costs only $25, but there can be additional fees and assessments that make the citation more expensive. In addition, a conviction will add three demerit points to the driver’s record. Accumulating seven points within a year may result in a license suspension.

Red light cameras capture video and photo evidence of traffic violations at city intersections. Using these cameras can drastically reduce the rate of fatal accidents at intersections—but they’re not immune to fault.

If you’ve received a red light ticket, and you feel it was issued in error, you may be able to contest it. Here's everything you need to know about red light camera tickets and the enforcement system in New Mexico.

Are red light cameras legal in New Mexico?

Yes, New Mexico gives their state’s jurisdictions the right to use automated cameras to catch red-light violators at certain intersections.

There's a caveat: The intersections that have red light cameras installed must have appropriate signage and yellow flashing beacons, or rumble strips at least, to alert drivers that there is a camera operating.

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

Receiving a red light camera ticket will result in a $25 ticket and three demerit points on your New Mexico driving record. There will also be additional fees and assessments that may be levied against you, so it’s unlikely that you’ll only ever pay $25.

The three demerit points can wreak the most havoc, so if you receive a ticket, you have two options available: you can pay it or you can contest it.

How to pay a red light camera ticket

If you prefer not to contest the ticket, or you concede that you were at fault and that the violation is warranted, you can pay the fine online, by phone, by mail, or in person. For the latter, the pertinent information you need will be available on the ticket. Be sure to check whether you are required to appear in court.

Paying the ticket means you are pleading guilty or no contest, which means you forfeit the right to contest the ticket in the future. You will incur the three points on your driving record, which may lead to an increase in your

auto insurance rates

You will have the option to plea bargain on the penalties, which can significantly reduce them. And you may have the option to reduce points by attending driver improvement school.

How to fight a red light camera ticket

If you decide to contest the ticket, you’ll first need to gather all the evidence you have available to support your claim. From there, you’ll contest the traffic ticket via trial, where you will plead not guilty.

When you go to trial, you can either represent yourself or you can hire an attorney.

Keep in mind: Although attorneys cost money, you’re more likely to get a ruling in your favor by hiring one.

Because red light cameras don’t have any other witnesses, you can contest whether or not the picture captured is accurate. This may mean your NM license plate is not clearly visible or you were not clearly in violation.

If you lose your case, however, you may lose your option to plea bargain. That means you may not be able to negotiate for lesser penalties. If you’re found guilty, you’ll have to pay the necessary court fees.

How does a red light camera work?

Red light cameras are typically installed in traffic lights that operate on sensors rather than timers, and they use those sensors to activate. The camera captures photo and video footage of all cars that pass through the intersection after the light has turned red.

Any driver who runs a red light will have their vehicle recorded, including their license plate number, which must be clearly shown in the subsequent footage.

The camera also captures the following information at the time of the incident:

Date and time

Speed of the vehicle

Location

Time elapsed since the light turned red

Many of New Mexico’s red light cameras are owned and operated by third-party companies, who send the captured footage to law enforcement agents.

State officials use the information provided to issue tickets to any driver violating the law on camera. This is because third-party companies do not have access to

vehicle registration

information, including addresses associated with the license plates captured.

Did you know? While red light cameras continue to be a source of controversy, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that red light cameras reduced fatal crashes at intersections in major cities by 14%.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

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Jerry
got me better insurance for my luxury car. I’m sure it’ll improve even more once my ticket is removed. Keep up the good work Jerry team!” —Dwayne P.

FAQs

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

A red light camera ticket should have been delivered only by mail to the address associated with your car’s registration. A ticket delivered in any other manner, or with missing information, is likely fraudulent. If in doubt, call your local court to confirm its legitimacy.

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