If you have ran a red light, and this was detected by a red light camera then you may receive a traffic infringement notice in the mail, a fine, and can incur three demerit points (Double demerits apply for speeding offences during long weekends and holiday periods). Red-light speed cameras detect both red-light and speeding offences. An example of this, if you fail to stop at a red light, and exceed the speed limit, the camera is then activated which then detects the vehicle you are driving.
Red light cameras are activated when the traffic lights turn red. If your vehicle crosses the stop line after the lights have turned red, then you may be caught by a red light speed camera. The camera takes photos of the rear of your vehicle and number plate when you travel over the stop line or enter the intersection after the lights have turned red. The camera is not triggered or activated by a vehicle crossing the stop line on yellow or green lights.

What are my options?

You may choose to plead guilty or not guilty.

Pleading Guilty

If you agree and accept the Red light camera penalty, you can still dispute the penalty that has been handed out. You can dispute either by asking for a review of the penalty and leniency through the RMS or by electing the matter to court to have the matter dealt with by a Magistrate.
If you elect the matter to be dealt with by a Magistrate then you can ask the Magistrate for what’s called a ‘Section 10’ if you believe there are reasonable grounds. If the Magistrate is convinced by your valid reasons and explanation then you may receive a Section 10, which means you can avoid a fine and the loss of demerit points that apply.
The penalty for a red light camera infringement is $405 and 3 demerit points.

Our experienced lawyers can help you deal your traffic matter in the best way possible. Speak to one of our experienced team today.

Pleading Not Guilty

If you disagree with the Red light camera penalty, then you may enter a plea of not guilty. You can dispute either by asking for a review of the penalty and leniency through the RMS or by electing the matter to court to have the matter dealt with by a Magistrate. If you elect the matter to be dealt with by a Magistrate then you can ask the Magistrate to consider the grounds of your dispute to what occurred. The dispute may be the reasons and circumstances that put you in a position to travel through a red light.

It is presumed that red light cameras are accurate so you should speak to one of our lawyers for the best advice.