Red Light Ticket for Being Slightly Over Stop Line?

Submitted by cav161 t3_ydyzht in washingtondc

Recently, I was driving down Independence Avenue near the Capitol and the light was about to turn red. I managed to slam on the breaks before I crossed the intersection in hopes that I wouldn’t cross and get a ticket like I have once before. Well, about a half second after I came to a complete stop, I noticed the camera flash and realized that my front tire was slightly over the stop line and my bumper was at the edge of the sidewalk. I don’t remember anyone right turning on red in the right lane and I’m not sure if anyone ran the light on the opposite side of the road, but is there a strong likelihood that the camera went off due to me being pulled too far forward in the intersection? I haven’t encountered this before, but I’m just curious if I should be ready to contest or pay up in the likelihood I get a surprise in the mail in a few weeks.

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keyjan t1_ituxp7p wrote

The cameras take two pictures. One is triggered by you crossing the line. If you stay stationary, the next picture will show you didn't move, and you shouldn't get a ticket.

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LanEvo7685 t1_itveejk wrote

This sounds right, also would be how they determine people were just properly turning right on red.

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Cityzen_1894 t1_itx23yr wrote

This is the correct answer. One flash registers you, second flash is a ticket. Please note you can get a second flash if you stop and then make a right turn when it says “No right on red”. I know I have seen the exit for the 11th St. bridge get people this way.

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Kitchen_Software t1_itvwica wrote

I saw this happen near our house. I was wondering why the second flash went off after the person had clearly stopped. TIL

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Professional-Can1385 t1_ituvhuu wrote

If you have the energy, this is a ticket I would contest.

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ironic_fist t1_ituz6xx wrote

The camera at Independence and 3rd St is very trigger happy and constantly snaps photos even when noone goes over the line. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

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keyjan t1_itv0imf wrote

yeah, I pass one that does that, too. These cameras recalibrate themselves a lot. I saw a speed camera flash for a biyclist (who was going about 10 mph).

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cav161 OP t1_itvcjpu wrote

>d 3rd St is very trigger happy and constantly snaps photos even when noone goes over the line. I

Hearing this makes me feel a sense of relief

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[deleted] t1_itv171a wrote

[deleted]

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cav161 OP t1_itvcv5t wrote

Interesting. Yeah, I saw a flash the other day too when no one ran the light so I guess you could call me a bit suspicious of it, and knowing how DC is, it wouldn't surprise me if the city just sent out tickets willy nilly, even if their equipment is broken. But it is assuring to hear that you didn't get a ticket!

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HockeyMusings t1_itv5zfc wrote

The cameras take two pictures for a violation. The first is triggered to capture your plate if your speed is such that it expects you will run the light (or cross the stop bar). The second captures you in the act.

Crossing the stop bar before coming to a stop is a violation. That’s why the stop bar exists.

If you crossed the stop bar without coming to a complete stop, there is nothing to contest.

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88138813 t1_ituvtr4 wrote

It costs nothing to contest a ticket, just give it a try

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