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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88138813 t1_ituvtr4 wrote

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

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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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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

Replying to ironic_fist (#238,158)

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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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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cav161 OP t1_itvcjpu wrote

Replying to keyjan (#238,329)

>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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cav161 OP t1_itvcv5t wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#238,411)

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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Cityzen_1894 t1_itx23yr wrote

Replying to keyjan (#238,001)

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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