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Red Light Cameras in Maryland 

Red Light Cameras in Maryland
Red light cameras in Maryland are devices that photograph drivers running red lights and automatically issue tickets. Once the driver runs a red light, detectors in the street detect the violation. Once the violation is detected, the camera will take a colored photograph of the violator’s car just before it crosses the stop line. A short time after, a second picture is taken showing the car in the intersection. Both photographs will show the traffic signal, the violator’s car, and the car’s position relative to the stop line on the road.
Red light cameras are tools that police officers use to help enforce laws that require drivers to stop at red lights. The cameras are known to reduce the number of violations and intersection crashes. Additionally, red light cameras act as deterrents for many drivers and result in safer driving habits. A professional Maryland traffic lawyer can guide you through an issue involving red light cameras.

Prohibitions Running Red Lights
Under Maryland’s Transportation Article 21-201, the driver of any vehicle in Maryland, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, must obey the instruction of any traffic control device that is applicable to their vehicle. Red light camera tickets are traffic infractions.

PENALTIES
Drivers will be given a warning 30 days following the installation of new red light cameras in Maryland. Once the 30-day period expires, violators will receive citations that carry a $75 fine. There are no points associated with this type of citation. Additionally, insurance companies are not notified of the camera citations. There are no points on a person’s driver’s license associated with this type of citation. There are no criminal ramifications as this is a civil violation.

Notification of Citation
The owner of the vehicle will receive a violation notice in the mail. A person may pay the fine online, in person, or by mail, or request a trial in the Maryland District Court. However, they must choose one of these options. Failure to respond to the ticket can result in additional fees and penalties. If a person contests the ticket and they are not satisfied with the judge’s decision, they have 30 days to appeal a red light violation in Maryland.

Red Light Infraction
It is possible to receive a red light infraction even if a person is technically guilty of running a red light. In one instance, the officer may not have been in the position to see a person’s full stop. Sometimes an officer will park on a cross street and the only thing they can see is a stop sign.

Having already stopped as required, they drive ahead into the intersection. It is also a possibility that the driver cannot see the stop sign or a red light. Another example is leaves from trees possibly obstructing the driver’s view of the stop sign until it was too late to stop. Finally, some drivers may stop in front of the limit line or a crosswalk rather than behind it. Red light cameras in Maryland can be tricky.

How an Attorney Can Help
An attorney could help you contest a red light ticket in one of Maryland’s District Courts. The attorney can request a trial date and appear on your behalf. Additionally, the attorney will be able to provide defenses and information that challenges or mitigates your citation, which may result in your ticket being dismissed.

Some examples of defenses include the owner of the vehicle was not driving the vehicle when the violation occurred, the yellow light was too short, or no warning signs were posted to make the driver aware of an oncoming red light camera in Maryland.

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