The following are common objections to Red Light citations. None of the reasons listed below are credible grounds to dispute a citation.
The light was green when I entered the intersection. The photo, which shows the light was red, is wrong.
Red Light Cameras are triggered when a vehicle passes over magnetic loops imbedded in pavement at a minimum speed and at a specified time after the signal has turned red. If you started out during a green or yellow light and are in the intersection when the light turns red, you will not be ticketed. However, if you move the vehicle beyond the Stop Bar (the first white line you approach at an intersection) and enter the intersection while the light is red, you may receive a citation.
I could not see that the traffic light had turned red because I was behind a large truck or trailer (or other large vehicle).
It is your responsibility as a driver to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This includes making sure you are able to see traffic signals and read safety signs along roadways.
Although the light was red, I was unable to stop before entering the intersection because the roadway was too slippery due to adverse weather conditions.
During adverse weather such as rain, snow, ice or fog, it is your responsibility as a driver to adjust your speed so that you are in constant control of your vehicle. In that it takes longer to stop on a slippery road, you must give yourself more time to prepare to stop. This ensures your safety and that of pedestrians and other drivers around you.
I didn't run a red light. I was making a right turn at an intersection where a right turn at a red is allowed.
Although right turns are allowed during red lights at some intersections, you are still required to bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind the Stop Bar, or first white line. This gives pedestrians an opportunity to cross safely and you an opportunity to safely observe your surroundings before easing out into the intersection.
If the intersection you are approaching has an obstructed view or you need to pull forward to make a right turn, you must still make a complete stop behind the Stop Bar first. Proceed forward only if the turn can be made safely. Do not stop in the crosswalk.
I was attempting to make a left turn when the light turned red, and I was already in the intersection.
Currently, the only intersections in Cary where red light cameras may capture an illegal left turn are those that provide a left turn lane and signal light. In these cases, drivers are expected to remain behind the Stop Bar until they are instructed to make their left turn. When the left turning lane signal changes back to red, your vehicle should be stopped behind the line. You should not attempt to "beat the light" or enter the intersection as the light is turning red.
I disagree with the entire Red Light Camera system. Technology is not a reliable way to catch red light violators, and Cary is only using the system to make money.
Since it's inception in February 2004, SafeLight Cary has processed more than 25,000 red light violations. But we don't rely on Technology alone. All photos of violations are reviewed by four different individuals - three employees at the Redflex Traffic Systems processing facility and the Town's SafeLight project manager - before a citation is issued. Concerns after a citation can be brought before an appeals panel for further review.
The $50 fee assessed for these violations is not and cannot be taken as profit by the Town according to State law. Instead, fines and fees from Red Light citations are used to pay RTS for installing and operating the system and Town administrative costs, with all net proceeds benefiting the Wake County Public School System.
Red Light Disputes