Running Red Lights: Legal Or Not?

Running a red light is illegal in most states in the US and can have severe consequences. In Texas, for example, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanour. In some states, running a red light can lead to criminal charges, traffic fines, and penalties. The consequences of this dangerous behaviour can be life-threatening, with a significant number of people killed and injured in crashes involving red light running every year.

Criminal charges for running a red light

Running a red light is illegal and can have severe consequences. In the US, it is considered a civil infraction or the lowest level of crime, and is penalised with a fine. However, if a driver causes an accident by running a red light, resulting in serious injuries or a fatality, the incident may be considered a criminal offence. In such cases, the driver could potentially be charged with manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide if someone dies, or aggravated assault if another person suffers serious bodily injury. These charges carry severe criminal penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy jail or prison time.

In Texas, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanour. Fines for a standard red light violation can range from $75 to $200 or more, depending on the jurisdiction. For example, in Bexar County, the fee for disregarding a red light is $285. Accumulating several red light violations, or too many points on a driver's license, can lead to increased fines and even the suspension of a driver's license.

In addition to legal penalties, running a red light can also result in increased insurance costs. Insurance companies consider a red light violation as a "major violation", similar to speeding, and may increase premiums by as much as 24% after just one ticket. This is because drivers who run red lights are statistically more likely to be involved in serious accidents, and are therefore considered high-risk by insurance providers.

Traffic fines and penalties

Running a red light is not only dangerous and illegal, but it can also result in serious penalties and consequences. While the penalties for this offence vary across different states and jurisdictions, here is a general overview of the common traffic fines and penalties for running a red light:

Traffic Fines

In most states, running a red light will result in a traffic ticket, accompanied by a fine. The amount of the fine can vary, but it typically ranges from $75 to $200 or more for a standard red light violation. Some states, like California, have base fines of up to $100, but additional fees and penalty assessments can significantly increase the total amount. In certain jurisdictions, such as Bexar County, the fine for disregarding a red light can be as high as $285. These fines are typically higher for repeat offenders.

Demerit Points and License Suspension

Running a red light can also result in demerit points being added to your driver's license. The number of points varies by state, but it typically ranges from 1 to 4 points for a first offence. These points can stay on your record for several years, and accumulating too many points can lead to additional fees and even the suspension or revocation of your driver's license.

Increased Insurance Rates

A red light violation is considered a major moving violation by insurance companies, similar to speeding. As a result, drivers who run red lights often experience an increase in their auto insurance premiums. Some insurers may raise rates by as much as 24% after just one ticket for this offence.

Criminal Charges

While running a red light is typically a traffic infraction, it can lead to criminal charges if it causes an accident resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. In such cases, you could potentially face charges such as manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, or aggravated assault, which carry severe penalties, including substantial fines and jail time.

Red light safety cameras

However, the use of red light safety cameras has sparked some debate. Some argue that they may not improve public safety and could even increase the number of rear-end accidents as drivers who would have otherwise proceeded through a yellow or red light now attempt to stop suddenly. This can lead to a higher risk of being rear-ended.

Despite this potential drawback, red light safety cameras are still considered an important tool in discouraging red light running, which is a dangerous and illegal behavior. Red light running can have severe consequences, including criminal charges, traffic fines, and increased insurance rates. It is important for drivers to obey traffic signals and be committed to safe driving to prevent accidents and keep roads safe for everyone.

Overall, red light safety cameras are an effective tool in reducing red light violations and crashes, but they should be implemented carefully, taking into account the specific characteristics of intersections and considering the potential for sudden stops and rear-end accidents.

Legal procedure for faulty traffic lights

Running a red light is illegal and can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. In the United States, the procedure for dealing with faulty traffic lights varies by state, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

What to Do When Approaching a Faulty Traffic Light

When approaching a faulty traffic light, it is important to remember that it is not an excuse to disregard traffic laws or drive negligently. The specific steps to take depend on the nature of the malfunction:

• Flashing Red Light: Treat the intersection as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, check for traffic and pedestrians from all directions, and proceed only when it is safe to do so, following the right-of-way rules applicable to a four-way stop.
• Flashing Yellow Light: Slow down, exercise caution, and proceed through the intersection with care. A flashing yellow light indicates that you should be aware of your surroundings.
• Blacked-Out Traffic Signal: Stop and treat the intersection as if there are stop signs in all directions. Whichever driver approached the signal first determines the right-of-way. If two vehicles stopped at the same time, follow the standard right-of-way rules for a stop sign intersection.

If you are involved in an accident at a faulty traffic light, there are several legal steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure a proper investigation:

• Ensure Safety: Check for injuries among all parties involved and move to a safe location if possible without endangering anyone. Relocate vehicles if they pose a hazard and can be moved safely.
• Call Emergency Services: Dial the emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance if there are any injuries. The presence of police is necessary to officially document the accident, which is crucial for insurance and legal processes.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details.
• Document the Scene: Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including the malfunctioning traffic light, all vehicles involved, any visible damages, and relevant road conditions. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and legal matters.
• Gather Witness Information: Collect contact information from any witnesses, as their accounts can help establish what happened leading up to the accident.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible and provide them with all the gathered information. Cooperate with their investigation process.
• Consider Legal Advice: Consult a legal professional, especially if the accident involves significant damages, injuries, or disputes. They can guide you through your legal rights and options for pursuing a claim.

Determining Liability for Faulty Traffic Light Accidents

Liability for accidents caused by faulty traffic lights can fall on multiple parties, depending on the specific circumstances:

• Manufacturers of Defective Traffic Light Equipment: If the malfunction was due to a defect in the traffic light itself, the manufacturer may be held liable.
• Contractors Responsible for Installation or Maintenance: If contractors conducted their work negligently, resulting in the malfunction, they could be found liable.
• Drivers Failing to Follow Rules of the Road: Even if a defective traffic light contributed to the accident, drivers may still be partially liable if they failed to exercise reasonable care. For example, drivers are expected to treat a malfunctioning traffic light as a stop sign and proceed with caution.

Additional Considerations

• Report Malfunctioning or Broken Signals: Report any issues with traffic signals to the appropriate authorities immediately. This helps ensure the issue is addressed promptly and can prevent further accidents.
• Emergency Vehicles: Always give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, regardless of the state of the traffic signal.
• Power Outages: During power outages, treat each affected intersection as a four-way stop, proceeding with caution and yielding as needed.
• Pedestrians: Yield to pedestrians, regardless of the signal status or right-of-way.
• Comparative Negligence: In some states, such as Texas, you may still be able to claim damages if the traffic light was malfunctioning and the accident was partially your fault, as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault.

Emotional and psychological consequences

Running a red light is illegal and can have severe emotional and psychological consequences for those involved. Here are some of the key emotional and psychological impacts:

Guilt and Remorse

Drivers who cause accidents by running a red light often experience intense feelings of guilt and remorse, especially if the accident results in serious injuries or fatalities. The emotional burden of causing harm to others can significantly affect an individual's mental health and overall well-being.

Anxiety and Stress

Facing legal consequences, such as traffic citations, fines, and potential criminal charges, can cause significant anxiety and stress for those involved. Additionally, the financial burden of paying fines, increased insurance premiums, and the potential loss of driving privileges can further contribute to heightened stress levels.

Long-Term Impact on Driving Behaviour

The emotional and psychological fallout from running a red light can have a lasting impact on driving behaviour. Some individuals may become more cautious and vigilant drivers, while others may experience anxiety and hesitation when approaching traffic signals or even avoid driving altogether.

Emotional Trauma for Survivors

Survivors of red light accidents may suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological scars from such incidents can last a lifetime, negatively impacting relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Grief and Anger for Families

When red light accidents result in fatalities, the families of victims may experience profound grief, anger, and a sense of injustice. The loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence can lead to long-term emotional and psychological consequences.

Frequently asked questions