RLC got my 70

[Yii]

498? where are you? i dun think even NYC tickets you that much... i could be wrong but i dunno =[ i dun think thats fair at all!

[Paydirtdog]

Red light tickets are usually about $75.00. No points and not worth fighting in court. They are just another source of tax revenue for the state.

[rh71]

$75 for mine a couple years ago. They've put up so many around here that I don't even think about running yellows anymore. All for the better, unless you've already got a good amount of speed and don't want to stop short.

[JCL]

Just pay the fine, and next time you will have added reason to stop when the light indicates you should.

[mtech8]

TaMbALoLoNg! I feel for ya!

My wife just got a RLCT too! They want $446 or $510 w/traffic school.

My wife insists that the light turned red too fast. Does anyone know what the legal minimum length a light is required to stay yellow? I heard it depends on the posted speed limit too.

I figure the only way, we'd fight it is to get (video) prooft that shows that the city either purposely shortened the yellow light to a illegal limit (or maybe the light is just not functionally properly). Otherwise, looks like we'll have to pay for it.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by mtech8

Does anyone know what the legal minimum length a light is required to stay yellow? I heard it depends on the posted speed limit too.

Depends on the State and city. Apparentl Federal Guidelines say between 3-6 seconds, but nobody really has to follow those guidelines.

Here's an article from Chicago you might find interesting/helpful:


Yellow lights in city shorter than in suburbs - chicagotribune.com

Here is another interesting link; however, the times they recommend have no legal status, but do seem to match Federal guidelines, but additional speed information:

Yellow Light Time Standards | Stop Short Yellow Lights

[ard]

Originally Posted by mtech8

TaMbALoLoNg! I feel for ya!

My wife just got a RLCT too! They want $446 or $510 w/traffic school.

My wife insists that the light turned red too fast. Does anyone know what the legal minimum length a light is required to stay yellow? I heard it depends on the posted speed limit too.

There was a landmark case somewhat local to me about this... a RLC at Watt & Fair Oaks in Sacramento (look it up)

Unfortunately, it required someone with diligence to fight his ticket way up the 'chain'...

In summary, there is a minimum yellow- it must allow for reaction time plus safe stopping from the posted limit. State law is 3.0 seconds AT A MINIMUM. (at 25mph... goes to 4.3 at 45mph)

Interesting reading:


Home - Fighting Red Light Camera Tickets

6 Cities That Were Caught Shortening Yellow Light Times For Profit

Has your wife agreed to appear in court yet? I'd certainly spend some time learning your (her) rights.

A

PS And hey, if you screw up the defense you can always promise to visit her!

[RedRockin]

Some AZ articles:
Arizona Group Forces Red Light Ticket Refund | The Truth About Cars

Another City Caught Lowering Yellow Light Times To Catch More Red Light Runners | Techdirt

Uno mas - WSJ "The WAR on Short Yellows": http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123975737976619187.html

[mtech8]

Thanks guys! Got all fired up with the info you guys provided. Looked at her ticket to try to find out if there is any mention of "time" on the photos. The ticket actually has a reference to a website where you can actually see the whole thing on video! She was completely guilty!!! Confronted her with the video, her response "No way! I totally thought the yellow switched much faster". Gonna pay the ticket now.