The implementation of red-light cameras is increasing all over America. Philadelphia began installing red-light cameras in 2005 in an effort to reduce traffic violations. Since then, red-light cameras have caught thousands of traffic violators. If you find yourself in this predicament, don't panic. There are several legal defenses for a red-light camera violation in Philadelphia.
Contact the Philadelphia Traffic Court Bench to verify the authenticity of the traffic ticket. The traffic court is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The court's main telephone number is 215-686-1675.
Inspect the red-light camera photo to verify that it is indeed you in the picture. The Philadelphia Traffic Court sends out proof pictures with offending traffic tickets. If the offending driver in the photo is not you, contest the ticket at traffic court on your appointed court day. Bring a copy of the red-light camera proof picture as well as current photos of yourself. A copy of your vehicle running a red light does not prove that you were the driver. The court must prove that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Alert the Philadelphia Traffic Court that you will contest the charges. Do not pay the ticket. Paying a traffic ticket is akin to accepting fault for the incident. You can notify the court of your intentions to fight the ticket via telephone, mail or by showing up in person at 800 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
Gather evidence for you defense. If you have verified that it is your vehicle in the offending picture and you were, in fact, driving, figure out what caused the incident. There may be several defenses for running a red light. Was the yellow light too short for the posted speed limit? Were camera enforcement signs posted in a well-visible area? Does the red-light photo proof clearly show that the light was red? How long did it take Philadelphia Traffic Court to send you the traffic ticket? These are all questions that you should ask yourself in preparation for your defense.
Find out how the red-light camera that caught your offense works. You can access this information by contacting the Police Liaison Unit of the Traffic Court at 800 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Use this information to construct your defense. Pay close attention to components such as maintenance done on the camera, installation date and recording methods.
Appear in court on time on your appointed court date. Bring all evidence of your defense. Present your evidence to the court in a professional manner.
