Do I have reason to argue against being prosecuted for jumping a red light?

Question

I remember the incident and have checked the lights in question as it isn't my style to purposely jump red lights. I think the possibility could be because there are two sets of traffic lights on the same road, less than 30m apart. The furthest set turn to green about a second or two before the nearest set (which I was at) I was stationary but I believe I set off on seeing the furthest set turn to green. Can I argue the case that when at the line it was easily confusing when seeing the furthest set turn to green and that they should be set to turn green at the same time to make it less confusing? Is it worth arguing the case and what happens if they judge against me? I don't mind paying a fine but to get points on my license would be a real pain!

Oops, I meant 30' not 30m but i think the answer will be the same. Thanks everyone

Answer 1

If you feel you have a reason to offer mitigating circumstances, then by all means do so. However, from experience (working within Criminal Justice Dept. U.K.), I personally think you will be on a loser. It really depends on how strongly you feel and whether or not that by attending court whether you are found guilty or not, you will have at least had the satisfaction of putting your case forward. On the other hand, fess up and accept the fine and the points.

Answer 2

Only if there is a minimum set distance that there has to be between sets of traffic lights, if there is a set minimum distance and the lights you went through are breaching this then you may have a case but you have to research this yourself, try the council or highways dept who maybe able to answer this.

But 30 metres does sound like a reasonable distance and at the end of the day even if it was a mistake as someone pointed out its "lack of due care and attention" you are guilty of hence the ticket.

Just because there was no accident or you did not run over someone crossing at that point does not make it any less dangerous but i am sure you dont want a lecture on it and realise the mistake

Answer 3

when you stated "when at the line it was easily confusing when seeing the furthest set turn to green" that could sound like you're color blind.

however most cities are setting up those Signal Cameras so law enforcement is buckling down on red light passing. I feel ya because it's stated that we spend about 2 weeks @ red lights. The people/engineers that program them must Don't drive those roads. I have noticed that lights will change for the minor instead of the Major road like at 2 am. How many people are driving from the Home Depot parking lot that time in the night.

In defense of your ticket/charge I guess you could say you request a traffic light standard/criteria for the set of lights they just might be off timing.

Answer 4

Nope...as you say, the lights are some 30m (100 feet) apart... making a mistake by looking at the wrong set of lights is unlikely to be a defence.... If you choose to argue and take to court, and they find your argument to be without merit (and from experience, they will), then your punishment will be no worse, but you may lose the right to a 'reduced for immediate payment' fine and will probably have to pay court costs....

Answer 5

Nope not really. How can I feel sorry for someone being that stupid? Going 150 in a 35? I mean ok probably hard NOT to jump a red light at that speed, and even if it had been slower I could feel bad because honestly I've screwed up and ran stop signs that I saw and for some reason my brain just didn't get through to stop. The speeding at that amount though I can't feel sorry for the idiot ending up dead. I feel sorry for his loved ones that they had to deal with having a tragic death like that.

Answer 6

No, I doubt the courts will take this into consideration. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of his surroundings.

Your only possible argument would be if the lights from the first intersection were not visible while you were legally stopped. I stress "legally stopped" because many motorists pull ahead of the painted stop line, and into the crosswalk, making it more difficult to see the lights.

Your problem is fairly common... when most of the roads in my area were created, there was no where near the traffic volume there is now, and they city engineers have to create other ways to control traffic.

Answer 7

Well in the US, you can go to court and usually pay a larger fine and get less points. Seeing as how you used meters, i am guessing you are not form there.

A summons is a complaint. You have the option to go to court or plead guilty and pay the fine and incure points. You can also plead no guilty. Usually the court doesnt want a trial, so they will offer you a plea, more money, less points. Best you can do less you pay for a lawyer.

Answer 8

If you argued that, then they will charge you for driving without due care & attention for sure. the courts are not their to find a reason to let you off. they are their to find a reason to prosicute you & that argement would clarify it. unless if you can find out if the junction is not legal. ie measurements of the junction. their are requirements for distances & the fact that covers should be on lights to block the wrong users seeing them (they have slats on them like blinds) or a blocking cone around the light if the junction is not legal you will have a case to defend.

if they judge against you you could get £150 fine + costs
& 3 to 6 points

Answer 9

If you lose, then you would likely pay the cost of the ticket and the associated court costs. Losing the case will not mean even more points that what will already be added to your license.

If you do not mind the costs, then perhaps you can talk the judge into not having points added to your license. (Does a judge have this discretion?)

Answer 10

I think that if you plead guilty, as you did jump a red light, but with mitigating circumstances, you might stand a chance of only paying a fine or even having the case dismissed. Can you take some photographs to show the offending lights as the magistrates will probably not have a clue about the location etc. Appear in person and if you can, get a solicitor to speak for you.