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How to Appeal a Citation

Anyone who believes they have received a citation in error has the right to appeal. An appeals panel meets monthly to review objections to citations or penalties. Appointments are required.

Read common objections to citations and the Town's answer.

Requesting a hearing

You must notify the Town of your decision to appeal by the due date written on the citation in order to receive a hearing. Failure to do so will result in the automatic dismissal of your appeal, and you will be responsible for all fines and late fees.

A request to appeal can be made by contacting the SafeLight Cary office at (919) 388-9129. A message may be left 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a representative from the office will contact you.

To speak with a SafeLight Cary representative directly, call the office during these operating hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The office is closed on weekends and Town holidays.

Before the hearing

  • Citations must be paid before a hearing can be scheduled. The $50 fee will act as a bond and will be returned if the appeals panel finds that you were not responsible.

  • You may view video of the red light violation by appointment at the SafeLight Cary office, 315 N. Academy St. You do not have to pay the ticket or file an appeal before watching the video, but appointments should be set well in advance of the due date on your citation.

  • If you are contesting the citation because another person was driving your vehicle at the time of the violation, you must fill out the form on the back of the citation with the driver's name and address by the due date. Please note, however, that State law says the owner of the vehicle is responsible for the violation. If the person you nominated as the driver doesn't pay the fine, you will still be held accountable.

More on Appeals

Members of the appeals panel may review images of the violation before the hearing. This includes the three digital photos you received with your citation and a 12-second video.

Each Red Light Camera box contains three separate cameras that take three different photos. One camera takes a photo of the vehicle at the stop line. A second camera takes a photo of the vehicle in the intersection during a red light. A third camera provides a close up of the vehicle's license plate. The electronic flash produces clear photos in all weather conditions.

For more information about citations and appealing a violation, call the SafeLight Cary customer service office at (919) 388-9129.


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