic light’s sensors to capture video and photo footage of an intersection when a vehicle passing through trips the sensor. Committing a traffic violation in front of a red light camera will cause your license plate number to be recorded along with other information like:

Date and time of the incident

Vehicle speed

Location

Amount of time since the light turned red

For the most part, red light cameras are operated by third-party companies. The footage is sent to law enforcement who then uses the footage to send out traffic citations. Frequently cited violations are running a red light and performing an illegal turn during a red light.

The

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

performed a study that found fatal crashes are reduced by 14% in intersections where red light cameras are used. Many states and cities use red light cameras because of this success rate.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

How to find affordable car insurance in Mississippi

A red light conviction on your record will increase your insurance rates in Mississippi. Luckily, you can always shop around for a better deal on your car insurance.

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Jerry is sure to find the greatest coverage and best rate on car insurance for you—regardless of your driving record. The best part is the average Jerry user saves $887 per year. Now that’s something to smile about.

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FAQs

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

You’ll never receive a red light camera ticket in Mississippi. Those are definite fakes. Be aware of any ticket that is sent via email or over the phone—those are probably scams.

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