Popular searches:
Traffic stop Ticket insurance fight a ticket Turn on red
Talk to a Lawyer
Enter a zip code to speak to a Lawyer that serves your area.
Select the type of Lawyer you need
Failure to Stop at a Flashing Red Signal
When an individual does not bring their vehicle to a complete stop in front of a flashing red traffic signal before proceeding, they can be pulled over by a police officer. The officer can write a ticket and the individual may be faced with serious charges. Unfortunately, injuries and even death have occurred due to individuals failing to stop at a flashing red signal, so the charge is taken very seriously.
Fines and Penalties
Individuals who are found guilty of or plead guilty to failing to stop at a flashing red signal could face charges of up to $150 and 15 days in prison on a first offense. However, if it is the individual’s 2nd or 3rd charge, he or she could face fines between $300 and $450, and between 45 days and 90 days in prison. For this reason, those who have been falsely charged of failure to stop at a flashing red signal may want to fight the charge.
Traffic Points and Impact on Driving Record
In most states, individuals found guilty of failure to stop at a flashing red signal will be given 3 demerit points on their license. These points add up quickly and can result in an individual losing driver’s license privileges for a period of time. Individuals with these points will also typically have to pay a higher premium for car insurance than individuals with no points, so even after the fine is paid to the court, the individual will be dishing money out because of this charge.
Hiring an Attorney
The consequences are quite large when it comes to being found guilty of this violation, and cops aren’t perfect. Sometimes they make mistakes, but these mistakes often result in the individual who was charged ending up as the victim – paying fines and spending time in jail when they shouldn’t be. Knowledgeable attorneys can help individuals prepare a strategy to fight the charge, proving to the court that the violation never occurred. Attorneys can also get ‘guilty’ parties a lesser charge, sometimes with no points and even no fines. It’s important to hire an attorney if one has been accused of a traffic violation and wants to fight the charge.