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We recently wrote about obtaining traffic and Skycop camera footage around Memphis and the Mid-South. With the increase of cameras around the city, you have likely noticed that many of these newly installed cameras are red light cameras designed to issue automated tickets to anyone running a red light at designated intersections. As you can imagine, these “automated” tickets present a large financial opportunity for the city and for the company that owns and installs such cameras.
Do i really have to pay traffic light tickets?
This brings us to the question we hear on a weekly basis from alleged red-light offenders, “Do I really have to pay this ticket?” After all, these systems cannot legally prove that the individual operating the vehicle at the time of the occurrence is the person who owns the vehicle and receives the violation notice. Ask one of our laywers if you have more questions.
What Happens if I Don't Pay a Traffic Light Ticket?
The short answer is that nonpayment of such a ticket cannot go on your drivers record/history nor can such nonpayment go on your credit report. To fully understand how and why these red-light systems truly operate you must look at the history behind the cameras. As found here and here, WMC Channel 5 Memphis aired a wonderful two part series on red light cameras. As noted in the report by Joyce Peterson, the Memphis City Council voted to allow red light camera installation in 31 intersections across the Mid-South area. These cameras have generated over 26 million dollars in profit for the city and the camera installers, American Traffic Solutions, Inc.
What are Traffic Light Cameras For? Who Installs Traffic Light Cameras?
Companies that provide red light camera technology will argue that these systems ensure safety by acting as a deterrence, but some groups and studies have found that the cameras actually increase accidents. These studies have revealed that people tend to abruptly stop when they see a red light camera, thus leading to an increase in rear end accidents. An intelligent argument can be made both for and against red light cameras, but there is no denying they provide a large financial gain for cities and companies that allow the presence of such cameras. The report by WMC Channel 5 also noted that even though nearly half of red light tickets issued have gone unpaid, they are still a financial boom for Memphis and American Traffic Solutions, Inc.
what should i do with a traffic light ticket?
State Representative Andy Holt prefers to burn his red light tickets. Knowing that nonpayment of a ticket cannot affect your credit score or driving record, what is the incentive to pay such a violation? The city does have the option to sue a violator for nonpayment, but we have never seen this occur in Shelby County or other cities across Tennessee. Most people tend to pay these tickets because they are afraid of nonpayment consequences. The consequences of nonpayment are minimal.
Holiday Checkpoints in Memphis - Holiday 2018
On another note, it is hard to believe that the 2018 Thanksgiving holidays are upon us. As we write every holiday season, you can expect to see an increase in police presence to prevent drinking and driving and to ensure a safer environment across Memphis for each resident and visitor. We want to wish all of our clients and Memphians a happy, safe and relaxing Thanksgiving. We are so grateful for your continued referrals and support. If you have a medical malpractice claim, suffered a personal injury, were arrested in Memphis, or were merely given a speeding ticket in Shelby County we are always here to help. We are confident that if you give us a call at 901-526-9494 to discuss your potential claim we know you will like what we have to say. You will be treated with the utmost attention and respect, just like a family member.
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