Q: I received a red light camera citation in the mail seven months after the incident. What are my options?
I have an Iowa CDL and the violation occurred in Hannibal, Mo. I was able to see the video online and I did indeed run the red light, but since it was so long ago I don’t really remember doing it or what the driving/traffic conditions were like at the time. Since I was driving a heavy tractor trailer, it is likely that when the light turned yellow, I was probably past the point at which I could have stopped safely without risking a brake fire, cargo shift, rear end collision, etc. It does not indicate anywhere on the citation or in the video what my speed was.
I think charging me with a moving violation for this is a little unreasonable. I am ok with the $130 fine, but would like to know if this could be reduced to a non-moving violation.
A:
Yes, you can hire an attorney to get your Hannibal red light camera ticket amended from a 2-point moving violation to a no-point, no-moving infraction such as "Equipment Violation" or, for truck drivers with a CDL, the ticket can be amended to "Parking a Truck Longer Than 4 Hours."
The fine will be slightly higher than the original $130 amount that you would pay if you pleaded guilty as charged. The amount of the fine depends on your driving record and is higher for people who have a CDL.
An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can give you a price quote for how much they will charge to represent you and an estimate of the fine and court costs. You won't have to appear in court, and the Prosecutor will give you at least 30 days to pay the fine and court costs.
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