How Legal Are Traffic Camera Tickets?

Surveillance Camera Tickets

Surveillance camera tickets will often refer to fines or citations issued through the mail to individuals based on purported evidence captured by surveillance cameras. These cameras are often for traffic enforcement and security purposes.

What Kinds of Tickets Are There?

There are several types of surveillance camera tickets, including:

  • Stop Light Camera Tickets: In many places, stop light cameras at intersections will capture images or videos of vehicles that run red lights.
  • Speeding Camera Tickets: Some cameras can monitor vehicle speeds on roads and highways. These are especially common in school zones.
  • Toll Booth and Automated Toll System Tickets: Toll roads and bridges often use cameras to record vehicles that pass through toll booths without paying the tolls.
  • Parking Violation Tickets: Many cities and municipalities will use surveillance cameras to monitor and enforce parking regulations.

While these are the most common places for traffic cameras, they’re not the only situations where they will be used. Although the system has undergone drastic improvements over the past few years, occasional mistakes still occur.

Options for Contesting Tickets

Contesting a traffic camera ticket in Oklahoma will typically involve several steps. If you’re wanting to do so, some steps that you can take include:

  • Review the Ticket: The citation typically includes details of the violation, such as the date, time, location, and a photo.
  • Determine Valid Grounds for Contesting: In Oklahoma, common reasons for contesting surveillance tickets include:
    • Incorrect or incomplete information on the ticket.
    • Proving you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation.
    • Challenging the accuracy and reliability of the surveillance equipment.
    • Asserting that the violation was due to an emergency situation.
  • Contact the Issuing Agency: Contact the issuing agency to inquire about the process for contesting the ticket. Typically, you can find contact information on the ticket itself or by visiting the issuing agency’s website.
  • Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence or documentation that supports your case. This may include witness statements, photographs, or any other relevant information.

In some instances, you can request a hearing with the court to dispute the ticket. However, it’s essential to be aware of the specific procedures for contesting surveillance camera tickets in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred. For this reason, it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided on the ticket and by the issuing agency. Most citations will have a website listed on the paperwork where you can submit an online contestation form.

Creek County Traffic Attorneys

This situation could cost you time and effort, potentially disrupting your life. You might think it’s easier to pay the amount to save time, but you shouldn’t have to pay if you aren’t at fault. Our Creek County traffic attorneys have years of experience to know how to handle these citations. Call our team today at 918-209-3709 or use our online Ask A Lawyer feature for a free consultation to discuss your options to contest your surveillance camera ticket. For other legal topics, check out our Creek County law blog.