Running a red light is a common offense in Georgia, and it’s one that can cause you to incur some hefty fines and points against your license. You may not want to simply pay the ticket — in many cases, it is in a driver’s best interest to fight the ticket and keep their driving record intact. Here are three potential defenses for running a red light and what to do if you are stopped and issued a ticket.
The Light Was Obstructed
Depending on where the red light was and what was around the light, a driver may be able to argue that they could not see the light and did not know it had turned red. A primary example of a traffic light being obstructed is when there are trees and other foliage around the light that has not been trimmed or kept from obscuring the light. However, traffic courts will typically request photographic evidence that the light was, in fact, obstructed on the day of the traffic violation.
The Yellow Light Was Too Short In Duration
In some cases, a driver may be able to argue that the yellow light proceeding the red light was too short in duration and could not have allowed any vehicle to safely pass through. If a number of drivers have been frequently been ticketed for running a red light at that particular intersection, it may be able to be argued that the yellow light was shortened to increase revenue from tickets.
There Was an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, there’s a possibility that you may be able to have the ticket dismissed. For example, if you were transporting someone in labor to the hospital or responding to a loved one who had been in an accident and ran a red light, it may be possible to petition the court for you to be excused from the ticket, since it’s not something you would have done under ordinary circumstances.
Should You Contact a Traffic Ticket Attorney?
If you were ticketed for running a red light and you pay the fine on the ticket, you are automatically admitting guilt to the offense. You’ll also have points put against your license that when accumulated to a certain amount cause your license to be suspended. Don’t risk it — if you get a red light ticket, contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to learn about your legal options. Call Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer today at (770) 349-9219.