What are the consequences of running red light in New South Wales? If a red-light speed camera has recorded your red traffic light violation, this article will help you understand the legal implications of such a violation.
Traffic violations are a common occurrence on roads all over the world, and Australia is no exception. In fact, studies have shown that drivers who commit traffic offences are at a higher risk of being involved accidents. While some drivers may only commit a few minor offences, others may be repeat offenders with a long history of traffic violations.
In order to deter drivers from committing traffic offences, authorities impose penalties such as fines and demerit points. However, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to traffic violations in order to develop effective strategies for reducing them.
A common example of a traffic violation is running red light. It is a serious traffic violation that can lead to many consequences. However, there are extenuating circumstances that may lead to leniency, such as medical emergencies or mental health disorders.
Consequences of Running Red Light in NSW
When you disregard red traffic lights or signs on a NSW road, you are in violation of the law. You will receive a penalty notice, need to pay a fee, and accrue demerit points for committing this kind of offence.
1. The Fine for Running Red Light (Twin Red Lights) in NSW Is $481.
Below is a table of penalties according to the Road Rules 2014, Rule 66(1) for your reference. The NSW Government last updated this table in February 2023. There may be changes in penalties in the future, which is why it is important to stay updated.
| Offence (Twin red lights) | Penalty notice fines | Demerit points |
| Not stopping before the lights | AUD 481 | 3 |
| Not stopping before the stop sign | AUD 481 | 3 |
| Proceeding after stopping at twin red lights | AUD 481 | 3 |
To check other penalties in relation to violation of traffic lights and signs, check this page here.
Red-light speed cameras on the side of the road can detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit concurrently. Vehicles that cross the stop line on amber traffic light or green light do not trigger the red light camera. Red light speed cameras operate automatically.
In NSW, there are currently 226 intersections that have red-light speed cameras. When a vehicle speeds or runs a red light, the cameras take a digital photo. You can check the locations of these cameras here.
The red light camera systems use vehicle tracking radar or electronic detectors placed on the road’s surface. These detectors accurately measure the speed of your vehicle. They also record when your vehicle crosses the white stop line after the lights have turned red.
2. Leniency for Running Red Light Because of Extenuating Circumstances.
These circumstances may include medical emergencies, mental health disorders, or other factors that may have led to the driver running the red light.
If a driver believes that there were extenuating circumstances that led to the red light violation, they can request leniency based on their driving record. A party can make an appeal for leniency on several grounds such as if the vehicle owner was not the driver at the time of the offence captured by the red light.
If a driver is caught by a red light camera, they can request a review with Revenue NSW within 28 days of receiving notice of an offence. During the review process, Revenue NSW will consider factors such as:
- whether there was a mistake in issuing the fine,
- whether there were other factors causing the offence to be committed, and
- whether extenuating circumstances exist in the case.
3. Safety Consequences
Running red light in NSW can also have serious safety consequences. Crashes at intersections are often more severe, with drivers and passengers vulnerable to side impacts, while pedestrians have no protection in a crash. The overall goal of the red light speed cameras is to reduce road trauma.
The NSW Centre for Road Safety’s 2020 Speed Camera Review found that the installation of red light cameras had made intersections safer than they had been five years earlier. The review found a 38% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes, a 77% reduction in fatalities, a 36% reduction in serious injuries, and a 59% reduction in pedestrian casualties.
Personal Stories about Red Light Running Accidents in Australia
Red light running accidents are a devastating reality on Australian roads, claiming lives and leaving countless others with serious injuries. While statistics can paint a picture of the overall impact of these accidents, it is the personal stories of those affected that truly demonstrate the human cost.
Story 1: Elias Visontay’s article titled “In justice’s blind spot: my dogged fight against Revenue NSW to preserve a clean driving record” published in The Guardian on January 11, 2023, is a personal account of the author’s experience fighting a traffic fine in New South Wales, Australia.
The author received a fine of $469 for a red light offence and decided to challenge the fine. The appeals process was frustrating and bureaucratic, but the author eventually won the case in court. The article highlights the difficulties of navigating the appeals process and the importance of seeking legal advice when challenging a traffic fine.
Story 2: On May 19, 2023, a car hit three schoolboys in Crows Nest, Sydney. The car was allegedly driven by 18-year-old Vansh Khanna. The incident was initially reported as a hit-and-run, but Khanna was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and failing to stop and assist after a crash. The boys were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including broken bones and head injuries. Mr. Khanna was granted bail and appeared in court.
Caught Running Red Light Recently?
Drivers who don’t obey traffic lights and signs end up in serious injuries or fatal collisions and face hefty fines. If you have been caught running red light in NSW, you need to seek legal advice from a traffic offence lawyer. A lawyer can help you to understand your legal options and develop a defence strategy.
JB Solicitors’ group of experienced traffic offence lawyers can also represent you in court and fight for the best possible outcome. Here are some of the benefits of getting legal assistance for traffic violations:
- Increased chances of getting a reduced fine, having your demerit points reduced, or even having the charge dismissed altogether.
- Reduced stress and hassle by taking care of all the legal paperwork and communication with the court, so you can focus on other things.
- Knowing that you have a qualified lawyer representing you can give you peace of mind and help you to move on from the incident.
- Receive more beneficial outcomes and know how green lights and red light cameras work under traffic law matters.
Don’t hesitate to contact one of our traffic offence lawyer today. Submit an enquiry here.
