Traffic Cameras
Red Light Traffic Cameras
Our law firm will advise you of your rights, get you ready for There are two types of red light cameras:
- The standard “red light cameras” which detects vehicles that fail to stop at a red light; and
- “Red light speed cameras” which detects vehicles that fail to stop at a red light and/or vehicles that exceeding the speed limit
How do red-light cameras work?
When is it considered ‘running a red light’?
Pursuant to Regulation 56 of the Road Rules 2014, a vehicle approaching a red light must stop at the designated stop line. It will be considered ‘running a red light’ when the light is red and all of the vehicle’s wheels have crossed the stop line.
If a vehicle enters an intersection on a yellow/amber light, it will not be considered ‘running a red light’.
How does the speeding camera work?
Red light speed cameras run 24/7 and automatically detect the speeds of vehicles that pass through an intersection or street where a red light is positioned, regardless of what colour the light is at the time the vehicle is passing through. This means that even though the light is green or yellow/amber, the camera will be able to detect if a vehicle is passing though at an excessive speed limit.
Capturing evidence of the alleged offence
When the camera detects that a vehicle has ran a red light or was speeding through the red light, it will automatically capture two (2) photos which show:
- The vehicle;
- The number plate;
- The date and time of the offence;
- The location;
- The speed the vehicle was travelling;
- The speed limit applying to the road on which the camera is located;
- The direction the vehicle was travelling towards; and
- The lane in which the vehicle was travelling
Revenue NSW posts the fine to the postal address that is linked to the registered number plate. It is important to note that all contact details should be up-to-date with RMS for all vehicles registered in your name. In the event that a fine is posted to an incorrect/old address, this does not mean that the driver of the vehicle does not have to pay the fine. It is likely that Revenue NSW will be able to track down the driver and late penalties may also apply for late payment.
Penalties
The penalties for driving (and/or speeding) through a red light camera is 3 demerit points and a maximum fine of $433 (as at 7 November 2019).
Double demerits applies for speeding fines incurred during long weekends and public holidays, meaning that demerit points incurred will increase to 6 during a double demerit period.
Appealing a red-light fine
A fine may be appealed or disputed if the alleged offender believes that they were incorrectly fined – you should contact a laywer to assist you.
Appealing a fine may involve first requesting a review of the fine and providing an explanation for the review. Revenue NSW will review the fine and may decide to uphold the fine, give a caution instead or cancelled.
If unsuccessful, an alleged offender should seek legal advice to determine their best options and negotiate with the NSW Police to drop the charges.
In the event that negotiations are unsuccessful and the NSW Police uphold the charges, the alleged offender may seek to dispute the charges in the Local Court. At Court, our traffic lawyers will make submissions on the alleged offender’s behalf at Court.
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