Tag Archives: red light cameras

Tampa Bay Red Light Traffic Camera Fines

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Blick Law

In 2010, the legislature passed the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, named after a Bradenton man who was killed by a red-light runner in 2003. The Act authorized the use of Red Light Cameras to record footage of motorists running red lights and then issuing violators a traffic citation accordingly.

Conflicting studies on the effectiveness of the Red Light Cameras have produced inconclusive results, but proponents of the cameras insist that the legislation saves lives. However, Florida drivers across the state have fought against the constitutional validity and overall effectiveness of the cameras asserting that the purpose of the cameras is solely to increase government revenue.

Nonetheless, Courts across the state have upheld the validity of the legislation and are enforcing the fines against drivers found in violation. Each ticket is a hefty $158, but no points are assigned to the driver’s record.

If you have been issued a citation for violating a photo enforced red light and have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

*** For your reference: the following link is a map of all red light camera locations in the Tampa Bay Area, provided by my Fox Tampa Bay.

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Red light cameras face challenges

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

A hearing began in Tampa Bay regarding recent red light camera laws. Many attorneys are standing up against red light camera policies and raising objections.

American Traffic Solutions (ATS) believes the new cameras to be not only constitutional, but that the legislation is very clear on guiding what is and is not a defense. However, several law firm’s plan to appeal the Hillsborough rulings, challenging these tickets. Likely appeal:

1) When a camera catches a red light violator the registered car owner is mailed a “notice of violation.” Car owners must pay a fine of $158 or sign an affidavit identifying someone else as the driver. The argument: Speedy trial rules should begin with the notice of violation, not when the official traffic citation is mailed. This will allow for a more time for driver to seek representation within legal deadlines.

2) ATS processes the infraction and mails the notices and citations. Argument: Anything a police officer or county employee might say about the mailings are hearsay. The government cannot testify that notices and citations were mailed properly.

3) The surveillance camera records violators by video without witnesses or third parties present,  making  camera videos admissible without corroborating testimony. The argument: In a robbery case (for example) prosecutors cannot just play a video for the jury and that suffices as evidence. There must be a third party present to testify the video was valid. Same should go for red light cameras, right?! Not necessarily.

As the controversy continues, stay with us to get current and up-to-date news regarding red light traffic laws in Tampa Bay. Call you Tampa traffic attorney to understand the law changes and get the legal help you deserve. 813-931-0840, think quick, call Blick.

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