Tampa is a lovely city to drive around. A quick trip to the beach, park, or club can end in a day of pleasure. Unfortunately, you aren’t the only one to realize this, which is why Tampa roads are often filled with traffic. And when many people are trying to get places, there are inevitably car accidents.

One way that the city of Tampa is attempting to limit the number of car accidents is through the use of the Stop on Red Tampa program. As part of this program, 55 red light cameras were placed throughout the city.

What Is a Red Light Camera?

As the name suggests, a red light camera is a device that monitors traffic passing through red traffic lights. If a vehicle runs a red light, illegally turns at a red light, or fails to stop completely before turning, these cameras will record the incident.

This recording is then sent to traffic enforcement officers to determine whether it shows a violation of traffic rules and whether the vehicle that violated the rules can be accurately identified. If both are true, the registered owner of the vehicle is sent a violation notice.

What To Do If You Receive a Violation Notice in Tampa, FL

A violation notice advises you that your vehicle was involved in a statutory offense. This is the lowest form of offense and can not result in jail time or points assessed to your driving record. If you receive a violation notice, you have several options.

Pay the Fine

The penalty for a violation notice in Tampa is $158. You can pay that penalty by check, by phone, or online before the due date listed on the notice. If you pay by check, your fine will be considered on time if it is postmarked on or before the due date.

Request a Hearing

Your violation notice will come with a hearing request form. If you mail that to the city before the due date, you will receive a hearing. During the hearing, a local hearing officer can determine that you committed the infraction or dismiss the case. If your case is dismissed, you will not pay a fine.

File an Affidavit that You Weren’t Piloting the Vehicle

If another party was driving your car during the incident, you could advise the court that you were not behind the wheel. You will need to fill out a sworn affidavit and provide it to the court. If your vehicle was stolen, you must also provide the court with a police report indicating that fact.

What Happens if You Ignore a Violation Notice?

If you ignore a violation notice, you will be issued a traffic citation for the same incident. This is more serious than a violation notice and results in a steeper fine. You can also have points assessed on your license and incur insurance penalties because of a traffic citation.

To fight a traffic citation, you must appear before a judge or magistrate. And if you ignore a traffic citation, your driver’s license will be suspended.

Never Ignore a Red Light Camera Violation Notice, Especially if You Are Innocent

Red light violations caught by traffic cameras result in relatively minor penalties, especially compared to a traffic citation. But if you ignore a notice, the violation will escalate and can eventually cost your license. If you believe you are innocent of a violation, you may need to consult an attorney to get the relief you deserve.

Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

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