Is it Worth Fighting a Red-Light Ticket?

The act of driving requires following various traffic laws, signs, and signals. If you do not follow these laws, you could get pulled over by the police and given a citation.

While speeding tickets are probably the most common ticket a driver will get, red-light tickets are also common. Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:4-105, New Jersey law requires motorists approaching a stop sign or red light (steady or flashing) to make a complete stop. For solid red lights, the law says motorists must come to a stop before “entering the intersection or crosswalk.” When approaching a flashing red light, motorists have to stop before “entering or crossing the intersection.”

The statute mandates that drivers stop for red lights, unless they are so close to the intersection when the yellow light appears that stopping would be unsafe. A safe stopping distance is considered to be 50 feet from the intersection at a speed of 20 miles per hour.

Like most other states, New Jersey allows drivers to make a right turn after stopping at a red light, unless there is a sign indicating the turn is not allowed. However, drivers should use caution and follow the normal right-of-way rules when making the turn.

What are the Penalties?

While a traffic violation generally will not mean jail time (unless your negligence led to a serious or fatal accident), you could face many other penalties.

In New Jersey, a stop sign or red light violation generally carries a fine between $50 and $200, plus court costs and assessments that can add another $12 to $33.

These violations typically add two points to a driver’s record, or three points if the offense involves an illegal turn at a red light. Accumulating points can result in surcharges and even license suspension. However, eligible drivers may be able to reduce up to three points by completing a state-approved driver improvement program.

Should I Fight the Ticket?

You can fight the ticket, but there are pros and cons to consider. If you fight and are successful, you can:

• Avoid fines and points.
• Protect your insurance rates.
• Challenge the evidence.

However, fighting a ticket requires going to court and possibly paying an attorney to help represent you. You will need to consider the:

• Time and effort involved.
• Legal fees involved in hiring an attorney.
• Possibility of an uncertain outcome.
• Possible higher costs, as losing could mean paying court costs on top of everything else.

So, is it worth it? It depends on your situation. It may be worth a fight if you already have points on your license or if you have a strong defense. However, it is probably not worth it if you have a clean record and want to avoid the hassle of court.

Contact Us Today

Traffic violations such as running a red light can lead to substantial penalties. Make sure you understand your options.

Phillip E. Miller has decades of experience fighting traffic violations in Monroe Township, NJ. I will work to help you protect your driver’s license and understand your legal rights. Contact us via (732) 679-3434 or online here to schedule a consultation.