Many states have implemented red light cameras to help stem an uprising in red-light-running collisions and avoidable fatalities. Although these devices can effectively capture violations, their imperfections have made them controversial in some states.

Ohio requires a police officer to be present for a red light conviction to be valid, but it’s important to know what the laws are so you can avoid the penalties that come along with a ticket.

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Are red light cameras legal in Ohio?

Law enforcement can utilize red light cameras as evidence to support a violation got against a driver. However, a police officer needs to be present at the time of the violation in Ohio, so you can’t be convicted of a charge based on their footage alone. The following cities use red light cameras in Ohio:

Ashtabula

Columbus

Dayton

East Cleveland

Middletown

Northwood

Springfield

Toledo

Trotwood

West Carrollton

MORE:

All the Ohio traffic laws you should know

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

A red light ticket is a misdemeanor with up to $150 in fines and two demerit points on your license for the first offense in Ohio. If you’ve had prior convictions, they’ll be taken into account, which will escalate the penalties.

This is what to expect with multiple convictions:

The second offense is a fourth-degree misdemeanor with up to $250 in fines and/or a maximum of 30 days in jail.

The third or subsequent offense is a third-degree misdemeanor with up to $500 in fines and/or a maximum of 60 days in jail.

Depending on how many points you have, a red light violation can carry a

license suspension

or revocation. In more severe cases where the incident causes a collision that results in injuries or death,

reckless driving

or vehicular homicide charges can be brought against you.

If you’re convicted of a red light ticket in Ohio, you’ll have three options: two include pleading guilty to the charges, and one includes fighting your case. Each has its obstacles, and we’ll give you the lowdown on all three scenarios.

How to pay a red light ticket

You’ll have to decide to either plead guilty or not guilty before the due date on the ticket.

There are two approaches you can take that are considered guilty pleas:

Pay the ticket

Waives your right to challenge the conviction in court

May result in a license suspension

Car insurance rates will increase

2. Request a mitigation hearing

Gives you the option to have the fine reduced

Offers a monthly payment plan option

May receive community service hours instead of penalties

Keep in mind that there’s no turning back after a mitigation hearing—you can’t appeal the judge’s decision.

How to fight a red light ticket

Despite some statistics showing that one in four tickets are wrongly issued, only 5% of drivers contest them. If you oppose the charge you received, you can plead not guilty. Here are your options:

Request a contested hearing by selecting that option on your ticket before mailing it in

Hire an attorney to help argue your case

An experienced attorney can be a game-changer. They can defend you against the fines, points, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums in the wake of a red light ticket.

How does a red light camera work?

Ohio has been entrenched in a legal tug-of-war between the use of red light cameras and the public’s opposition to them. Although red light and speeding cameras are used in some Ohio cities, they don’t hold weight on their own to convict a driver of a violation.

A police officer must be present to administer a ticket related to a stop sign or red light moving violation. However, police officers can refer to data captured in the footage to supplement their case, including:

The driver’s license plate number

The speed at the time of the capture

The location, time, and date of the violation

How much time passed since the light turned red

MORE:

Ohio car insurance laws