Citation Guide
Red light violations are serious — but the circumstances around them are often more complex than the citation suggests.
Contest My Running a Red Light — $4.99Running a red light is one of the more serious traffic infractions, as red light violations are associated with intersection collisions. Citations can be issued by officers who directly observe the violation or by automated red light camera systems.
The legal standard is that a driver must stop before entering the intersection when the signal is red. However, the determination of exactly when a light turned red and when a vehicle entered the intersection involves timing that can be measured in fractions of a second — creating legitimate grounds for dispute.
Fines for running a red light typically range from $100 to $500 depending on the state and jurisdiction. Most states assess 2-4 points on the driving record. In some states, a red light violation is treated more seriously than a stop sign violation. Insurance increases are typically 20-30% for three to five years. In some jurisdictions, a red light violation can trigger a mandatory court appearance.
The yellow light duration was too short — federal guidelines (MUTCD) and state laws set minimum yellow light timing based on approach speed. If the yellow phase was shorter than required, this is a strong defense. You entered the intersection while the light was still yellow and it turned red while you were in the intersection — this is legal in most states. The traffic signal was malfunctioning or the signal timing was improper. You could not safely stop — at higher speeds, stopping suddenly for a yellow light can be more dangerous than proceeding. Emergency vehicle approach required you to clear the intersection.
Contest within the period specified on your citation. Evidence of yellow light timing is valuable — some jurisdictions publish signal timing data. Dashcam footage showing the light color when you entered the intersection is strong evidence. If a camera system issued the citation, you can often request the full video footage and signal timing logs.
Is it legal to enter an intersection on yellow?
In most states, yes. You are only in violation if you enter the intersection after the light has turned red. Entering on yellow and being in the intersection when it turns red is generally legal.
How long should a yellow light last?
Federal MUTCD guidelines recommend 3-6 seconds depending on the approach speed. Many states have adopted specific minimums.
Can I request the traffic signal timing records?
Yes. You can typically request signal timing data through the traffic engineering department or as part of your contest process.
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