Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | April 2, 2025 | Car Accidents
It’s possible you’ve seen cameras on the road when driving in Stuart. Florida, like many other states, is putting up more traffic and red light cameras to help improve efficiency in implementing traffic laws. Traffic cameras help you and local enforcement stay on top of traffic situations, but red light cameras could get you in trouble if you don’t know how they work.
How Red Light Cameras Work In Stuart
Red light cameras in Stuart only turn on when they detect a car moving past the white stop line after the light has turned red. When this happens, the camera:
- Takes two pictures from behind your car
- Gets a close-up of your license plate
- Records details like time, date, and how long the light was yellow and red
- Makes a 12-second video of what happened, including six seconds before and six seconds after you went through the red light
The first picture the camera takes shows your car at the stop line with the red light on, while the second picture shows your car in the middle of the intersection while the light is still red. Before you get a ticket, both a police officer and a technician check these pictures and videos to make sure you really did run the red light.
Red Light Camera Locations In Stuart
Stuart has installed red light cameras at certain busy intersections. These include:
- US-1 and major cross streets
- Federal highway intersections
- Streets near downtown Stuart
The cameras are being progressively implemented in locations most prone to vehicle accidents in the area.
What Happens When You Get a Red Light Ticket
If a camera catches you running a red light, you may get a ticket in the mail within about 30 days showing:
- Pictures of your car going through the red light
- When and where it happened
- How to pay a ticket online or dispute it
Currently, the fine is about $158, but if you ignore it, the fine can jump to over $250.
Traffic Camera vs. Red Light Camera
Not all cameras on the road are the same. Red light cameras only track cars going through red lights, which is meant to help prevent side-impact crashes. Side collisions can be especially likely to happen when someone runs a red light.
Traffic cameras are different, as they watch how traffic is moving so officials can manage congestion. These cameras don’t usually send tickets automatically. The Florida Department of Transportation has traffic cameras along Florida’s Turnpike and I-95 at various mile markers, and you can view live feeds from these cameras through the Florida 511 website.
Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket?
If you think you got a red light ticket by mistake, you can fight it within 30 days. People usually argue that they weren’t driving, the camera wasn’t working right, or that they had to go through the light because of an emergency.
Before fighting the ticket, look carefully at the pictures. If they clearly show your car running a red light, your claim might be hard to support. Additionally, if the red light violation caused a crash with injuries, you might need help from a car accident lawyer.
Is There Evidence That Red Light Cameras Reduce Accidents?
The results are mixed as to whether red light cameras are effective in reducing accidents. Some research shows that red light cameras cut down fatal crashes by up to 21% in large cities. However, the same studies often show more rear-end crashes as drivers slam on their brakes to avoid tickets.
Stay Safe on Stuart Roads
The automation of traffic systems is likely here to stay. Together, surveillance through traffic cameras and red light cameras serve to benefit road safety in Stuart and across Florida. If you are planning on driving in the area, it’s important to stay aware of these cameras, both to avoid penalties for violations and to keep yourself safer on the road.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000