My city just had those red light cameras installed at several intersections. I was always taught in driver's ed that if you enter the intersection (cross the last line of the crosswalk) when the light is still yellow, then it's legal, but these cameras seem to accuse people of running a red light even if it wasn't red when they entered.
I know it depends on state law, but what is your understanding? When is it "running a red light?" How do you decide when to stop and when to punch it and go through?
Anyone with personal experience with a red light camera giving you a ticket when you don't think you deserved one?
2006-08-30 06:28:17 · 13 answers · asked by LisaT 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
I got a ticket from a red light camera. I know what you mean about the point of no return . I got a ticket for making a left turn of course I was aleady byond the line to make the turn when the light was green. I think it is best to go thru than to put the car in reverse and get hit from behind. In Georgia I think is is a revenue generator. They can fine you but they can not take points from your license because they can not even prove that you were driving.
2006-08-30 06:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by kcbrown1979 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told by an attorney once that your understanding is correct, that as long as you enter on the yellow you're OK. However we also recently installed several red light cameras and the local news reported at the time of installation that you can't enter the intersection on a yellow unless there's time to completely clear the intersection on the yellow. In other words, it doesn't have to be red when you enter; if it turns red while you're still in the intersection, you've run the red light. I don't know for certain which is correct, but I'd tend to err on the side of caution and believe the news report that accompanied the installation of the cameras. (This is Seattle, BTW... wherever you are could be completely different!)
2006-08-30 06:37:28 · answer #2 · answered by mockingbird 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Red light cameras are an oversimplified solution to a complex problem. I do not agree with their use at all. My understanding and practice (or lack of practice, in this instance, as I avoid running lights) of running a red light is when you enter the intersection on yellow, after it has been yellow for a few seconds. A yellow light means clear the intersection or get through it if you cannot stop. It is intended as a transitional phase between green and red, to allow time for the intersection to clear before allowing the other direction of traffic to start flowing. If you are not through the intersection before the light turns red, you have run a red light. You should have had time to stop if you had been paying attention or going the posted speed limit.
2006-08-30 06:36:55 · answer #3 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My understanding of what is running a red light and what isn't as in what you could get in trouble for is this.. if you come up to the intersection and the light is green but turns yellow as you're entering the intersection your fine. However, if the light is yellow before you enter the intersection than you should stop, this would be considered a stale yellow light and it is illegal to go through. What is even more illegal is going through a very stale yellow light to where it turns red before you can exit the intersection. So my advice to you.. if you can stop at the yellow without slamming on your brakes than do it.. safe yourself the extra few bucks.
2006-08-30 06:37:44 · answer #4 · answered by moonshadow385 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a fact that those cameras cause accidents. To keep from getting a ticket people stop hard when the light turns yellow and often times get rear-ended. It's just a money making racket for the town.
Best bet is to avoid the intersection and if you can't stop on yellow.
2006-08-30 06:34:32 · answer #5 · answered by N3WJL 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course, it is a matter of local law and ordinance, but in the absence of that, the Uniform Traffic Code says that if you are in the intersection when the light is red, you are in violation. However, the Code also says that you are in violation by blocking an intersection unless instructed to do so by a signal, sign or officer. In other words, it is technically illegal to stop for a yellow light.
I took a course where we learned about the UTC a long time ago, it may have changed.
2006-08-30 06:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by Jamestheflame 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, if you see the light turn red, you ran it. The yellow light is a "caution" that the light will be turning red. When the light turns yellow, you are supposed to stop. Unless you so close to the crosswalk line that you would not be able to stop safely or at all. Yellow does not mean accelerate, or coast, or keep the same speed, yellow means prepare to stop. Preparing to stop usually entails removing my foot from the accelartor and applying it to the brake.
2006-08-30 06:36:18 · answer #7 · answered by wldathrt77 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your vehicle is over halfway past the intersection before the light turns red, then you are good. If you are only halfway or not even half way, its considered "running a red light." Thats what the yellow light is for though....to slow down b/c its going to turn red soon so I wouldn't risk it.
2006-08-30 06:35:24 · answer #8 · answered by radd976 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it just means that u cannot pass the line when the light is red, if u are halfway in between then u have no choice but to continue. sometimes or most of the times people speed up on the yellow line so they tend to be running a red if they dont make it on time. hope this helps once and for all
2016-03-27 01:22:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it turns red while you're in the intersection and you stop... that's hazardous.
If you get accused, point that out. If you have the feeling that it's going to turn yellow any second, then just wait.
2006-08-30 06:33:59 · answer #10 · answered by seraphinaballerina 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋