Ticketed for allegedly running red light.?

John Pace

Just got to go to court and try to prove your case, thats the only way. Might be less hassle just to pay the fine.

TheMom

You can't. WHy would he be untruthfaul about this? I think the defination of running the light has more to do with how far away you were at Yellow and if you couls get THRU the light before red, not enter. If you entered at red the other direction alrady had green.

igollert

I would go to court for sure.

2 things to remember.

1. If the cop is lying, he won't show up and you will win.

2. If he really believes you did go through the light, then you will have to convince the judge otherwise. Be prepared. Ask the officer lots of questions such as, "What were you doing when you apparently saw me go through the light? etc. Bring a few character references that will back you as a responsible driver. If you have a clean driving record that will really help too.

Finally, the judge has a good chance of believing you if you really press the issue. He will no doubt ask himself/herself why someone would go to all that work to fight a red light ticket if they really were guilty. Good Luck!

bigslick60

Why would the cop pick on you, saying you ran a red light when you did'nt. That is what a judge is going to want to know. No witnesses you lose.

Steve

No possible way. Welcome to fascist America. Anarchy Now!

healthykidnow

Actually if there is not witness pay the ticket. You can't disprove an officer in court without indisputable evidence.

dogguy

Your question said the light defintely was not red at the moment the driver's vehicle entered the intersection. Did it turn red when the driver was in the intersection? If so, the violation was committed, and the light was probably yellow when the driver entered.

Yellow lights mean stop if it's safe to do so. If it's not safe, preceed with caution, not accelerate and try to get through before it turns red.

BubbaB

Depends on what state yer in.

In California, if you're all ready in the intersection when the light turns red, that is *not* running a red light. (Check your state's laws to find out if this definition works for your state, too.)

If so, then you simply testify--if true--that the light was not red when you entered the intersection but changed to red before you left the intersection. Be sure to testify as to *when* during your trip across the intersection the light did turn red.

And you don't need a lawyer. Remember to treat both the officer and the court with respect, answer the court's questions and, chances are, if you're believable, the judge will have a resonable doubt and you won't be convicted.

Kevin C

Use the force! A Jedi mind trick on the officer is your only hope!

GrnApl

Were you driving quickly through the yellow and then it turned red?
A few years ago, a teen girl was driving and ran a red light resulting in death for her and all of her teenage passengers.

G's Random Thoughts

DILEMA ZONE

look it up online or talk to a transportation engineer/specialist to learn more. If you can time the light cycles and show that the yellow doesnt last long enough to allow drivers to properly make the decision to stop for the roadway design speed.

Then you are in the dilema zone, properly believing you should be able to clear the light before it turns red and too close to stop before red occurs.

Best defense know worked for a friend of mine in stillwater.

One Sexy Jeep Girl

out of luck. It's going to be the cops word against the drivers.

dogpatch USA

If the light turned after you entered the intersection most states say you are innocent but you need a lawyer to win in court as a rule and a lawyer cost more than the fine .... you lose.
sorry peaceout and chalk it up to experience!

burning brightly

You will have to advertise the fact of what happened and ask others have they had the same from the same cop then go to his superiors and to the court. Its very hard to beat them when the court puts their word abovw yours make sure he knows what you are doing they are not very bright but are scared of their superiors it helps if you know someone who, is in the circle

Kingocal

you cant.

Bart S

The cops know what running a light looks like.
Could you leave the intersection before the red light? No? If you speeded up on orange and didn't leave the intersection before red, then you don't have a case.

Michael C

The cop has to prove you ran the red light. In some states you can plead No Lo Contende and not have any points. Most of the time cops don't make their court date. All you have do is go to court and say that you didn't run a red light and the cop will say you did. It is his word against yours. He has to have proof, and unless there was a camera at the intersection, you're safe.

AnswerMan

Well, the burden isn't on the driver to prove that he didn't commit the infraction - the police have to prove that the driver ran the red light. You could challenge it and force the officer to testify that he saw you run it, then it'd be his word against yours and maybe there'd be enough reasonable doubt to throw out the case.

el k

Bribe the cop n he jus may remeber you didnt run a red!

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