VIC Ran Red Light Because Cop Was Behind Me With Sirens

[dansancisco]

Hi all,

I just ran a red light and got flashed.

I ran it because there was a cop behind me with their lights and sirens on.

I would've been going through it very slow when I got flashed.

I was just trying to move out of their way.

Is this justification for an appeal?

Any advice/input is appreciated. I really cant afford $400+ and was just trying to not obstruct them.

Dan

 

[dansancisco]

I should also note that the cops didn't stop to fine me for running the red light.

 

[Adam1user]

Hi all,

I just ran a red light and got flashed.

I ran it because there was a cop behind me with their lights and sirens on.

I would've been going through it very slow when I got flashed.

I was just trying to move out of their way.

Is this justification for an appeal?

Any advice/input is appreciated. I really cant afford $400+ and was just trying to not obstruct them.

Dan

In summary you do have grounds for appeal. The rule is that it is not compulsory to move out of the way of the emergency vehicles (Police, ambulance etc...) when the sirens and lights are on. If you are able to give way without increasing the risk for other accident to occur then you are fine. If not, you will be fined, if you cause an accident, you will be fined. Was there a camera on that traffic lights? if so, that is why the police did not stop, as you would receive the fine automatically. Once you receive the infringement, you can download the photos from the related site (In NSW) and then ask for review. This is from my understanding, to get a better advise, refer back to a traffic lawyer.

 

[Ozwarlock67]

There was a similar case in Adelaide some years back. A driver checked for oncoming traffic and moved on the red light to allow passage to an ambulance that had activated lights and siren.

Response from the relevant authorities was "Tough luck, now pay the fine and don't ask questions."

The gentleman went to the media and when the story ran, there was such a public outcry that the ticket was withdrawn.
My advice would be to contact the authority that enforces traffic tickets, explain what happened and ask what action either parties should take.

They probably don't have the authority to dismiss the ticket over the phone, but may either advise you to contact them again when you receive the ticket.....or say that's too bad, pay up.

The second choice is when you contact a lawyer.

 

[Bill Murray]

Yeah mate, you're fine.

ROAD SAFETY ROAD RULES 2009 (SR NO 94 OF 2009) - REG 78 Keeping clear of police and emergency vehicles

(3) covers it.

Same in every state other than WA.