UNDERSTANDING AND FIGHTING RED LIGHT CAMERA TICKETS IN HANNIBAL, MO
Red light cameras have become a common way for cities to enforce traffic laws, but many drivers in Hannibal, MO, find themselves questioning the validity of these tickets. If you’ve received a red light camera ticket, you may have options to fight it and avoid costly fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates.
Are Red Light Camera Tickets Legal in Missouri?
The legality of red light cameras in Missouri has been a hot topic of debate. While some cities still use them for traffic enforcement, recent Missouri Supreme Court rulings have raised concerns about due process and the accuracy of camera-issued tickets. According to RSMo 304.120, Missouri law requires municipalities to provide clear evidence that the vehicle’s driver—not just the car owner—was at fault for running the red light. Without identifying the driver, these tickets may not hold up in court.
Additionally, some Missouri courts have ruled that red light camera tickets violate constitutional rights because they lack direct officer observation. If the ticket was issued without an officer present at the scene, this could be a strong defense against the violation.
How Do Red Light Cameras Work?
Red light cameras are installed at intersections and automatically take high-resolution photos and videos when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the light turns red. These images are reviewed by an officer or a traffic enforcement company before a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle—often without confirming who was actually driving at the time. This is where many legal challenges arise.
What If Someone Else Was Driving My Car?
If your vehicle was being driven by someone else at the time of the ticket, you may have a valid argument to dispute the citation. Under Missouri law, a ticket issued by a red light camera should clearly identify the driver, and if it does not, you may request a dismissal based on lack of evidence.
Are Red Light Camera Tickets Considered Moving Violations?
Missouri treats red light camera violations differently than standard traffic tickets. Some cities classify them as non-moving violations, which means they may not add points to your driving record under RSMo 302.302. However, if the violation is reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and appears on your record, your insurance rates can still go up.
Defenses Against Red Light Camera Tickets
If you receive a red light camera ticket in Hannibal, MO, here are strong defenses that can help you fight it:
1. Request the Camera Footage
Many red light camera citations include a photo, but not always a clear image of the driver. If the city cannot prove you were driving, you may have grounds to fight the ticket.
2. Challenge the Camera’s Accuracy
Red light cameras must be regularly calibrated and maintained to ensure accurate readings. If the city cannot provide up-to-date calibration records, the ticket could be dismissed.
3. Argue That the Light Was Yellow
Missouri law allows drivers to enter an intersection while the light is yellow. If you can prove you were already in the intersection before the light turned red, the citation should be dropped.
4. Show That the Ticket Violates Due Process
Some Missouri courts have ruled that red light camera tickets violate constitutional rights if they fail to properly identify the driver.
5. Provide Witness Statements
If you had passengers in the car, their testimony may help confirm whether you stopped legally at the intersection.
6. Hire a Traffic Lawyer
An attorney familiar with Missouri traffic laws can argue your case effectively, potentially getting your ticket dismissed or reduced.
What Happens If You Ignore a Red Light Camera Ticket?
Ignoring a red light camera ticket can lead to:
- Increased fines and penalties
- Court fees if the violation escalates to a legal case
- Possible license suspension if the ticket remains unpaid and is reported to the Missouri DOR
Ignoring a ticket won’t make it go away. It’s always best to address the issue head-on.
Missouri DOR and Your Driving Record
The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) tracks violations, and if a red light camera ticket is considered a moving violation, it will appear on your record. Missouri’s point system under RSMo 302.302 assigns different penalties depending on the nature of the violation. Accumulating too many points could result in license suspension:
- 4 points in 12 months – Warning letter from the Missouri DOR
- 8 points in 18 months – 30-day license suspension
- 12 points in 12 months – 1-year license revocation
For this reason, fighting a red light camera ticket is crucial to protecting your driving record and keeping your insurance rates low.
FAQs About Red Light Camera Tickets in Hannibal, MO
Q: Do I have to pay a red light camera ticket if I wasn’t driving?
A: Missouri law requires proof that you were driving. If the ticket does not clearly identify the driver, you may have grounds to fight it.
Q: How can I check if the camera was properly maintained?
A: You can request maintenance records from the city. If the camera was not regularly calibrated, the ticket may be invalid.
Q: Will a red light camera ticket affect my insurance?
A: If reported to the Missouri DOR, the violation could increase insurance premiums.
Q: Can I ignore a red light camera ticket?
A: Ignoring a ticket can lead to increased fines, court fees, and possible license suspension if it escalates to a court order.
Q: Should I hire a lawyer to fight a red light camera ticket?
A: Yes. A traffic attorney can help fight the ticket, request important evidence, and potentially get it dismissed.
Q: Can I attend a driving course to remove points from my record?
A: Yes, Missouri offers defensive driving courses that can help reduce points on your record, depending on eligibility.
Call Bond Law Firm, LLC Today!
If you’ve received a red light camera ticket in Hannibal, MO, you have options. Bond Law Firm, LLC has experience helping drivers fight unfair traffic tickets and protect their driving records. Don’t let a camera decide your fate—fight back and win!
📞 Call 573-769-6155 for a free consultation or email eric@bondlawfirm.com today.
Let Bond Law Firm, LLC help keep your driving record clean!