Ryan Zavodnick | February 14, 2025 | Pennsylvania Law
Red light camera tickets in Philadelphia are part of a citywide program designed to curb dangerous driving behaviors and reduce intersection-related motor vehicle accidents. These tickets are issued when cameras installed at busy intersections capture a vehicle entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
Understanding whether these violations add points to your driving record is crucial. Accumulating points can lead to higher insurance rates, license suspension risks, or stricter penalties if you have future traffic infractions.
Red Light Tickets Do NOT Lead to Points in Philadelphia
Red light camera citations in Philadelphia are classified as non-moving violations, meaning they typically carry no points against your driving record. Because these offenses do not count against your record, they usually won’t be reported to your insurance company and should not result in increased premiums.
However, this is different from a traditional traffic stop for a red light violation. If a police officer pulls you over for running a red light, you may face heavier fines and potentially have points added to your driver’s license. Understanding this difference can help you manage any legal or financial consequences that might come from traffic-related incidents.
Defenses to a Red Light Camera Ticket in Philadelphia
If you receive a red light camera ticket in Philadelphia, there may be several ways to contest it. Below are common defenses and points you can raise when challenging a red light camera violation:
Ticket Mailed Late
The city is required to mail the citation within 30 days of the violation (or 90 days if the motorist is from out of state). Any delay beyond these deadlines can render the ticket invalid. If you discover the postmark or mailing date is outside the required window, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
Issued Before the Camera’s 60-Day Set Up Period
By law, cameras must be operational for at least 60 days before generating enforceable tickets. You could argue that the citation is void if you receive a citation from a camera that was not in place and functioning for this length of time.
Proper Warning Signs Posted
Philadelphia must install and maintain clear and conspicuous signage advising drivers of the camera’s presence before the intersection. If the sign is missing, poorly maintained, or installed too late, you may have a valid basis to dispute the citation.
Yellow Light Timing
Regulations dictate that the duration of the yellow light must be proportionate to the posted speed limit. If the timing is too short, you could argue that drivers lack a reasonable interval to stop, making the camera-based citation unfair.
Not the Driver
When photographs only capture the vehicle rather than the person behind the wheel, you can claim you were not driving at the time of the alleged violation. The city cannot force you to identify the actual driver, making this a potentially strong defense if you lend or share your vehicle with others.
If you have questions or concerns about challenging a red light camera ticket, the best course of action is to speak with an experienced attorney.
How To Challenge The Ticket
Now that you know the potential defenses you can raise, it’s important to know what steps to take to challenge your ticket. You can fight a red light camera ticket by requesting a hearing within 30 days of receiving the violation notice.
If you miss this window or fail to pay the fine in time, you’ll lose your right to a hearing, and additional penalties may be added. To schedule your hearing, you can either mail back the provided form or call the designated number listed on the Notice of Violation.
Contact Our Product Liability Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
