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Criminal Defense » Traffic Tickets Red Light Camera Tickets

Red Light Camera Ticket Information

New Orleans has seen the recent installation of a number of Red Light Cameras in many areas as part of the new Photo Safety Program. As a result of the presence of these cameras, many residents are receiving traffic violations in the mail which, in many cases, they feel that they should have a right to contest. Due to the nature of the Photo Safety Program, however, the traditional methods for contesting traffic violations are not available.

If you or someone you know have received a traffic violation from the city as part of the Photo Safety Program, Bloom Legal is here to help.

We are currently accepting names and information in the event that we may be able to begin accepting Traffic Camera cases. We are not currently able however, to actively pursue these matters.

Red Light Camera Ticket Defenses

As a condition for the installation of Traffic Cameras, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works is required to follow a wide array of specific guidelines set by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Highway Safety. Due to the precise nature of these guidelines, it is quite possible that many of the tickets issued by the Photo Safety Program are in violation of the DOTHS’ guidelines.

Below are some of the guidelines that may allow you to contest your Red Light Ticket:

According to a Memorandum from the Department of Tranportation and Development’s Traffic Engineering Division, running a red light is defined in the following manner:

"A vehicle which proceeds past the trailing edge of an installed stop bar of a signalized approach into the intersection when the Traffic Control Signal for that vehicle's direction of travel is emitting a steady red signal indication shall be considered a red light running violation. A vehicle owner is subject to issuance of a civil notice of violation, except where the vehicle facing a steady red signal cautiously enters the intersection to turn right after stopping, and after stopping the vehicle yields the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection."

If the ticket issued to you from the Photo Safety Program indicates that your vehicle was stopped behind another vehicle before entering the intersection to make a right turn, you may have been issued a violation that is not in adherence with State traffic guidelines.

The City is also required to post adequate signage to traffic approaching in all directions as to the designated speed limit as well as the presence of Photo Enforcement Cameras:

“Signs for Electronic Traffic Signal Enforcement - Appropriate warning signs shall be installed on the approaches to the intersection where red light running is being monitored. These black on yellow background signs...shall be installed between 400 and 1,000 feet from the approach being monitored.”

If you believe that you have received a ticket from a camera located in an area with inadequate signage according to these guidelines, you may be able to contest it.

Furthermore, the City must also follow guidelines for the length that traffic signals must emit a steady yellow signal according to a formula using the approaching vehicle’s speed and a number of other criteria.

Recently, a number of cities throughout the U.S. where Traffic Enforcement Cameras are used have been found to have signals that are in violation of the minimum length for a yellow signal. These cities include Chattanooga, TN (which was forced to refund $8800 in traffic fines); Dallas, TX (which recently shut down many of its cameras); Lubbock, TX (which shut down cameras after the incidence of accidents increased); and Union City, CA (which was forced to refund $1 million in traffic tickets).

If you believe that the intersection where you received your ticket does not adhere to the minimum lengths prescribed for yellow signals, you may be able to contest your ticket.

The City is also required to issue Red Light Tickets in timely manner in order to adhere to State regulations. If you believe that an inordinate amount of time has elapsed between the recording of your violation and the issuance of a ticket, you may also be able to contest your violation.

If you believe that you have the grounds to contest your Red Light Ticket in the City of New Orleans, contact Bloom Legal today at 504-599-9997 or fill out the Contact Form to the left to discuss the details of your case and how we may be able to help you fight your violation.

We are currently accepting names and information in the event that we may be able to begin accepting Traffic Camera cases. We are not currently able however, to actively pursue these matters.


-Bloom Legal LLC 700 Camp St Ste 212 New Orleans, La 70130-

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