With every country and state implementing the red light cameras, they are expecting that traffic violations will be reduced in these regions. The situation is very handy for traffic officers as they do not need to issue a ticket since it is done by installed cameras. Its implementing systems capture the photo of the number plate of vehicles and a red- light traffic ticket is e-mailed or posted to the registered owner of the car, presumed to be the driver.
In the same manner, Philadelphia started following red- light cameras in 2005 to issue red- light tickets on thousands of traffic violators. They were satisfied with the result of the installation of the camera as they observed a reduction cases in traffic violations. For motorists who get into red -light situation, no need to panics as there are many legal resources in Philadelphia that assist you get out of a tight situation.
As soon as you receive a ticket via the mail or through e-mail, just try to secure a photocopy of the ticket from traffic light camera to find out your exact fault.
This is a good way to know what you are going to face or what went wrong when you were crossing the signal or it was just a matter of speed range needed to cross the road.
Study the photo closely for it may not be your car so you can explain to the judge that your car was not the violator.
Be sure to contact a Philadelphia police officer for verification of traffic ticket that you received through the mail.
If the number of the plate in the ticket is not yours then you can reach the day of your appointment in court with red light camera pictures to prove the mistake in it.
So the first thing to do when you receive traffic ticket is to contact the Trial Court Bench of Philadelphia to verify the genuineness of the traffic ticket. The court is open from Monday to Friday, starting 8:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening. If you are not the erring driver in the photo, you can prove your point in court during your argue the ticket during your appointed day in court. Have a copy of the picture from the red-camera on hand and use it to compare with current picture. The court has the burden of proof to prove that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Inform Traffic Court that you will contest the charges via telephone, mail or by showing up in person. If it is truly your vehicle in the offending picture and you were the driver, analyze what could have caused the incident. There are several defenses why you run a red light. Investigate the working of the red-light camera that caught you by accessing this information by through the Traffic Court Liaison Unit. Give special attention to the components as to how it is maintained, installment date and its method of recording. Appear in court on time on your appointed court date with your evidence and legal counsel to defend you.
Being issued a ticket for traffic infraction is not easy but it is not the end of the world, you can still come of it whole devoid of penalties.
If you have received a traffic ticket, please contact an experienced Traffic Lawyer to know about rules of the road. Protect right to drive legally