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1. jeunglady
   Member Profile

   Just wondering if anyone has ever ran a red light camera and if so, how long did it take for the ticket to arrive in the mail? I know we have a few of those red light cameras here in WS. The red light I went through was actually not in WS (it was James/Boren in the First Hill area) and it was about 4 wks ago. Just wondering when the ticket will come in the mail? Anyone?

   Posted 10 months ago #         

2. Zenguy
   Member Profile

   

   Didn't take that long for mine (about two weeks) but mine was in Fort Worth Tx.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

3. ElizabethElaine
   Member Profile

   

   I believe they must mail you the ticket within two weeks, or else you aren't being cited. Not everyone who sets off the camera gets a ticket. They sort through them to see who is actually running the light (as opposed to making a free right, clearing the intersection, etc).

   More info:
   http://www.seattle.gov/police/programs/technology/redlight.htm

   Posted 10 months ago #         

4. Harmonic
   Member Profile

   About the time I hoped they forgot (4 weeks) it showed up in the mail. $124. And no jumping on me, I was guilty, paid the fine and learned my lesson ok.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

5. kmweiner
   Member Profile

   Thank you so much for your post. I am puzzled by the people who want the cameras removed. It seems to me if you do the crime....

   The use of these lights means that officers are out doing more important things than hanging out waiting to give a ticket. And, the tickets are less expensive than if it was issued by an officer.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

6. dbsea
   Member Profile

   Does anyone know the city's definition of running a red light? Does it have to be red upon entering the intersection or just red at any time you're in it? Drivers commonly go through the yellow to have it turn red mid intersection-but I don't think that is a ticket. I wish it were.

   And I love the cameras-If they're what it takes to get people to drive a little more responsibly, and safely, then so be it.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

7. metrognome
   Member Profile

   "Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the light has turned red. If you enter the intersection on a green or yellow light you will not be photographed by the camera system."

   http://www.seattle.gov/courts/red_light/red_light_faq.pdf

   This means that if you pull into the intersection during a green or yellow light to make a left turn and don't complete the turn until the red light, you won't be ticketed.

   Also, if you make a right turn during a red light without making a complete stop first, you will be ticketed.

   Here's the link to the Seattle Municipal Code 'Obedience to Traffic Control Devices' section (interesting titles for .520 and .530 ...)

   http://clerk.seattle.gov/~public/toc/11-50.htm

   Posted 10 months ago #         

8. Homer
   Member Profile

   

   I think those camera's are great and should be at every major intersection. It's made me think twice about cutting a light too close and probably saved my life. So many people run red lights nowadays.

   Couldn't agree more that these free up officers time to do their job of "catching bad guys" and keeping us safe in more ways.

   Like it was said before, people wouldn't hate these cameras if they didn't run red lights. They'll always be "mistake catches" but every electronic system in the world makes mistakes, just as humans do. If you hate these cameras, don't give them an excuse to take your car's picture!

   -no one in general, just raving about the cameras.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

9. mpento
   Member Profile

   I heard you can get out of the ticket by letting them know it was not you driving the car. Seems like a dumb kind of loophole but I was wondering if anyone heard of this?

   Posted 10 months ago #         

10. metrognome
    Member Profile

    sigh ... per the link I posted above:

    "You may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the Court to rebut the presumption, established in RCW 46.63.075, that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. A Declaration of Non-Responsibility form can be obtained from the Court..."

    I couldn't find the form, but I'm guessing it is perjury to lie, but then who's gonna know?

    btw, the cameras only photograph the rear license plate as state law prohibits taking pictures of the people in the vehicle.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

11. Harmonic
    Member Profile

    So let me clarify my post. I am in no way a fan of red light cameras. In fact I disagree with them completely. Especially since Arizona (you know the place we boycott) receives a portion of the revenue. It's not like I cruise around running red lights, because that’s unsafe and against the law. I was waiting for a pedestrian while turning left and I should have stayed behind the line. There was a picture of my front plate included with my citation and certainly a human behind the wheel (me). The picture was too grainy to make out my face.

    Not planning on arguing the merit of red light cameras, just wanted to state that just because I received one, my lesson is - hold behind the line if you think the light cycle will change prior to all pedestrians clearing the intersection.

    I do wonder if a real cop would have actually cited me.

    Harmonic

    Posted 10 months ago #         

12. shed22
    Member Profile

    Harmonic, I am curious: how does Arizona receive revenue from red light cameras in Washington?

    FWIW, not a big fan of big brother initiatives. I think there is disregard for the peoples' opinion and choice when creating public policy. This happens far too often in today's society. And we, the people, are mostly passive. It's intolerable.

    What's next, cameras in restrooms to monitor hand washing? Well, now, there's an idea!!

    Posted 10 months ago #         

13. Harmonic
    Member Profile

    The company they use for the red light cameras is based in Arizona.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

14. shed22
    Member Profile

    Oh, so it's not the state receiving revenue from red light tickets, it's a private corporation making sales. Well that's an odd hook to lead with, Harmonic. It's like saying we support communism and slave labor because we buy [fill in EVERYTHING here] manufactured in China.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

15. Harmonic
    Member Profile

    I was being facetious Shed. I don’t base my disagreement of red light cameras on that at all. I find it amusing. In fact, good for them! They are generating revenue in a piss poor economy.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

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