Red light cameras are not legal in Utah as no legislation has been passed permitting or regulating their use. As a result, you shouldn’t find red light cameras at city intersections in Utah.

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Utah speeding ticket

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

While you can’t get a red light camera ticket in Utah, you can still get a ticket for running a red light. If you’re convicted of having run a red light, you can typically expect the following penalties:

Around $120 in fines

50 demerit points on your license

Utah has a point system in place that specifies drivers who accrue more than 200 demerit points in three years will have their license suspended. As a result, running a red light can take you much closer to losing your license.

It’s also important to remember that running a red light could warrant a reckless driving charge in certain situations. Since it’s a much more severe charge, reckless driving will come with higher fines and the potential for jail time.

Remember, you always have two options after being charged with a red light ticket: pay the fine or fight it in court.

How to pay a red light ticket

If you decide to pay the fine, you can do so online, in person, or by mail. While it’s typically easier to pay online, you’ll need to have access to your citation or court case number. Some courts may not accept online payments, so call your local courthouse to confirm.

To pay in person or by mail, you’ll need to fill out your ticket ballot and provide the court with your payment in an appropriate form (acceptable payment methods should be listed on your citation). If you’re sending the ballot by mail, address it to the location provided on your ballot.

If you can’t afford to pay the fine outright, attend your court date and explain your situation to the judge. When you’re open with the court about your financial situation, they’ll likely accommodate your needs by mitigating your fine, setting up a payment plan, or offering an alternative payment method like community service.

How to fight a red light ticket

If you don’t believe you were guilty, you can always fight the ticket in court. Here’s what the process should look like if you decide not to pay the fine:

Appear in court on your assigned date

Declare yourself “not guilty”

Negotiate with the prosecutor—if you reach an agreement then it’s over, if you don’t, you’ll be assigned another court date

Prepare your case

Defend yourself on your designated court date

Remember to take extra care in building your case. Gather as much evidence as possible, find eyewitnesses, and brush up on state traffic law.

If the charges are severe, consider hiring an attorney to represent you. While you can defend yourself, a professional has skills and experience that will increase your chances of success.

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How to get your Utah driving record

How does a red light camera work?

Red light cameras are typically set at big-city intersections. They constantly record photo and video footage of the intersection to help law enforcement build a case against violators and deter poor driving in the area.

Since the cameras are used to charge drivers who violate the law, the cameras also mark the:

Vehicle’s speed

Date and time of the accident

Location

License plate number

Traffic cameras can sometimes put drivers on edge, but the

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

noticed that cameras successfully reduced intersection accidents by 14%. As a result, most states have passed laws and regulations for implementing cameras at busy intersections.

Traffic cameras are typically run by independent companies that report directly to law enforcement. The organization will periodically send their footage and data to the law enforcement agency that hired them, and the agency will charge violators accordingly.

How to find affordable car insurance in Utah

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

Red light camera tickets shouldn’t exist in Utah. So if you’re notified of a red light camera ticket, it’s likely a scam. To make sure it’s a legitimate charge, contact your local DMV and ask them to verify your citation.

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