VIC Is it worth attempting to get out of a red light camera fine?

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Tracey Ford

Member
18 October 2018
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0
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Hi,
After advice on going through a red light. Definetly caught as the flash went off. In my defence, it was early hours. My granddaughter 2yr old, fell out of bed and sustained a laceration to her eyebrow. I was driving my son- in-law’s car with my daughter, her 2 yr old and 6week old baby in the back. When we left home, it wasn’t an emergency, the cut was deep however, not bleeding. When stopped at a red light. My daughter became extremely upset, panic attack coz blood was running into her eye and she started falling asleep. (I’m a nurse) I got my daughter to apply pressure with an ice pack as well as keep her awake.,There were no cars in sight, none what so ever. This is when I went through. Got confirmation that my g’daughter was treated in emergency requiring sutures also kept the parking ticket from the hospital. Is this worth submitting?
Thanks for any advice,
Tracey
 

Adam1user

Well-Known Member
5 January 2018
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2,219
Hi,

Red light traffic offenes are high on the list of the big no-nos in court. I am not a lawyer and I have some knowledge about this area, I maybe wrong, but your case, to be let off or not, will depend on how urgent is your emergency is considered, you need to get a report from the doctor who treated your daughter stating that is was a life threatening situation, other than that I don't think you would be let off, as you have crossed the red light which may increase the risk of occurring other accident. If your situation was life threatening then you may be let off. This is my opinion only and should not be taken as carved in stone.
What you can do is talk to a traffic lawyer or get in touch with a legal aid centre around your area, they will be better to advise you.

One time I had a red light camera and a picture was taken, but in my case: it was raining and I ride a scooter and I did not cross the line on the ground, but I had to stop slower than I usually do as it was raining (passed the camera), the magistrate wanted to confirm that I did not cross the road, the magistrate asked for the video recording (there is video recording in addition to the pictures) and that is why I did not have that infringement, but while in court waiting for my case to be heard, I heard other cases and the magistrate rejected a lot of speeding and red light camera fines, they all stood, even with some who had a good driving record of more than 20yrs. Not trying to put you down but this is the reality.
Good luck.
 

Rod

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
27 May 2014
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www.hutchinsonlegal.com.au
You either pay, or take the time and energy into making 1-3 appearances in court and hope you catch the magistrate on a good day. It is possible.