Photo Traffic Light Citations

12/2/2004 | self

[kellynla]

I was interested in any FReepers who have had personal experience with photo traffic citations. Especially in CA and for supposedly running a red light. I received a citation in the mail. They claim I ran the red light while making a "right-on-red."

Anyone who actually has information on the photographic equipment and/or has worked for one of these companies and could shed some light on their accuracy would be appreciated. Any info on the people who make the decisions about such tickets would also be appreciated. I understand these companies who install the equipment receive a commission on the citations.

I am considering fighting the ticket.

[kellynla]

does that stuff really work?
I figured it was just another scam.
I also heard that if the cops spot it and/or ticket you with it on they will hand you your arse! LMAO

[kellynla]

again...
there was no sign posted

[trickyricky]

I got my picture taken one winter on Rt 32 in Carroll County, Md.
It was snowing, and I came up to the light, and it turned amber.
I hit my brakes and started sliding. Rather than risk plowing into someone
in the intersection, I hit the gas, and just as I went through, it turned red.
Flashbulb popped and I knew they got me.
When I got home I called the State Police, explained the situation, they asked
for my tag number, and told me not to worry about it.
Never heard another word.

If you haven't talk to the cops, call them.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

They claim I ran the red light while making a "right-on-red."

If there is no sign prohibiting a right turn on a red signal after a full stop, then the only possible reason for the ticket would be that you did not come to a full stop. Fight the ticket and make them explain how these "still" photos show that you did not come to a full stop. I would argue that their photos show that in fact your vehicle is not moving. Make them produce a video tape.

[gubamyster]

does that stuff really work? I figured it was just another scam.

I don't know. I've never tried nor do I know anyone who has. I don't drive in that many areas w/ photo camera, but if I did, I would consider it. I heard the inventor on Al Rantel's show one night. Of course, he claims it works & has tested it himself. People called in & they also said it worked. I was surprised to hear him say that you only need to apply it once.

I also heard that if the cops spot it and/or ticket you with it on they will hand you your arse! LMAO

The spray is clear & is does not obstruct the plate to the human eye. What it does is create a glare effect when the camera flashes, thus rendering the photo useless. So, since the plate is not obstructed from view, I don't believe the cop would notice it. I'm not that familiar with the law, but I'm not sure there is a law specific to this.

I think it is only about $20.00 a can, so it might be worth a try.

[kellynla]

re: post #13
I called the PD and the woman said I could come down and watch the "video"...
now whether there is actually is a "video" or just the pictures I don't know yet...

[kellynla]

"Make them produce a video tape"
I am going to the PD in the next couple of days to see what they do have.
I may get it the officer to dismiss it but we'll just have to wait and see. I'll wear one of my Marine Corps caps and my Purple Heart pin and plea my case. LOL

[kellynla]

Well I check out the spray...
there are more and more of those photo intersections popping up everywhere

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Sounds like you've got things well in hand. You are fortunate to have gotten an officer willing to review the tape with you. Good luck.

[kellynla]

Thanks, we'll see.

but I thought I would ask around...

[NathanR]

You do know, you need to make a full (not "California") stop before your right turn, don't you?

The "video" people are talking about is a DVD that the judge can watch when you go to court. The newer systems have that, not just stills. (At least that is how it works here in Orange County.)

[kellynla]

"You do know, you need to make a full (not "California") stop before your right turn, don't you?"
Yes, sir. which the picture clearly shows.

[NathanR]

I thought you only saw a still. A still can not tell the difference between a "California" and a "full" stop. They need to show a short video to tell that.

Good luck by the way.

[kellynla]

I was mailed stills which clearly shows me stopped behind the crosswalk before I made the right turn
the woman I spoke to over the phone at the PD said I could watch the "video" with an officer
It remains to be seen as whether or not they actually have a "video?" LOL
we'll see...

thanks for the well wishes

[boris]

I cannot understand why the Discordians are not 'hoodwinking' the cameras with burlap sacks or painting the lenses with Krylon.

Pretty soon, they'd have cameras watching cameras watching cameras...

--Boris