Jose’s Red Light Traffic Citation – See What It Looks Like

First, thanks to my friend Jose ___ for letting me share his business with all of you. If you have not seen an actual City of Lakeland Red Light Traffic citation you will now! View larger image here.

Jose also showed me when he logged in to see the video of the ticket there was a “Most Asked Questions”. So here is a copy and paste from the site!

Most Asked Questions
Q: What is the City of Lakeland Photo Enforcement Program?
A: This is a traffic safety program in which the City of Lakeland utilizes state-of-the-art digital cameras and violation detection systems for the purpose of decreasing violations of the traffic control regulations and reducing collisions. If this violation is a Red Light Infraction, please be aware that a vehicle may not be present in an intersection when the traffic control light is in the red phase. In the absence of a right turn on red restriction, a vehicle may make a right turn on the red, but only after making a complete stop, and assuring that it is safe to proceed.

Q: How do Red Light Cameras work?
A: Red Light Cameras: Each intersection is outfitted with a high-resolution high-speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection. The cameras are activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red. The camera takes two digital photos which document the violation. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light. All intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Lakeland Police Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain an image of a violating vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, and the license plate of the vehicle.

Q: Why did I receive a Notice of Violation?
A: A Notice of Violation for a Red Light Violation is issued when your vehicle fails to stop at a clearly marked stop line or at any other stopping point described in the ordinance when facing a steady circular red signal. You will also be issued a Notice of Violation for a Red Light Violation if you do not come to a complete stop before making a right turn.

Q: What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation?
A: The registered owner of a vehicle will be mailed the Red Light Safety Notice of Violation. If your vehicle was stolen, sold prior to the date and time of the Violation, or was otherwise not in your care, custody or control at the time of the Violation, you may submit a sworn statement to that effect to rebut the presumption that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the Violation. The registered owner may submit information and supporting documentation to that effect by mailing an Affidavit that is downloadable from the link at the bottom of this website. The Affidavit must be received by the due date of your Notice. If an Owner furnishes satisfactory evidence pursuant to this paragraph, the Hearing Officer may terminate the prosecution of this Notice of Code Violation issued to the Owner, and if appropriate, issue a Notice of Code Violation to the person identified in the evidence as the operator of the motor vehicle at the time of the Violation.

Q: What is the amount of the fine?
A: The fine amount is $125.00 for a first and second offense, and $250 for the third and any subsequent violations within any five (5) year period. A Violation detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera is a non criminal offense for which you cannot go to jail. Like a parking ticket, a Violation detected by a traffic camera is NOT part of the driving record of the violator. Therefore, a finding that the Violation was committed, either by payment or after a hearing, will not be reported to the Department of Licensing. However, failure to respond to a Notice of Violation, failure to appear for a requested hearing, or failure to pay a penalty imposed after a hearing may result in the filing of an order constituting a lien against your real and personal property and/or the denial of the right to obtain and maintain City permits and licenses.