Receiving a red light ticket in Tampa is stressful. As a compassionate Tampa red light ticket attorney, I understand the uncertainty and frustration you may feel. My goal is to help you resolve your ticket quickly and protect your driving record.

At Sulte Law Firm, our traffic ticket attorneys have successfully handled over 10,000 cases. With more than 20 years of traffic defense experience, I know Florida’s laws and the Tampa court system thoroughly. This knowledge allows me to build effective defenses tailored specifically to your circumstances.

Red light tickets are common in Tampa, where cameras recorded over 100,600 violations in 2022 alone. Major roads such as I-275, I-4, and the Selmon Expressway are heavily monitored, as are intersections like Dale Mabry Highway and Kennedy Boulevard or Busch Boulevard at Nebraska Avenue.

Whether you live in South Tampa, Ybor City, Brandon, Temple Terrace, or were just visiting, I’ll work closely with you to minimize or dismiss your ticket. My approach is compassionate, strategic, and focused entirely on achieving the best possible outcome for you.

If you’re dealing with a red light ticket, don’t go through it alone. Let me help you address this issue promptly and effectively.

What Are the Penalties for Running a Red Light in Tampa?

Penalties for running a red light in Tampa can quickly add up and affect your driving record. In Florida, a red light camera ticket typically carries a fine of $158. If an officer issues your citation directly, fines usually range between $200 to $275, depending on court fees.

An officer issued ticket adds three to four points to your license, which remain for three years. Accumulating points can increase your insurance premiums and potentially lead to a license suspension if you reach 12 points within a 12-month period.

Camera-issued tickets don’t add points to your license initially, but ignoring them can escalate penalties and result in a formal citation. Multiple violations can substantially raise your insurance rates and may contribute to being labeled a habitual traffic offender, which carries additional severe penalties.

Running a red light that results in an accident or injuries can lead to even harsher consequences, including criminal charges or civil liability. Addressing a red light ticket promptly with an experienced attorney is essential to avoid these serious long-term impacts.

What Counts as Running a Red Light in Florida?

In Florida, running a red light means your vehicle entered an intersection after the signal turned red. If your vehicle crosses the stop line or enters the crosswalk once the light is red, you have violated Florida law.

If you are already in the intersection, waiting to turn left when the light changes from yellow to red, this is not a violation. However, Florida law requires you to come to a complete stop before turning right on red. Rolling through without fully stopping can lead to a ticket, even if no traffic was present.

Additionally, turning on a red arrow is treated the same as running a regular red light. Many Tampa intersections clearly display “No Turn on Red” signs; ignoring these can result in citations as well.

Understanding these rules helps clarify when a violation has occurred and how best to defend against your ticket.

What Are Some Red Light Ticket Scenarios in Tampa?

Red Light Camera Violations
Drivers often receive camera-issued citations by unknowingly driving through intersections such as Busch Boulevard at Nebraska Avenue or Dale Mabry Highway at Kennedy Boulevard after the light turns red.

Officer Issued Citations
These occur when an officer observes a driver passing through an intersection or making an improper turn on red.

Rolling Right Turns
Drivers who fail to come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light frequently receive camera-generated tickets.

Red Arrow Violations
Making a left turn or U-turn against a red arrow also leads to citations.

Uncommon or complex scenarios include

• Someone Else Driving Your Car
• Emergency Situations
• Malfunctioning or Obstructed Signals
• CDL or Out-of-State Drivers
• Habitual Offender Issues

Regardless of your scenario, our attorneys have the experience to effectively handle your Tampa red light ticket and seek the best possible outcome.

Should You Pay or Fight Your Tampa Red Light Ticket?

Paying a red light ticket may seem simple, but doing so is an admission of guilt. For an officer issued citation, paying means you will incur points on your driving record, potentially leading to higher insurance rates and additional penalties.

A camera issued ticket doesn’t initially add points to your license if paid promptly. However, ignoring this type of ticket can escalate it into a formal citation, leading to increased fines and points.

Choosing to fight your ticket provides an opportunity to have it dismissed or reduced. Successfully contesting the ticket prevents points from accumulating, helps maintain your insurance premiums, and preserves your driving privileges.

Ultimately, contesting your red light ticket with the help of a knowledgeable Tampa red light ticket attorney can significantly protect your long term financial and driving interests.

How Can You Fight a Red Light Ticket in Tampa?

Fighting a red light ticket involves several key steps, and I can guide you through each one clearly. First, act promptly. Florida gives you only 30 days from receiving a ticket to request a hearing or dispute the citation.

Next, I’ll carefully gather evidence, including reviewing camera footage, assessing the officer’s report, and inspecting intersection conditions. If there are procedural mistakes, unclear photographs, or technical errors, these details become crucial in building your defense.

I’ll also explore whether you qualify for exceptions, such as emergencies, stolen vehicles, or if someone else was driving your car. My objective is always to secure the best possible outcome, ideally dismissing your ticket entirely or negotiating to eliminate points from your driving record.

Finally, as your attorney, I typically represent you in court, meaning you may not even need to appear personally. Throughout the process, I keep you informed and advocate effectively to minimize or completely remove penalties.

What Are Possible Defenses for a Red Light Ticket in Florida?

Several strong defenses exist for contesting a red light ticket in Florida. A common argument is simply that you did stop, or the evidence does not clearly prove otherwise. Dashcam footage, photos, or witness testimony can effectively support this defense.

Technical issues with red light cameras or inaccurate officer observations also provide viable defenses. For instance, proving the camera was malfunctioning or improperly calibrated can lead to your citation being dismissed.

Additionally, certain valid legal exceptions can apply. Running a red light to yield to an emergency vehicle or due to a medical emergency can justify dismissing the ticket when supported by evidence.

Mistaken identity or procedural errors, such as late or improper notice of the citation, are other potential defenses that I can pursue. My job is to identify the best strategy tailored specifically to your case, striving to protect your record and minimize penalties.

Will a Red Light Ticket Affect My Insurance Rates?

A red light ticket can significantly affect your insurance premiums. If an officer issued ticket leads to points on your record, your insurance provider will likely increase your rates, potentially by hundreds of dollars annually.

Camera issued tickets, if paid promptly, typically don’t add points or directly affect your insurance. However, ignoring the citation or failing to contest it properly may result in increased fines, points, and higher premiums.

As your attorney, my goal is to help you avoid these negative outcomes by seeking a dismissal or negotiating no-point resolutions. Successfully contesting your ticket can protect your driving record and prevent your insurance rates from rising.

Ready to Fight Your Tampa Red Light Ticket?

If you’ve received a red light ticket in Tampa, don’t let it burden you with unnecessary fines, higher insurance costs, or points on your driving record. Take control of the situation today. Reach out to me, attorney Ryan Sulte, and let me help you fight back. Contact the Sulte Law Firm now at (813) 223-4343 to schedule your free consultation, and I’ll provide you with clear guidance and compassionate representation aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. I’m here to support you every step of the way.