What to Do After Being Cited for Running a Red Light on Camera
Oct. 29, 2025
Receiving a citation for running a red light can be stressful, especially when it’s based on camera footage. In New Jersey, traffic enforcement cameras have become a standard tool for monitoring intersections and issuing automated tickets.
Many drivers are caught off guard when a notice arrives in the mail, leaving them unsure of how to respond or whether they have any legal options. A citation might seem straightforward, but automated traffic enforcement involves detailed rules, potential defenses, and serious consequences.
At the Law Office of Angus U Ejiofor, LLC, attorney Angus U Ejiofor, ESQ, is here to protect your rights and minimize the impact of the citation. The firm defends New Jersey clients against traffic violation charges in East Orange, Newark, Bloomfield, and the City of Orange.
Red Light Camera Citations in New Jersey
New Jersey law allows certain municipalities to use traffic cameras to capture images of vehicles that run red lights. These systems are designed to improve safety by deterring dangerous driving behavior. The cameras typically photograph the vehicle’s license plate, capturing the exact moment the car enters the intersection after the light has turned red.
Once the violation is recorded, the registered owner of the vehicle receives a notice of violation in the mail. This notice usually includes the date, time, intersection location, and photographic or video evidence of the alleged infraction. Unlike traditional tickets, these citations don’t involve a police officer pulling the driver over on the spot.
Many drivers assume that camera citations are impossible to fight, but that’s not true. A skilled attorney can often identify legal or procedural flaws that may lead to dismissal or reduction of the ticket.
Potential Consequences of Ignoring a Citation
Some drivers make the mistake of ignoring red light camera tickets, thinking they’re not serious. In reality, failing to address the citation can lead to escalating consequences, such as:
Additional fines: Late fees and penalties may accumulate if the ticket isn’t paid or contested promptly.
License suspension: Unresolved violations can eventually affect driving privileges.
Credit implications: Unpaid fines may be sent to collections, impacting credit scores.
Legal complications: Continued noncompliance may lead to court involvement or further enforcement actions.
Addressing the citation quickly is the best way to avoid these complications. Seeking legal guidance from an attorney early in the process can help drivers choose the best strategy.
Reviewing the Citation Carefully
The first step after receiving a citation is to scan it for important information like:
The date and time of the alleged violation: Confirm whether the details match your recollection.
The intersection location: Verify that the cited location is accurate.
Photographic or video evidence: Review the images or video to understand what the camera captured.
Deadlines for response: Missing a deadline can result in automatic penalties.
Instructions for contesting the ticket: This section explains how to challenge the citation if you choose to do so.
Mistakes or inaccuracies in this information may provide grounds for challenging the citation.
Knowing Your Options
Drivers typically have several options for responding to red light camera citations. These include:
Paying the fine: This resolves the citation but may count as an admission of guilt, potentially affecting insurance premiums.
Contesting the citation: Drivers can request a hearing to present their case.
Seeking legal representation: A traffic violation attorney can evaluate the situation and determine the best defense strategy.
The best approach depends on the case details, the driver’s record, and available legal defenses.
Common Defenses to Red Light Camera Citations
While every situation is unique, some defenses frequently apply to red light camera tickets in New Jersey. These may include:
Improper camera calibration: If the camera wasn’t properly maintained or calibrated, the citation may be invalid.
Incorrect vehicle identification: License plate recognition errors can lead to mistaken citations.
Insufficient evidence: If the photographic or video proof doesn’t clearly show a violation, the ticket may be challenged.
Driver not operating the vehicle: If someone else was driving at the time, the registered owner may have a valid defense.
Timing issues: Some citations occur during the brief transition period between yellow and red lights, raising questions about accuracy.
An experienced attorney can analyze the evidence and determine whether any of these or other defenses may apply.
The Impact of Municipal Courts
Red light camera citations are typically handled through municipal courts rather than state-level courts. Each municipality may have slightly different procedures for contesting tickets, which can confuse drivers unfamiliar with the system.
Municipal court hearings often involve reviewing camera footage, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments. Having a traffic violation attorney represent the driver can make sure that procedural rules are followed and defenses are presented effectively.
How Evidence Is Evaluated
Camera footage may seem definitive, but it’s not infallible. Courts evaluate several factors when determining whether a citation is valid, including the clarity of the images, the accuracy of the timing data, and whether the camera was functioning properly.
An experienced attorney can identify weaknesses in the evidence, such as blurry images or faulty timestamps. They may also request camera maintenance or calibration records to verify compliance with the law.
Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Contesting
Some drivers hesitate to challenge citations because they assume it’s easier to pay the fine. However, there are several reasons to consider contesting:
Insurance premiums: A red light violation may raise insurance rates.
Driving record: Accumulating violations can lead to license points and suspension.
Legal precedent: Contesting may prevent unjust citations from going uncontested.
Potential dismissal: Strong defenses can lead to reduced fines or complete dismissal.
A traffic violation attorney can help drivers assess whether contesting is worthwhile based on their specific circumstances.
The Importance of Deadlines
It is essential to respond as soon as possible. New Jersey law sets firm deadlines for paying fines or requesting hearings. Missing these deadlines may result in automatic judgments, additional fees, or loss of the right to contest the ticket.
Drivers should note the response deadline on their citation and take immediate action. Waiting too long can limit legal options and increase costs.
While drivers can handle red-light camera citations on their own, legal representation often offers significant advantages. An attorney can:
Analyze evidence: Identify flaws in the citation or camera system.
Develop legal strategies: Tailor defenses to the facts of the case.
Handle court appearances: Represent the driver during hearings, saving time and stress.
Negotiate outcomes: Seek reduced penalties or dismissal where possible.
Verify compliance: Manage deadlines and paperwork accurately.
These services can lead to better results than simply paying the fine without question.
Preventing Future Citations
Avoiding future red-light camera tickets requires practicing safe, attentive driving. Here are some practical tips:
Know camera locations: Many municipalities post signs near intersections with cameras.
Maintain safe speeds: Approaching intersections at appropriate speeds allows time to stop safely.
Avoid distractions: Focused driving reduces the risk of unintentionally entering an intersection after the light changes.
Plan routes: Familiarity with intersections can help anticipate signal timing.
Safe driving not only prevents citations but also reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
Reach Out Today
Receiving a red light camera citation can be intimidating, but as a driver, you have several options available to you. The Law Office of Angus U Ejiofor, LLC, can help you understand your rights, explore defenses, and respond effectively to citations. The firm serves New Jersey residents across East Orange, Newark, Bloomfield, and the City of Orange. Taking timely action and reviewing all available evidence are key steps toward resolving these matters successfully. Reach out today to get started.